Around 120 reservists from London are prepared and standing by, ready to help hundreds of Quebec residents who have been displaced by flooding.
Troops from the 31 Canadian Brigade Group (31 CBG) loaded up their vehicles at Wolseley Barracks on Monday and departed for Kingston, where they will stand ready to provide assistance.
"There has not been an official request yet for our area's troops," said Captain Joanna Rockwell. "We're merely leaning forward for now -- that way we are much closer and prepared to deploy immediately, once we get that direction."
The troops from 31 CBG will make up a "domestic response company." If deployed, the company would most likely help place sandbags to reinforce structures and prevent further water damage. They may also be required to help set up temporary shelters for those who have been displaced from their homes.
Heavy rain over the weekend has flooded thousands of homes across the province of Quebec, forcing evacuations and prompting a states of emergency in a number of municipalities.
"Right now it's just Quebec [troops] supporting their own people, but we anticipate there could be a need for us as well," said Rockwell.
She said the choice of each reservist to make the trip was completely voluntary.
"They're taking time off from their day jobs or their school and being away from their families to help out. We're pretty proud of them," said Rockwell. "This is what we're trained to do, so we're always very happy when that request comes through and we're able to help. Obviously it's a very unfortunate circumstance, but knowing there are so many of us that are willing to essentially drop everything... just to help out a neighbouring province... it's why I joined."
