The CH-146 Griffon helicopter. Image credit: Public Services and Procurement Canada.

Cold Lakers could see a different type of aircraft in the skies this weekend.

A training exercise called Northern Grizzly is happening at 4 Wing Cold Lake from Friday, Jan. 26 to Sunday, Jan. 28, that will also cause the closure of the “Bark Park” north of the base on the road to the Cadet Camp. 

A PSA released on Tuesday says it’s possible that residents of Cold Lake will see an increase in CH-146 Griffon flights from 417 Combat Support Squadron.

“Training flights will most often take place in the training areas of CFB Cold Lake during daylight hours,” it reads. 

Exercise Northern Grizzly is a winter exercise geared towards a force protection, in the event of a fire or other event requiring force protection.

The CH-146 Griffon helicopter conduct base rescue for the fighter units, and casualty evacuation as well as training and search and rescue operations, 4 Wing says. 

The helicopters cause significant wind and can cause objects to be thrown, so please keep a wide margin and follow directions when this area is active for helicopter use.