Military helping to remove 18th century cannonballs from Fortress of Louisbourg

Technicians from CFB Halifax are at the Fortress of Louisbourg this week, carefully removing about 100 cannonballs that date back to the 1700s.

The cannonballs, or Unexploded Explosive Ordnance, have been collected by Louisbourg staff “over the years,” according to Joint Task Force Atlantic.

It’s believed the cannonballs still contain black powder explosives, so they will need to be rendered safe and taken from the National Historic Site in Cape Breton to CFB Gagetown in New Brunswick for proper disposal.

Fleet Diving Unit Atlantic is conducting the operation, which is scheduled to last until Nov. 10.

The divers are trained to respond to all military unexploded ordnance within Nova Scotia and Newfoundland — both on shore and underwater. These particular cannonballs are currently being stored in a building by Parks Canada at the fortress.

Officials noted all safety and security measures will be taken, and that residents and visitors at the Fortress of Louisbourg will not be significantly impacted by the operation.

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