The military reservists from Saskatchewan, Manitoba and northwestern Ontario will take part in Exercise Charging Bison from Sunday to May 6.

The military says it's important because soldiers are finding themselves patrolling civilian areas more often, in places like Afghanistan.

Letters have been sent to 58,000 homes in three neighbourhoods where the drills will take place.

No road closures are planned, said Brian Hillier, a civilian public affairs officer with Land Force Western Area headquarters in Edmonton.

Soldiers will be armed, but they'll be using blank or simulated munitions or pyrotechnics during day sessions, he said.

INDEPTH: Canadian military