The idea seemed pretty cool back in 2013, when then-Central Nova MP Peter MacKay gave New Glasgow’s police department a Cougar, a light armoured military vehicle from the early 1980s. It is a monstrosity that could conceivably smash through a house during a hostage situation, or be used as an instrument of intimidation, for when there’s a major terrorist threat over in Rabbit Town: because those things happen around here all the time (to be truthful, New Glasgow intended it for police officer transport in extreme crisis, which you never see in Pictou County unless you count those times the power goes out and they shut down the liquor store).
Deciding this Cougar was too used up to bother with, Canada’s military no longer wanted it, but thought someone else could make use of it and generously gifted it to NG police.
The seven-tonne beauty – the military version was 10.7 tonnes, but New Glasgow’s Cougar has been stripped of electronics and military armament – can hold up to six people, perfect for a road trip to Toronto this summer for the big Guns ’n Roses concert (since we're speaking of things bloated and past their prime).
New Glasgow Regional Police spokesman Const. Ken MacDonald said there isn’t enough room inside the Cougar to fire up a portable Coleman stove for the trip (although you can always find room if you have to), and it’s not easy to get in and out of the hulking beast, therefore, the drive-thru at Wendy’s or Tim Hortons isn't recommended.
MacDonald isn’t sure what kind of mileage the diesel-powered tank gets, but he did say it has a Cummins engine, and that most repairs can be carried out by your average diesel mechanic.
This 1981 classic is capable of doing 100 kilometres per hour, which according to modern methods of journalistic research (Google) would be a 28-hour road trip to Toronto, although since New Glasgow’s version weighs less, she might have a little more get up and go.
After all that excitement four years ago, it’s kind of like when your aunt gives you a velvet painting of Elvis Presley she bought not long after the King of Rock and Roll died: at first you think, ‘That’s pretty neat, it’s old school retro,’ then after awhile you look at it and think ‘Why the hell did I accept this?’ and you hang it in the garage, above your favourite toolbox.
(Editor’s note): MacDonald stressed that no decision has been made as to whether the police department will give it away or continue to keep it in mothballs.
