A vast swath of mountain wilderness near where G7 leaders will be meeting at Kananaskis, west of Calgary, will be shut down as officials ramp up security measures to protect the world leaders attending the event in June.
For the first time since 2002, the area will host the leaders of the United States, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy and Canada, as well as the European Union, from June 15-17.
Summit venues in Kananaskis will be locked down from June 10 to 18 with entry restricted to authorized personnel, residents and businesses, while some trails, day-use areas and local businesses will be closed.
The areas where access will be restricted include:
- Northern boundary: No unauthorized vehicles will be permitted past the Mount Lorette Ponds, south along Highway 40
- Western boundary: There will be a heavy security presence along the eastern slope of Highway 742. While motorists can use Highway 742, all hiking trails along the eastern slope will be closed. Trails west of Highway 742 will be open.
- Southern boundary: No unauthorized vehicles will be permitted past the Galatea Creek parking lot, north along Highway 40.
- Eastern boundary: The eastern boundary of the CAZ will extend along the eastern mountain ridgeline of the Kananaskis Valley.
The public is asked to try their best to stay away from these high security points,” said a notice on the website of the Integrated Safety and Security Group, which is coordinating security.
The group, which is led by the RCMP, also includes the Alberta Sheriffs, Alberta Conservation officers, the Canadian Armed Forces and Calgary Police.
The ISSG said it will increase patrols and police presence around the Kananaskis area to enhance security and temporary airspace restrictions will also be in place.
The notice from the ISSG also says “in recognition of the right to peaceful protest” there will be designated demonstration zones established to provide a safe location for individuals and groups to express their views.
More information on the security arrangements surrounding the G7 summit and how area residents, businesses and other members of the public will be affected are available on the ISSG community relations website.
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