G7 security officials announce designated demonstration zones in Banff, Calgary

The RCMP-led group planning security for the G7 Leaders Summit has announced where its designated demonstration zones will be located.

Security officials for the upcoming G7 Leaders’ Summit in Alberta have announced three designated demonstration zones for protesters.

The G7 Leaders’ Summit is scheduled to be held in Kananaskis, Alta., from June 15 to 17.

The RCMP-led Integrated Safety and Security Group (ISSG) said it is creating designated demonstration zones for those who want to gather and express their views during the summit.

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“Creating these locations ensures minimal disruption to critical infrastructure such as roads or highways. These areas also ensure the safety of demonstrators, the public, and law enforcement, while providing visible and accessible locations for peaceful assembly,” stated C/Supt David Hall, event security director for the G7 ISSG.

“Every security restriction we’re putting in place is designed to keep people safe, and those measures are based on an evolving assessment of risks and threats.

“We encourage everyone to report any suspicious behaviors or activities to the combined intelligence group.”

The three zones, one in Banff and two in Calgary, will be located in accessible areas outside of the event’s security perimeter.

In Banff, the new location for the demonstration zone is Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre, located at 100 Norquay Road. The area was selected based on environmental and municipal considerations, according to ISSG.

The initially proposed site, Central Park, was reconsidered following community feedback.

ISSG said the new site is accessible and visible along the main route leading to the G7 International Media Centre.

In Calgary, the two demonstration zones will be located at Municipal Plaza - 800 Macleod Trail S.E. and Enoch/East Victoria Park - 1102 Macleod Tr. S.E.

“Both locations were selected in collaboration with the City of Calgary based on their high visibility, media access and capacity to safely accommodate large crowds,” the ISSG said.

“These two locations, commonly used for large-scale protests, will be equipped with infrastructure to broadcast demonstrators’ messages to G7 leaders at the summit site.”

ISSG noted there will be an additional demonstration zone located near the Calgary International Airport. The airport site will be located at the Edward H. LaBorde Viewing Area, located at 15 Street and McKnight Boulevard N.E.

“This airport site, along with any additional locations identified based on emerging needs will not be broadcasted at the summit site,” the news release reads.

Police said the public can expect to see a large police presence in these areas. ISSG said it will be taking a “measured approach” in responses to protest activity.

Enforcement measures will only be taken when necessary to maintain public order or respond to criminal activity, the ISSG said.

“We are committed to working with organizers to ensure all demonstrations are lawful, peaceful and safe while minimizing community disruption. Any behaviour that is unlawful or jeopardizes public safety will be addressed in accordance with the law,” said Supt. Joe Brar, Calgary Police Service G7 event security director.

“Service delivery to Calgarians will not be impacted by the G7 summit. That being said, if there’s a critical incident we may have to temporary reassign resources but we’re building a staffing model that polices G7 that’s a separate group of individuals, separate command structure, and there’s people who provide the daily services that will continue to do that as well.”

Brar said there will be “zero tolerance” for any activity that threatens public safety.

Visit the G7 website for more information.