G7 Summit fast approaching, with security and showcasing Calgary top of mind

The G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis will mean tight security in Calgary and the mountain village but it's also expected to provide an economic boost.

Final preparations for the G7 Leaders Summit in Kananaskis are underway, with leaders of some of the world’s largest economies set to arrive in Alberta in less than a week.

In Calgary, where most of the delegates will arrive, the city has tightened security and is ready to roll out the red carpet to visitors.

“It’s important that our country’s leader – and the world – understand that Calgary is not only the economic engine of Canada, but a global hub for safe, secure and responsible energy,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek.

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Gondek will welcome and meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Calgary on the weekend, she added.

A welcome package from the city will be handed out to dignitaries coming through Calgary, featuring Rosso Coffee, Rocky Mountain Soap products, Longview buffalo jerky and more.

The customary Smithbilt white cowboy hats will also be given to world leaders, but there will not be formal ceremonies for the city’s signature handout.

“We need to respect that security considerations today are very different from when we last hosted the Summit in 2002,” Gondek said.

Economic boost

The mayor explained 70 heads of government and international organizations, 2,000 delegates and 1,400 journalists are expected in the area for the G7.

An estimated 10,000 hotel bookings are tied to the Leaders Summit, while some military and security personnel are staying at both Mount Royal University and University of Calgary residences.

According to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, the G7 could generate upwards of $190 million in economic activity for the city alone, and up to $240 million across Alberta.

“This is a boost for tourism, hospitality and small business and is a signal to global investors that Calgary is open for business,” said president and CEO Deborah Yedlin.

Tight security, closures

With the influx of high-profile visitors and tourists, security will be tight in Calgary and all the way to Kananaskis.

Thousands of police officers, RCMP members, military personnel and other security agencies will be all over the city and into the mountain village.

in the Kananaskis area, a Controlled Access Zone where only authorized personnel, residents and businesses will be allowed will start Tuesday and run until June 18.

Many of the trails, campgrounds and day-use areas in the provincial park will be closed, too.

“Anyone wishing to enter the access area is going to have to go through a checkpoint. And there’s going to be, of course, some pedestrian and vehicle searches to make sure that anyone that comes in,” said Sgt. Charles Poirier with the RCMP.

“The logistical component of an endeavor such as a G7 is massive,” he added.

Calgary police say people should expect to see regular motorcades through the city, adding that road closures – especially in the downtown area around protest zones – will be frequent.

At the Calgary International Airport, no stopping zones will be in place along 36 Street NE. and Aero Drive N.E. for the duration of the summit and the Airport Tunnel will be closed.

“There will be some road closures and visible security enhancements, but the airport will be fully operational and open to the travelling public,” said Chris Dinsdale with the Calgary Airport Authority.

Travellers are encouraged to head to the airport earlier than normal to ensure they arrive on time.

A designated protest zone will be established near the airport, at 15 Street and Aviation Road N.E., which will also be the only place plane spotters are allowed to observe aircraft during the summit.

The city has also designated two additional areas for protestors -- one at City Hall, the other in the East Victoria Park area along Macleod Trail.