Controlled Lockdown Zone Mapped Out for G7 Summit in Kananaskis Country
Access to no-go zone will be restricted to authorized personnel, residents, and businesses.
KANANASKIS COUNTRY – An extensive lockdown zone has been established for the G7 Summit in Kananaskis Country in June, closing off several picnic areas and popular trails in order to beef up security for world leaders.
Measures are being put in place to make sure residents and businesses aren’t too disrupted, including temporary permits for access to homes and workplaces, staffed checkpoints to make it easier to come and go, and provisions for emergency services and essential deliveries.
“Access to this zone will be restricted to authorized personnel, residents, and businesses,” states a notice from the Integrated Safety and Security Group (ISSG) released Tuesday (Feb. 4).
“The public is asked to try their best to stay away from these high security points. Specific details on access points and credentials will be shared closer to the event.”
ISSG, led by the RCMP and including the Calgary Police Service, the Alberta Sheriffs Branch, Alberta Conservation officers and the Canadian Armed Forces, is coordinating security for the June 15-17 event, which hosts policymakers and world leaders, including US President Donald Trump.
There are also several closures in place as a result of the controlled access zone, including Mount Lorette Ponds, Beaver Ponds and Galatea day-use areas from June 6-20; Troll Falls day-use area from March 10 to July 31, Kovach Pond day use areas May 21 to June 30.
The Kananaskis Village common areas, Kananaskis Outfitters and Skyridge Glamping will be closed from June 10-18 and the Nakiska Ski Area will be closed from April 22 to July 30.
“These dates are subject to change as planning progresses. We will provide updates if any adjustments are made,” states ISSG’s notice.
“We know some trails will be impacted. We are currently working to identify all affected trails and will share additional information once ready.”
The overall no-go zone is extensive. Along the northern boundary, there are no unauthorized vehicles permitted past Mount Lorette Ponds, south along Highway 40; on the western boundary there will be a heavy security presence along the eastern slopes of Highway 742, also known as the Smith Dorrien or Spray Lakes Road.
“While motorists can use Highway 742, all hiking trails along the eastern slopes will be closed. Trails west of Highway 742 will be open,” states the website.
No unauthorized vehicles will be allowed past the Galatea Creek parking lot, north along Highway 40, along the southern boundary, while the eastern boundary of the lockdown area will extend along the eastern mountain ridge line of the Kananaskis Valley.
The two access points to the Kananaskis Village secure zone include a north vehicle screening area about 18 kms south of the Highway 40 and Trans-Canada Highway junction, near Mount Lorette Ponds.
The south vehicle screening area will be about 10 kms south of the north vehicle screening area.
A temporary no-fly zone on all unauthorized aircraft, including drones, will also be enforced during the event.
“The exact boundaries and timeframe for these restrictions will be communicated to the public and aviation stakeholders well in advance,” according to the notice.
ISSG plans an extensive police presence and patrols around the Kananaskis area to beef up security.
“These patrols are a proactive measure to deter potential incidents and maintain a safe environment, with officers ready to respond swiftly to any situation,” states the notice.
In addition, designated demonstration and protest zones will be established.
“These zones are designed to provide a safe and accessible space for individuals and groups to express their views while ensuring the security of summit activities,” states ISSG.
“Officers will be on hand to support the rights of demonstrators while maintaining public safety for all.”
In partnership with ISSG partners, RCMP have coordinated detailed response plans to address potential emergencies, from medical to public safety concerns.
“Emergency response teams, including paramedics and fire services, will be stationed nearby and equipped to handle various situations,” according to the ISSG notice.
“Drills and readiness exercises will be conducted with all participating agencies to ensure a coordinated and efficient response if needed.”
RCMP say they along with their ISSG partners are working with national and international agencies to monitor potential threats.
They say intelligence gathering, surveillance, and real-time information sharing are ongoing to “stay ahead of any risks that may arise.”
“This collaborative approach enhances our ability to prevent and address security challenges, providing a robust framework for the protection of everyone involved in the Summit,” they state.
Canada has hosted six G7 summits. The last time the summit was held in Kananaskis Country was in 2002.