Three official ‘protest zones’ being setup in Calgary for G7 demonstrators

Will the upcoming G7 Summit mean barricades being set up outside downtown hotels? What about lengthy road closures for convoys carrying world leaders?

Some of those questions may be answered Thursday evening with the public invited to a meeting at the Central Library in downtown Calgary to learn more about what the city will look like during next month’s leaders summit in Kananaskis

Both the RCMP and Calgary police will be on hand for the event, being billed as an information session were people can ask questions about what will be happening and how the summit will impact their day-to-day lives.

Police are planning to have three protest zones set up in Calgary that will “be equipped with infrastructure to enable demonstrators messages be broadcasted to G7 leaders.”

The protest zones will be located at Municipal Plaza outside Calgary city hall, East Victoria Park along 11 Avenue SE near Macleod Trail SE, and at a viewing area near the Calgary International Airport where people can watch planes.

Officials are expecting a significant number of protesters with a pro-Palestinian group already saying they will be active during the event.

“The public can expect to see large police presence from both regular duty CPS members along with the Public Safety Unit to ensure the safety of all,” said CPS G7 event security director Supt. Joe Brar in a statement. “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.”

On Thursday, the White House confirmed U.S. President Donald Trump will be attending the leaders summit in Kananaskis.

The G7 summit runs from June 15 to June 17.

Information about the location and guidelines for the G7 Designated Demonstration Zones can be found online at www.g7.rcmp.ca and www.calgarypolice.ca/protesting.