What to know about G7 security with Alberta set to host world leaders
Posted Jun 5, 2025 7:53 pm.
Last Updated Jun 9, 2025 3:57 pm.
Alberta is preparing for one of Canada’s largest security challenges ever with the G7 Summit coming to Kananaskis country.
The G7, or Group of 7, brings to together the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada for meetings on macroeconomics, international security, human rights and geopolitics.
The three-day summit at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge runs from June 15 to June 17. Due to the global attention surrounding the event, for some, it’s an opportunity to try and disrupt proceedings which has led to the need for heightened security.
So how do you plan to secure such an event in less than a 365 days?
“That’s a great question and a question I had as well because I’m new to this type of work,” says Calgary police Supt. and event security director Joe Brar. “I quickly learned that through our partners at the RCMP, that we form what’s called the Integrated Safety and Security Group (ISSG), and the planning group.
“We bring all the partners together that are involved in safety and security, get together in a room for a period of the last nine months to plan this event.”
The RCMP-led ISSG includes the Calgary Police Service (CPS), Alberta Sheriffs, conservation officers, and the Canadian Armed Forces, each with their own focus.
In addition, designated protest sites have been put in place in an effort to minimize the impact of demonstration for Calgarians.
“Offering those spots and working with the organizers, you know it’s the best way we have to try to ensure that things are safe for the demonstrators and for the public at large,” says RCMP chief supt. and event security director David Hall.
The designated zones include Municipal Plaza, Victoria Park and the Edward H. LaBorde Viewing Area near Calgary International Airport.
Kananaskis Country to close for G7
Parts of Kananaskis Country will be shutting down temporarily due to the security measures put in place.
Closures will include hiking trails in and around Kananaskis Village, camping in Peter Lougheed Provincial park and the Kananaskis Country Golf Course. Each will be inaccessible until June 20.
Beginning Friday, June 6, the golf course won’t be accepting tee times due to the arrival of world leaders.
WATCH: K-Country to close for the G7
Addressing cyber security issues
Back in 2002, Alberta hosted the G8 Summit, and at that time the internet was in its infancy and cyber security threats were of minimal concern.
Fast forward 23 years and it’s now at the forefront for the upcoming summit, according to cyber security specialist Kathy MacDonald.
“Cyber security is something that is hard to put your finger on it, because cyber is everywhere,” says MacDonald, adding that we can’t stop technology as it evolves and progresses.
“It gets smaller and it gets less expensive and it becomes more available to people depending upon their intent.”
MacDonald says major events like the G7 present an opportunity for bad actors, scammers and so-called cyber criminals.
“They’re looking for those opportunities when we’re weaker and more vulnerable,” she says. “I think a big event like this is very distracting and disruptive, and it can be chaotic.”
Residents prepare for disruptions
To keep local shop owners and community members informed about security measures leading up to the summit, the ISSG has setup information hubs.
RCMP Const. Lauren Mowbray oversees the Stoney Nakoda information hub, located about 20 minutes outside the G7 location.
“What we’re here to do is to inform them about what’s actually going to happen and how we can minimize the impacts that it is going to have on them,” says Mowbray. “And if there is something that is kind of a one off, or a question that we haven’t seen, we will get back to them.
“So we’ll take their information and we’ll get back to them with an answer.”
Renee is a Banff resident who works for the local hospital, she says staff continues to gear up for what may happen.
“We have an extra doctor on staff for the time, extra ambulance, just extra services overall,” she says. “We’re just being as prepared as we can be.”
Tune into CityTV at 7 p.m. on Sunday for CityConnect as we dig deeper into the thinking and planning behind the G7 security.
