Parking ban on Kananaskis Country highway for G7 security

Ahead of the G7 Leaders Summit in Kananaskis, RCMP are warning of upcoming parking restrictions on a section of Highway 40.

Restrictions will start at 12:01 a.m. on June 14 through June 18.

Police will be enforcing the parking ban on Highway 40 from the Junction of Highway 1 to the north winter closure gate at the Junction of the Kananaskis Lakes Trail.

The RCMP Integrated Safety and Security Group (ISSG) says the restrictions are necessary to protect the safety of the international leaders travelling to the area for the summit, as well as allow for the safe movement of police vehicles working along the corridor.

The ISSG won’t be issuing monetary fines for vehicles violating the ban, but any vehicles parked in the restricted area could be subject to removal. Vehicles removed from the area will be moved to a secure location where they can be safely returned to the owner at the cost of impound fees.

This ban is being undertaken by the ISSG, and Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors.

RCMP officers will also have accreditation check points along Highway 40 and will remind motorists of the restrictions as they travel through Kananaskis Valley.

Controlled access zone begins Tuesday

Another part of safety planning for the G7 includes a controlled access zone, which will be in place from Tuesday, June 10 to Monday, June 16.

Accreditation is mandatory for everyone who was to access the controlled access zone during the G7 Summit.

Access to this zone will be restricted to authorized personnel, residents, and businesses. The public is asked to try their best to stay away from these high security points.

Hiking trails in and around Kananaskis Village, camping in Peter Lougheed Provincial park and the Kananaskis Country Golf Course will also be closed to the public until June 20.