G8-G20 Integrated Security Unit
www.g8-g20isu.ca
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G8 ISU
FAQs
Security
Access
Environment
Right to Protest
Marine Safety and Security
Cost of Security
Security
Q. Does the holding of the G20 meeting in Toronto mean that Huntsville will be less protected during the G8?
A: Does the holding of the G20 meeting in Toronto mean that Huntsville will be less protected during the G8?
Q: How many police officers and soldiers will be deployed in and around Huntsville?
A: For security reasons, we can’t divulge the number of police officers and members of the military deployed in Huntsville, but there will be a total of approximately 20,000 security personnel working to secure the G8 and the G20 summits. The number is sufficient so the ISU can fulfill its mandate to ensure a safe and secure summit for participants, visitors, protestors and local residents.
Q: What are the roles of the RCMP, OPP and the Canadian Forces in securing the G8 in Huntsville?
A: The mandate of the Integrated Security Unit is to ensure a safe and secure summit for all involved: participants, visitors, protestors and local residents. The RCMP leads the ISU and has the primary role to protect all heads of state (International Protected Persons), their families and delegates and securing the Controlled Access Zone around the Deerhurst Resort itself.
As police of jurisdiction, the Ontario Provincial Police is responsible for supporting the RCMP in its primary role. The OPP is also tasked with maintaining public order, traffic management, criminal investigations, emergency response, marine interdiction and securing the area immediately outside the Controlled Access Zone.
The Canadian Forces will support police and bring specialized capabilities that only the military can offer to help the ISU fulfill its mandate.
Access
Q: How can I access the Interdiction Zone?
A: Residents and those who don’t have an access pass and have a valid reason to enter security zones may be allowed to proceed at security checkpoints using two pieces of identification. They could be escorted to their destination by police. This process may take some time and the ISU is asking those seeking access into the security perimeter to exercise patience when doing so.
Q: Will I be able to use Highway 60 to go from Dwight to Huntsville and vice-versa?
A: Only those with the appropriate accreditation will be able to travel into the restricted section of Highway 60. This includes area residents, emergency responders, workers delivering or performing essential services such as those working for utilities, in home care and other related services.
On a case-by-case basis, those who arrive at the checkpoints without an access pass and a valid reason to travel into the restricted security perimeters may be escorted by a police officer to their destination.
Q: I live on the north side of Highway 60 near Deerhurst resort, will I have access to my residence?
A: Residents who live in the area will have access to their residence. Using their access pass will speed up their travel time through the restricted section of the highway. Those who live on the highway will be able to reach their home.
Q: What are the alternate routes?
A: There is a series of alternate routes planned for the duration of the summit. There are specific routes for local traffic avoiding the restricted section of Highway 60 to travel from Huntsville to Dwight for example. There are other routes for regional and local traffic involving delivery vehicles.
Q: Will emergency vehicles such as fire, ambulances and police, be able to use the highway to respond to any incidents in or near the security zone?
A: Yes. Fire, EMS and police vehicles will be able to use Highway 60 to respond to emergencies. Essential services, such as hydro, gas and other utilities will also be allowed in case of need.
Q: Will I be able to use Highway 60 to get to the hospital if I need to? Will I be stopped at a checkpoint even if someone in the car needs medical attention?
A: Members of the ISU will use common sense when dealing with this kind of situation at a checkpoint. In certain cases, those in need of medical attention could be allowed to get to the hospital by using Highway 60 although they might be escorted by a police vehicle.
It’s also important to note that there might be traffic congestion or obstructions on Highway 60 outside of the restricted area that may make the detour routes a faster way to get to the hospital.
Q: What are you doing to deal with expected traffic congestion in the town? Will I be able to get around and go to downtown shops?
A: The ISU has been working with local partners at the municipal level, the MTO and other agencies to facilitate traffic management in and around Huntsville. This work has led to the establishment of alternate routes and a traffic plan for the downtown area.
The ISU has worked with Huntsville municipal officials to develop a traffic management plan for the town itself during the summit to manage parking issues, road congestion and other related concerns. Increased OPP presence in town will help implement the traffic management plan and there will not be any parking restrictions in place during the Summit.
Q: What about school buses operating during the summit?
A: The decision on whether to alter school operation during 2010 G8 rests with the responsible school board. Please check with the local school boards for their policies on bus transportation during the summit.
http://www.tldsb.on.ca/working files/TrillumLakelandsDistrictSchoolBoard_G8.htm
http://www.smcdsb.on.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=36&pageId=45
Environment
Q: What steps are being taken to ensure the environment in the Muskoka Region is not damaged by security activities?
A: One of the goals of the G8 Integrated Security Unit is to minimize any potential environmental impact to the fullest extent possible. All G8 Security planning and operational responses will be done in consideration of the environmental sensitivity of the area.
Q: Are environmental assessments being conducted on potential security activities?
A: One of the goals of the G8 Integrated Security Unit is to minimize any potential environmental impact to the fullest extent possible. The G8 Integrated Security Unit recognizes Muskoka Region is a valuable and unparalleled wilderness area. We are working in cooperation with experts on the environment to preserve and protect this area.
Q: If it comes to a choice between security and protecting the environment, is the environment going to loose?
A: While our first priority in Muskoka Region is to provide effective security for the G8 Summit, we recognize the Muskoka Region is a valuable and unparalleled wilderness area. Our planning for G8 Security and operational responses takes into consideration the environmental sensitivity of the area. We will provide effective security protection for people and property while ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Right to protest
Q: Will police prevent demonstrations from being held?
A: No. In Canada, individuals have a right to freedom of speech and lawful assembly. We value and will uphold these rights while ensuring public safety, peace and good order are maintained.
Q: How many activists are expected to be in Huntsville for the G8 Summit?
A: We cannot speculate on the number of activists who will be in the area. We planned for any eventuality and will ensure these individuals are accorded the opportunity to express themselves in a lawful, peaceful and responsible manner.
Q: What advance work has the Integrated Security Unit done with activist groups?
A: Meetings have been held both privately and through open public forums, with groups who have expressed an interest in protesting at the G8 Summit. An open and honest two-way communications process has been established with the public, business organizations and activist groups to keep them informed of our plans and also to understand and incorporate their views into the security planning process.
Q: Why are there designated speech areas when the whole country is supposed to be a free speech area? Will my rights to free speech be restricted because of the Summits?
A: Designated Speech Areas are open forums created to give people a place to congregate safely and have access to media to share their message. This is being done to protect the rights of Canadians to voice their opinions using lawful methods and activities, while ensuring that there are no disruptions to the Summits.
The decision to have a Designated Speech Area is guided by the recommendations in the Lord Justice Hughes Report that “a generous opportunity will be afforded for peaceful protests to see and be seen in their protest activities by guests to the event”. Protesters will have to obey the law as always, but otherwise may express their views wherever they wish. The use of this area is optional as lawful assembly is permitted in public areas as guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Q: Is this a different approach to what has been used in previous large scale events?
A: We have always tried to be as open as possible in our communications with all members of the public. The approach to the G8 Summit would be best described as an expanded version of our approach to previous events based on best practices and the lessons learned.
Q: Can you realistically expect radical or violent activists to participate in advance discussions with police?
A: We believe it is a small minority of activists who could be considered to be violent or radical. We recognize this group may not participate in advance discussions.
Q: What are police doing to prepare for the potential for violent demonstrations?
A: We will uphold the right of individuals to express themselves in a lawful, peaceful and responsible manner. The vast majority of activists aren't seeking confrontation with police. We are preparing for any eventuality. The intention of any police response will be measured, balanced and appropriate to the circumstances at hand to ensure public safety, peace and good order are maintained. The re-action of the police are based on the actions of the protestors.
Q: What rights do activists have?
A: The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the freedom of thought, belief, opinion, expression and of peaceful assembly. The G8 Integrated Security Unit value and will uphold these rights while ensuring public safety, peace and good order are maintained.
Q: Will foreign activists be prevented from entering Canada?
A: The ISU is working with a number of federal, provincial, municipal and private sector partners to address issues of security for the G8 Summit. We value and will uphold the right of individuals to express themselves in a lawful, peaceful and responsible manner. We are not requesting any unusual restrictions to legal entry into Canada.
Please contact the Canada Border Services Agency and Citizenship and Immigration Canada for additional information on requirements for visitors entering Canada by visiting www.cbsa.gc.ca and www.cic.gc.ca for more information.
Q: For what reasons would a person be denied access to Canada?
A: The ISU is not in a position to speak to requirements for visitors entering Canada. Please contact the Canada Border Services Agency and Citizenship and Immigration Canada for additional information.
Marine Safety and Security
Q: Will I be able to use my motorboat or sail on Fairy Lake during the summit?
A: Yes. All normal activities including swimming and boating will be allowed. However, pilots will not be able to land or take off on the lake because of Temporary Flight Restrictions that will be put in place over the Huntsville are during the G8 Summit.
Q: Will I be able to take my boat wherever I want on Peninsula Lake during the event?
A: No. There will be total marine exclusion zone on that particular lake and the canal that links it to Fairy Lake. Only authorized vessels and embarkations will be allowed on the lakes.
However, boaters will be able to navigate on Fairy Lake.
The Integrated Security Unit will try to minimize the impact on other recreational activities, such as swimming, with a common sense approach to enforcement.
Q: Will I be able to swim in Pen Lake?
A: The ISU will adopt a common sense approach to enforcing the marine exclusion zone. Swimming in the lake in front of one’s property should not be impacted but could be monitored or limited by security measures during the summit.
The use of motor vessels, rowboats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes or any other type of embarkation will not be allowed on Pen Lake during the period when the marine exclusion zone is in effect.
Q: How long will the restrictions be in place?
A:Marine restrictions will be put in place a few days before the start of the summit on June 25, 2010 and remain until June 27. These dates are tentative and could change.
Q: What will happen if I take my boat out on Pen Lake while the restrictions are in place?
A: Any unauthorized use of a vessel or embarkation during the time period when marine restrictions are in place, will be met by a measured response from ISU personnel patrolling Peninsula Lake.
We are confident that residents understand the reasons behind the establishment of marine exclusion zones and that they will abide by whatever security measures are put in place.
We are working very hard to inform all ISU audiences and gain their trust and respect that form the basis of their cooperation.
Q: Will I be able to use the Brunel locks to travel between Fairy Lake and Mary Lake?
A: Yes, since restrictions on Fairy Lake have been lifted, the locks will be open during the summit, as per municipal practices and there will be no restrictions on Mary Lake.
Q: Why are you restricting my right to boat on the lakes and rivers of Ontario?
A: The ISU is mandated with ensuring the safety of the Summit participants and nearby residents. These security efforts will result in brief restrictions to land and marine travel in and around the event. The ISU will make every effort to minimize the impact on recreational visitors and residents.
Key ISU partners (RCMP and OPP) can enforce these restrictions under existing federal legislative and regulatory measures.
Cost of security
Q: How much will security cost for the G8?
A: For questions related to the security budget for the Summits, please contact Public Safety Canada.
