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The Integrated Safety and Security Group (ISSG), led by the RCMP, has announced three official protest zones in Banff and Calgary for the upcoming G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. The zones are designed to accommodate protesters while maintaining public safety and minimizing disruptions. The designated protest areas are:
1. Municipal Plaza (800 Macleod Trail S.E., Calgary)
2. Enoch/East Victoria Park (1102 Macleod Trail S.E., Calgary)
3. Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre (100 Norquay Rd., Banff)
A fourth zone will be at the Edward H. LaBorde Viewing Area near Calgary International Airport, but it will not be linked to the summit's broadcast systems. The original Banff location in Central Park was changed due to concerns about traffic, safety, and tourism disruptions. The new site at Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre was selected with input from the Town of Banff and offers visibility to the main route leading to the G7 International Media Centre.
These areas are equipped with infrastructure to broadcast messages to the summit participants, ensuring that protesters' voices can be heard by the international leaders in attendance. The ISSG, which includes the RCMP, Calgary Police Service, Alberta Sheriffs, Alberta Conservation Officers, and the Canadian Armed Forces, emphasized that they will facilitate peaceful demonstrations while addressing any unlawful activity.
The G7 summit is an annual gathering of leaders from Canada, the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan. This year, Canada holds the presidency and the event will take place from June 15-17. The decision to establish protest zones is part of the broader security measures in place for the high-profile international event.