Military convoys will begin rolling through Edmonton and Calgary tonight as the Canadian Armed Forces start moving vehicles and personnel to Kananaskis for next month’s G7 Summit, the RCMP confirmed Wednesday.
The Canadian Armed Forces will support the RCMP-led Integrated Safety and Security Group (ISSG), which oversees security operations for the international summit. Road movements are scheduled nightly through May 30.
Convoys will travel west along Anthony Henday Drive in Edmonton (Highway 216), head south on the QEII, west across Calgary’s Stoney Trail (Highway 201), continue on Highway 1, and turn south on Highway 40 toward Kananaskis Country.
Movements will occur during evening hours to reduce traffic impacts. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and pass military vehicles carefully.
According to the RCMP, uniformed military personnel may be visible at various locations in the lead-up to and during the summit, working alongside police as part of ongoing security operations.
The RCMP has not disclosed how many vehicles are involved or the specific equipment being transported, citing operational security.
Military support will include planning and air mobility assistance, rural terrain surveillance, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) response, and aerospace defence.
An increased Armed Forces presence is also expected in the Kananaskis region in the days leading up to the summit.
As the G7 is designated a major international event, the RCMP holds responsibility for the safety and security of attending world leaders.
The ISSG includes the RCMP, Canadian Armed Forces, Calgary Police Service, Alberta Sheriffs’ Branch, and Alberta Conservation Officers.
According to the RCMP, the security partners "have well-established relationships and extensive experience in planning and delivering security measures for major events."
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