As the G7 Leaders' Summit draws closer to Kananaskis this June, local law enforcement, including the Cochrane RCMP, are preparing for their significant role in the event's security.
From June 15th to June 17th, the world’s most influential leaders will gather in the region, and RCMP officials are focused on ensuring both safety and smooth operations.
Cochrane RCMP Insp. Dave Brunner shared that his team is ramping up preparations for the high-profile event, with final touches being put in place as the summit approaches.
“We are certainly gearing up for the G7 summit. It's a major global event right in our backyard, and we want to be fully prepared for any situation,” Brunner said.
The RCMP, as part of the Integrated Safety and Security Group, is already starting to alert the public to look out for suspicious activities in the lead-up to the summit. Brunner emphasized the importance of community vigilance, urging citizens to report anything that seems out of the ordinary.
“If you see people acquiring military-type equipment, chemicals that could be used for harmful purposes, or any suspicious behavior, please contact the national reporting number at 1-833-341-4464. It’s critical that we stay ahead of any potential threats.”
RELATED STORIES:
- Alberta allows reservists to deploy for G7 summit
- RCMP gears up for major security operation at G7 summit
- Kananaskis security zone map unveiled ahead of G7 summit
In addition to the increased security, Brunner noted that Cochrane RCMP will be involved in securing the perimeter of the summit area, which spans parts of Kananaskis, Canmore, and surrounding regions.
“We expect a heightened level of activity in the area. Our team will help manage calls for service and maintain safety, particularly along the Highway 1 corridor that runs through Cochrane and into Kananaskis,” Brunner explained.
The RCMP is also preparing for potential protests, a common occurrence at major global events.
“We know people may want to express their opinions, and they have the right to do so. We are setting up designated protest zones to ensure that any demonstrations are peaceful and lawful,” Brunner said.
With the dry season upon us, Brunner also raised awareness of the wildfire risks in the area. He noted that authorities in the region, including the national parks, are already taking steps to mitigate the threat of wildfires.
“We are all aware of the risks, and it’s something we’re actively monitoring as we move closer to the summit,” Brunner added.