Rocky View County Fire Services "will continue normal operations during the G7 Summit, with a temporary increase in staffing at the Springbank Fire Station," officials said Wednesday.
The measure is being taken "as a precaution to ensure readiness for any potential increase in emergency response along Highway 1," the county said in a June 11 notice published on its website.
"Although Rocky View County is not a designated location for activities related to the G7 Leaders’ Summit, our residents may be interested in the event and its impacts, given our proximity to the host locations," the statement continued. "We encourage residents to stay informed and plan accordingly if traveling through neighboring areas during the event."
From June 15 to 17, G7 leaders will gather in Kananaskis as Canada hosts this year’s summit. But closures, vehicle checkpoints, and public access restrictions are already in effect, with more to come starting Saturday.
A federally designated controlled access zone came into effect June 10 and will remain in place through June 18, limiting public access to key sites in the Kananaskis Valley. Summit organizers and RCMP are advising travellers to expect further restrictions this weekend, including a Highway 40 parking ban, reduced campground access, and continued closure of Highwood Pass.
Controlled access zone in place
Two vehicle screening checkpoints are operational along Highway 40—one near Mount Lorette Ponds about 18 kilometres south of the Highway 1 junction, and a second roughly 10 kilometres farther south.
"Access to this zone is restricted to authorized personnel, residents, and businesses," federal organizers stated. "The public is asked to try their best to stay away from these high security points."
Security boundaries include:
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North: No unauthorized vehicles past Mount Lorette Ponds, southbound on Highway 40
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West: Hiking trails along the east side of Highway 742 are closed; trails west of 742 remain open
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South: No unauthorized vehicles past the Galatea Creek parking lot, northbound on Highway 40
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East: Boundary follows the eastern ridgeline of the Kananaskis Valley
Accreditation is mandatory to enter the controlled zone.
Highway 40 parking ban begins Saturday
Beginning 12:01 a.m. Saturday, June 14, all motorized vehicle parking will be prohibited on Highway 40 from the Highway 1 junction to the winter gate near Kananaskis Lakes Trail.
RCMP officers will enforce the parking ban, which remains in effect through June 18.
"The parking restrictions are necessary to ensure the safety of internationally protected persons, summit participants and for the safe movement of police vehicles working along the corridor," the Integrated Security and Safety Group (ISSG) stated.
The ISSG will not issue monetary fines, but any vehicles found in violation may be towed and secured at the owner's expense. RCMP will conduct accreditation checks along the route and advise motorists of the restrictions.
The ISSG cited Section 43 of Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act as the legal authority for the parking controls. Enforcement is being carried out in collaboration with Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors.
Calgary airport access restricted during G7 delegate arrivals
The City of Calgary and Calgary Police Service are warning travellers of significant access restrictions near Calgary International Airport between Sunday, June 15, and Wednesday, June 18.
The Airport Trail N.E. tunnel will be closed starting 1 a.m. Sunday, June 15, through to June 18, to support the safe arrival and departure of G7 delegates and world leaders.
Travellers approaching the airport from the east are advised to use Country Hills Boulevard N.E. to Barlow Trail N.E. as an alternative route.
Airport Trail N.E. will remain open between Deerfoot Trail and Barlow Trail, but the tunnel itself will be inaccessible. In addition, the off-ramp from 19 Street N.E. to westbound Airport Trail N.E. will be closed during the same period.
Other restrictions include:
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No stopping or parking around the airport perimeter between Saturday, June 14, and Wednesday, June 18
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Restricted access to McCall Way’s north end, limited to airport employees and business traffic
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Security checkpoint in effect on McCall Way
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Possible temporary closures and rolling stoppages to accommodate delegate motorcades
Motorists are advised to plan for delays and follow police direction.
"The tunnel on Airport Trail N.E. will be closed… to ensure the safe arrival & departure of G7 delegates & world leaders," the City of Calgary stated in a June 11 media notice.
Highway 40 and Highwood Pass closed to all traffic
And till June 18, Highway 40 between Mount Lorette Ponds and Galatea Day Use area is closed.
Separately, the Highwood Pass (Highway 40 from Highwood Junction to the Kananaskis Lakes Trail Junction) remains closed to all vehicle traffic until June 21.
No pedestrian or cyclist access is permitted from the north side of Highwood Pass between June 1 and 20. Alberta Parks says access from the south may still be possible, but users will be turned back north of Ptarmigan Cirque.
"There will be increased security presence on the road and signage indicating the locations of closure points," the agency stated. "Delays in emergency response may occur due to road restrictions. Bring a satellite communication device and assess your abilities carefully."
Alternate route: Smith-Dorrien Trail (Highway 742)
During the closure of Highway 40, motorists may use Highway 742 (Smith-Dorrien Trail) to access Peter Lougheed and Spray Valley Provincial Parks.
However, Alberta Parks warns this is a gravel mountain road with steep inclines, potholes, washboarding, and no cell service. Drivers are urged to use caution.
Vehicles towing trailers, including RVs, and low-clearance vehicles are advised not to travel the route, especially up the Canmore Hill.
Day use and facility closures
Numerous day-use areas, campgrounds and special sites are closed to the public as part of G7 security operations:
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March 10–July 31: Kovach Pond day use area
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April 22–July 30: Nakiska Ski Resort
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May 15–June 30: Mount Kidd RV Park
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May 20–June 30: Troll Falls Trailhead
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May 21–June 30: Ribbon Creek day use area
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May 24–June 30: Beaver Ponds, Evan-Thomas, Wedge Pond
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May 24–June 20: Galatea, Mt. Lorette Ponds
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June 1–22: William Watson Lodge
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June 10–18: Kananaskis Village common area
In Banff, St. Julien Road will be partially closed June 13 to 17, restricting vehicle access from Wolverine Street to Tunnel Mountain Drive. Vehicle access to the Tunnel Mountain Trailhead parking lot will be restricted, but pedestrians and cyclists may still reach the trailhead.
Campgrounds remain open with reduced access
Alberta Parks confirmed that front-country and backcountry campgrounds will remain open, but many will only be accessible via Highway 742 (Smith-Dorrien Trail) until June 21 due to the closures on Highway 40 and Highwood Pass.
Campers with reservations through June 20 are eligible for full refunds, including transaction and change fees. Alberta Parks recommends cancellations be made online.
Affected campgrounds include:
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Peter Lougheed Provincial Park: Boulton Creek, Canyon, Elkwood, Interlakes, Lower Lake, Lower Lake group use, Mount Sarrail, Pocaterra, Forks, Point
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Spray Valley Provincial Park: Eau Claire, Spray Lakes West
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Elbow-Sheep and Don Getty Wildland Parks: Tombstone, Romulus, Big Elbow (including equestrian sites)
Backpackers are advised that no exit is permitted through Highwood Pass, and conditions over Tombstone Pass may still involve snowpack into July. Alberta Parks warns that the Elbow Lake route from Highway 66 exceeds 30 kilometres and is not recommended during this period.
Conservation Pass still required
Despite the restricted access, a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is still required for any vehicle parked at provincial park or public land sites in the region.
"Closures occur throughout the year due to construction and other factors," Alberta Parks stated. "The disruption is temporary."
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit will be held in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15 to 17, 2025
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