Thursday 5 November 2009

G8 in Huntsville - The Summit


For more G8 info, read my posts about the impact to 'locals', or visit the official web sites:
G8 Integrated Security Unit(gc)
Huntsville - town resident's website.


A friend with a cottage in Muskoka asked me about the G8. Oh, it is true! There will be two controlled sections. 


An inner one, in the heart of town (RCMP), with an outer ring, controlled by OPP.


I have written previously about the many security measure that will be taken. Exercises continue at least monthly, as OPP amd RCMP work through the scenarios.  


You will only be able to get in through checkpoints only if you have a reason for being there.  
Many folks intend on leaving town. Some business owners will be boarding up for the duration.  


Travelling across town will be slow and laborious. Folks with family in, for example, retirement homes or Long-Term care, will be hooped. Those without official business in town will not be permitted inside the inner perimeter. 


There will be an estimated 5,000-member international media. Cottagers will not be permitted in boats. Some of the G8 official participants: politicians and their subordinates, are staying in nearby cottages, and will require boats. 
The only way to protect them is to limit land, sea and air traffic.  You can expect planes, jets, and helicopters, too. It will not be a quiet few weeks!


Accredited agencies - serving clients (Hospice, PSWs) will have to be officially accredited (max 10 per agency) and you can expect line-ups at check points. There will be delays. And fuming locals, seasonal visitors, and tourists. Thankfully it will be in June, but this is a time when cottagers do repairs and prepare for summer guests.


Click on the image below for the government's G8 site.

Watch the movie, The Summit, to get a good idea of what it could be like. Filmed in 2007 up here in Muskoka, you will see familiar scenery, as well as Deerhurst Inn.






2 comments:

Mary said...

How fascinating to have a movie shot there, but the summit sounds very inconvenient for those who live there.

Jenn Jilks said...

Yes, I am glad we are a distance away!!!