G8 news, photos, and views

I am convinced that the every day citizen will not benefit from the ramifications of the G8 being in Huntsville. Think about full-time residents, seasonal residents, summer visitors, businesses => from restaurants to motels, B and B's, to their artisans shops who rely on tourists), to who provide services.
Or emergency workers,  and those who work with children.

Think about the local infrastructure: hydro, sewers, people trying to do personal or employer banking, municipal workers who must get to town, those looking to have variances, permits bought and issued, hospital workers, those employed by resorts, or service industries. One issue: Huntsville's 60 volunteer firefighters! It is a huge week for all.

The ISU has developed a traffic management plan to manage possible congestion on Huntsville and Muskoka area roads- gee, It is a town situated around a lake. With two major highways that intersect, and limited roads.The Revised alternate routes map and information now available - April 2010 (PDF).

The latest slap in the face is the lack of accreditation for residents until June 21st. I know the peeps in Toronto are busy, but people have to do business, and cannot afford to wait in line.

Residents Will Have to Wait for Accreditation Papers

—The Integrated Security Unit (ISU) has been informed by the Summits Management Office (SMO) that accreditations for residents and those who work in the security zones in Huntsville will be available the week of June 21.

There is win and lose. The company that was paid $6 million to install fencing, is a prime example. The trees that were cut to reduce highway shoulder blockage is another issue. Employment, yes, but at what cost to humans, flora and fauna? Our signage is fabulous. It gave work to many, too.

The Canada Summit Centre, paid for by the feds, built a terrific place for Huntsville residents. Two pools, a hockey rink, Tony Clement had his 15 minutes in the spotlight. He must be happy as a pig in...um, clover!





My dear friend, Nancy Tapley, blogger extraordinairre with a witty and droll writing style, has written about the events in her town. (E.g.,  Call Wading!)
She is a fine example of great blogging; she lauds nature, educates her readers, know her animals, and markets her fine resort with dignity and presence. Their photos are phenomenal.

These G8 photos are by @Brian Tapley, used by permission, he has many fine photos of their family's 600 acre resort. They illustrate what is going on up at G8 headquarters!

As she write, good thing the heat killed many of the blackflies. The mosquitoes arise mid-morning, then disappear in the heat of the day, when the deer flies and horseflies appear. I pity those who must provide security and live in this camp. The towns are fine in the heat of the day.
The income for businesses is another matter, but for some it may not be worth it.

I am trying to think about those who are running resorts, who will have some well-paying customers, but who will need these dastardly accreditations that will not arrive until June 21st. That was the latest news.

Those in Toronto have no idea about our three-season economy and the importance of employees getting through the OPP's outer security ring, and entering the inner RCMP ring to get to work.


Schools
Thank goodness they are changing exams so the high school kids are not affected.

Elementary kids luck out, as their busses are cancelled. Schools are open, but who wants to drive through security zones, some kids spend an hour on the bus every day.  The teachers will have to show up, poor dears. Just like a 'Snow Day', a few kids, unable to really teach curriculum. Ah, the good old days!

Head for the Haliburton Highlands, methinks. Me, I'm going to be far, far from the madding crowd. Sitting reading by the lake, water gun in hand in case those dang protesters get lost!
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More reading, for those keen!

• Residents, G8 Summit 2010  The Summit Management Office has determined that official delegations, media and support staff will not be lodged in individual homes and cottages. 

•    May 17 - Free Transit System for G8 Summit
  
  • Map - Colour

• Elite Insecurity  VANCOUVER—The buzzword at the upcoming G8 and G20 summits ... in Huntsville “will be facing a $6 million galvanized metal fence that will ...

• Summit costs hit $1.1B‎ - CBC.ca

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  G8 brings trepidation in Huntsville
  

G8 Traffic Measures: The holding of the G8 summit at Huntsville's Deerhurst Resort on June 25 will mean security restrictions on many of the roads in the ...

•  Huntsville gears up for G8 summit‎ - CBC.ca
• Huntsville prepares for close-up as G8 approaches‎ - CTV.ca
• Canada is Ready to Host G8 Leaders in Muskoka‎ - Marketwire (press release)