Wondering About G20 Summit Security?

The G20 Summit looms -- it's the last weekend in June -- and though we are not in the zone of deep security, you have to wonder how it will affect us, given the heightened state of security.

This is from our city councillor, Adam Vaughan:

Dear Residents,

"G20 Summit Security Updates – May 14, 2010

This information is current as of May 14, 2010, but is subject to change. Sign up to Councillor Vaughan’s newsletter at www.ward20.ca or by contacting the office to receive further updates as we approach the summit.

The G20 Summit will be taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre at 255 Front St W (on Front between Simcoe and John) on Saturday June 26 and Sunday June 27.
...

There is only one residential building located inside the security fencing, located on University Ave. Residents in all other buildings do not require security passes unless you are employed by a business inside the fenced zone. Please contact your employer to clarify your status. Your property manager will be notified if the boundaries for the fencing change.

Recent information has been posted in some buildings which is incorrect. A private email address was listed offering help. Do not surrender personal information to anyone claiming to be an official agent without checking their status with Toronto Police or the G20 Integrated Security Unit.

Contacts for further information:
G8-G20 Integrated Security Unit

Responses to phone and e-mail messages will be provided within 24 to 48 hours.
Website: www.g8-g20isu.ca, Phone: 1-888-446-4047, E-mail: crg-grc@g8-g20isu.ca

Councillor Adam Vaughan
Website: www.ward20.ca
Phone: 416-392-4044
E-mail: Councillor_Vaughan@toronto.ca

Further updates will be posted as information is made public.

G20 SECURITY INFORMATION - as of May 17, 2010 - subject to change without notice -

Traffic Control Zone: There will be a ‘traffic zone’ within the boundaries of King, Lake Ontario, Spadina, and Yonge. These are not the boundaries of the security fencing, but rather a security perimeter where there will be increased presence by Toronto Police. Police will be located at major intersections to help direct traffic. Street parking in certain areas within the traffic zone will not be allowed in order to reduce congestion.

Security Fencing: Security fencing will start to be erected about two weeks before the June 26-27 summit, and will take about a week to dismantle after the summit. The location of the fencing is not being revealed by police for security reasons until early June. Police are aiming for the fencing to remain completely open to vehicular and pedestrian traffic until the evening of Friday June 25, unless there is a significant security threat. During the summit, people will be required to show photo identification to pass through the security gates.

Registration and ‘Express Pass’ cards: Residents and businesses based inside the security fencing can be issued an ‘express pass’ card to pass through security gates faster. This is a voluntary process that does not involve a police background check. A credit card-like swipe card would be issued to be used with photo ID. Toronto Police have contacted property owners of residential and office buildings that will be inside the fenced zone about how to register and obtain a card. Property managers are asked to channel information to residents and businesses in their buildings.

RCMP security zone: The immediate area of the G20 Summit (the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and hotels where Internationally Protected Persons will be staying) will be a security-controlled zone that will be under the jurisdiction of the RCMP. People working in this zone will require mandatory security accreditation and police background checks. These are already in progress and will not impact residents in the area.

Roads and TTC: The Gardiner Expressway, Don Valley Parkway, Spadina, Lakeshore, Queen, King, and other area streets are all planned to be open throughout the summit. The TTC will be operating, including the King, Queen, Spadina and Harbourfront streetcars. There may be temporary street closures and delays, outlined below.

Traffic delays are anticipated between Friday June 25 and Sunday June 27 due to motorcades for some dignitaries arriving and leaving the city. There will be temporary traffic and TTC stoppages and people are advised to budget extra time when traveling on these days. There will also be street closures and delays due to scheduled marches.

The G8/G20 Integrated Security Unit has created Twitter and Facebook accounts to provide updates about traffic delays due to motorcades, protests, marches, and other G20 related events both before and during the summit. People can sign up to receive updates through their website (www.g8-g20isu.ca). 680 News will also be a source of regular traffic updates around the summit.

Daycare: If you are concerned about access to daycares inside the traffic control zone, please contact your daycare provider for details. More details will be available soon on this matter and updates will be provided in future notices.

Ex-Gratia Payments: The federal government will consider applications for ex-gratia payments, compensation for damages or lost income due to the G20 Summit. This is being managed by the G20 Summit Management Office, part of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Information about the eligibility and application process is available at:
Website: www.g20.gc.ca (click on the link to ‘Information about Payments on an Ex Gratia Basis’)."
Vanessa