In case violence erupts during the April G-8 environment ministers meeting, the Town of Banff is asking the federal government to pay the way for its emergency workers.
To train and staff 24-hour on-duty firefighters, ambulance and hospital staff, and municipal workers for the April 12-14 conference at the Banff Springs hotel will cost nearly $282,000.
Because of violence at previous G-8 meetings, Banff needs special consideration, Mayor Dennis Shuler says.
"Given Banff’s high national and international media profile, our location in Canada’s first national park and within a World Heritage Site, and the proximity of this event to the G-8 Summit, it is especially important that the G-8 Environment Ministers’ Meeting proceed flawless," Shuler’s Feb. 10 letter to Laurence MacAulay, the Solicitor General of Canada, reads.
"While Banff is used to hosting high profile events, ones such as the G-8 Environment Ministers’ meeting with its associated potential for protest and violence, are exceptional for us."
While Mounties will handle security, fire and ambulance services have to be covered by the Town in the event of any emergencies.
Shuler also requested federal compensation for any business losses as a result of violence or security measures.
He also cited Banff’s relative isolation from major centres and their emergency resources, and a single bridge that links the Springs to the rest of town as key considerations.
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