Banff will be compensated up to $63,000 for cost related to the G8 Summit.
In an agreement signed by the Town of Banff and the Solicitor General of Canada on Thursday (April 18), the Town will receive funding for additional emergency services staffing and equipment necessary during the summit to take place in Kananaskis on June 26 and 27.
The cost is not inclusive but opens the door for more, said Jim Bennett, Banff's Town Manager.
Like the Environment Ministers' meeting, which took place earlier this month, G-8 organizers will be responsible for the cost and implementation of security. They are working with the RCMP, department of national defence and private security teams, Bennett said.
The G-8 will have a greater impact on Canmore and Kananaskis. G-8 delegates have reserved hotel rooms in Canmore, no delegates have reserved rooms in Banff so far, he said.
Roughly half of the budget will pay for protective equipment emergency services workers will need, such as decontamination suits, antidotes for anthrax and other diseases, equipment for handling chemical spills as well as hospital staffing hours.
The other half will go towards the fire department for training and staff time during the G-8.
"We have to continue monitoring the risk," Bennett said.
If the Town incurs additional costs it will make a claim and negotiate with the solicitor general for additional funding.
Banff will need to wait a few months after the summit to get their money back. The Town of Banff must provide proof of their costs.
G-8 Summit organizers are assessing the risk of the event to the town, so far the risk is low.
"We continue to take the necessary steps for the safety of our citizens and the security of our facilities," Bennett said.
The cost of hosting the G-8 Environment Ministers' meeting has not been calculated. Most of the cost of the event went to emergency training, but the Town received a grant of $10,000 from the province. Managers of emergency services and some Town staff took part in disaster services training for three days prior to the meeting.
The course gave us a good opportunity to test our systems and coordinate them, Bennett said.
"The cost of the event was offset by the presence of the media and delegates," Bennett said.
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