Some see it as a potential disaster, putting some of Alberta's most pristine wilderness at risk.
Mark Norris sees it as potentially good PR.
The province's economic development minister says there's too much hand-wringing about the upcoming G-8 conference in Kananaskis Country.
He has put a plan in place to take advantage of the fact much of the world's attention will be focused on Alberta June 26-27.
"We can showcase ourselves for cheap. If we let protesters wreak havoc, then they've won. We're saying, 'Hey, we've got the whole world looking into our backyard, let's show them something positive."
The minister's most ambitious goal is to set up what amounts to a Travel Alberta booth right at the site of the conference, handing out information on Alberta's economy, tax regime, places of interest, recreation spots -- generally inviting any and all to come back and enjoy the surrounds once the pressures of business have subsided.
"We're going back and forth on that," said Norris. "I guess space is incredibly tight, but I'm telling them, 'Sure the request is out of the ordinary, but maybe you can give us a little break.'"
His department has already locked down a couple of events; it will hold a reception for 2,500 journalists and other media reps who will be in Calgary in the next couple of weeks, in a sort of advanced scouting party for the big show.
Staffers will also man booths in Calgary's Telus Convention Centre through the conference, talking up the virtues of holidaying or doing business in Alberta.
Norris said his unflagging optimism has made him the target of a few barbs from fellow cabinet ministers.
He shrugged. "We want to focus on what is great about Alberta."
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