Some Calgarians who work downtown are annoyed by the unprecedented security measures being taken around this month's G-8 summit, but others are rejoicing over the prospect of a two-day holiday.
"We're closing for two days -- with pay! -- so that's a good deal," said graphic designer Graham Bentley.
His employer is among several who have decided to shut down on June 26-27, when leaders of the Group of Eight industrialized countries meet in nearby Kananaskis.
"I wish it was happening somewhere else," said Brian Keller, a communication salesman.
"I'm fairly nervous about what could happen. If I could avoid coming into downtown those days, I would."
Izabela Szajkowska, who works at a downtown Starbucks coffee shop, said she wishes the high-level meeting was somewhere else. When protests at the 1999 meeting of the World Trade Organization in Seattle turned violent, a Starbucks shop was among those gutted by looters.
"We are afraid the protesters will damage windows, and our sales will probably drop," Szajkowska said.
As a precaution, the Starbucks overhead sign is coming down during the summit.
Many workers in highrise office buildings have received memos and e-mails from building managers outlining elaborate security plans. Many include a "lockdown" that would prevent anyone from entering or leaving a building in the event tear gas is used on demonstrators.
Downtown parking lots are closing, as is the maze of covered walkways over Calgary's streets. Public transit could also be disrupted by protests snaking through the core.
Police from 25 departments across Canada who specialize in civil disobedience are coming to help Calgary police. For unruly rioters, authorities have cleared a prison that holds more than 500 inmates and have extended court hours to 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
"The security seems a little over the top," said Jen Smith, a receptionist at one of Calgary's many energy companies.
Connie Miesseau said she's not taking any chances; she's transferring out of downtown to another worksite in the suburbs for one week.
"I'm concerned about the violence," said the day-care worker. "My biggest fear is just coming into downtown, you could be at the wrong place at the wrong time."
Henry Henault, a multi-media designer, said he disagrees with Calgary Mayor Dave Bronconnier's decision to ban anti-summit activists from protesting in city parks. "I think protesters should have a place to gather and voice their opinions," he said.
Some people simply don't know, or care, much about the world leaders' meeting.
Anti-G-8 summit activists will march through the streets of downtown Calgary next weekend, with the blessing of city officials and the police.
Bronconnier signed off Friday on a special-event permit that will allow activists to parade from Eau Claire Market through downtown streets to Olympic Plaza on June 23, three days prior to the summit in Kananaskis.
Bronconnier said the parade was approved after all the necessary information on the event was submitted to the city.
"The key here is that the same organizers who were involved in the tent village -- either directly or indirectly with this application -- have met all requirements that we asked of each group to meet. It works for Calgary Police Service from the security aspect and logistically from our transportation department," he said.
"It proves what we have been saying all along. We are quite prepared to accommodate groups that meet the basic requirements that we ask every citizen to fulfil."
-- With files from Calgary Herald..
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