OTTAWA - Plans are underway for a tight security corridor in downtown Ottawa in anticipation of violent G8 protests next week. Scenarios include the possible boarding of Parliament building windows and closing down of most government buildings in the city core.
Federal officials told the National Post that security services responsible for the protection of Parliament Hill are preparing for the worst-case scenario, including damage to the Parliament buildings, nearby government buildings and the National Press Building across the street from Parliament Hill.
Police will be armed with rubber bullets, riot gear, tear gas and possibly water cannons.
Plywood will be on hand to board up the historic windows in the Centre Block, the West Block and the East Block as well as the first few floors of the press building, government sources say. Four-foot-high barricades are ready to be set up around the Parliament buildings to keep protesters on the front lawn and away from the buildings. If needed, higher fences will be brought in, sources say.
RCMP Sergeant André Guertin confirmed police are gearing up for the worst, but was reluctant to discuss the details of the security arrangements.
"We're expecting trouble, no doubt about it. There will be problems in Ottawa," Sgt. Guertin said.
He said at least 3,000 protesters are expected in the downtown core, about the same number that protested the G20 finance ministers meeting in November.
However, Mike Thivierge, director of security in the House of Commons, said extra staff will be mobilized next week to ensure the security of the Parliament buildings. He said all tours of Parliament Hill have been cancelled to protect potential injuries to unsuspecting tourists, but said officials are taking a wait-and-see approach to the protests before deciding whether to shut down the buildings. The government's intention is to try and maintain business as usual for as long as possible, he said.
"We've eliminated tours for a couple of days because we don't want to have any visitors injured outside trying to get inside the building should things go wrong. It's a purely precautionary measure," Mr. Thivierge said.
He said the decision to board up windows will not be made until early next week, but added the necessary materials and equipment to carry this out are in place if needed. Plywood may be required to protect against protesters who throw rocks or attempt to force their way into the buildings, he said.
"We're ready to do what we have to do. We've got extensive planning in place. I don't want the details to start to get out. You're giving an advantage to individuals that want to cause some problems," he said.
Sergeant Marc Richer, spokesman for the G8 Summit, said the RCMP is working in co-operation with Ottawa police to ensure the protests are non-violent. They are also monitoring protest-oriented Internet sites.
Several marches are planned in the nation's capital for June 26 and 27 to coincide with the meeting of the leaders of the world's wealthiest countries in Kananaskis, Alta., chaired by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.
"We welcome peaceful protests, but people have to realize there are limits to that. Peaceful protests do no include engaging in criminal activity. We will be prepared to handle those types of situations," Sgt. Richer said.
He said police are taking the "soft-hat" approach, which means they will wear their regular working uniform. But combat gear may be necessary, he said, including shields, batons and helmets.
"We have to be prepared for those eventualities, however they will be out of sight," he said.
When asked about the use of rubber bullets and tear gas, he said: "We're prepared for worst- case scenarios, but that's not our approach. We don't want to scare people, we don't want to ... fearmonger, but ... we'll evaluate and by early next week be in a position to give the best information to the public through the media as to what ... we expect and how we intend to deal with that."
He did not deny that water cannons are being brought in.
Amanda Dorter, an activist with protest group Take the Capital, was unable to say how many protesters are expected, but said they all have the same purpose.
"We're hoping to voice our dissent about global capitalism and the G8 and effectively throw a wrench into the works," said Ms. Dorter, 30. She said her group doesn't support violence, but also doesn't consider breaking windows or damaging property to be violent.
"The only violence I know of in protests I've been a part of is on the part of police," she said.
"I know people that act in self defence and anger. If a cop is beating you with a baton, I don't know how people are going to respond. People have legitimate anger that gets expressed in a lot of ways," she said.
Ms. Dorter said protesters intend to target Parliament Hill, the Bank of Canada, the Royal Bank and the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration building.
Lawrence MacAulay, the federal Solicitor-General, has been vague on whether the government will pay for property damage in Ottawa caused by G8 protesters, although a plan is in place to compensate businesses in Alberta.
"We will continue to pay for any compensation that the federal government is responsible for," he told the House of Commons this week.
Dan Brien, a spokesman for Mr. MacAulay, said the Minister is still considering the matter.
"That's still being discussed," he said.
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