G-20 Summit in Toronto

[Fresh Start]

I found some protester punk's plans for the G20 on twitter. Looks like the security guys have already thwarted his plans.

Trust me, if conservative-minded Torontonians have had to put up with Liberal/NDP bulwarks to the plight of the everyday man for 8 years; y'all can tolerate a mere three days of Harper.

 

[nfitz]

y'all can tolerate a mere three days of Harper.

If we were rid of that homophobic misogynistic two-faced bastard in 3 days, I'd agree. But given the amount of security in place, I expect he will survive whatever happens.

 

[Marko]

Was catching up yesterday with someone who has some real involvement in security... it seems that much of this reaction is based on specific intelligence and it's above and beyond simple sticks and stones protesters. I wasn't given any specifics of course - and I'm not sure this person even knows the specifics - but it's someone I've known for some time and trust not to make things up or exaggerate.

You have to think that with our porous borders and decades long attitude of "relax, nothing will happen to us" that the G20 represents the largest possible opportunity for certain nutjobs to cause problems, and possibly be the only time they're withing legit striking distance of the kind of world leaders and targets that would make history if they were successfully attacked.

I seriously question the total costs if true (I question the numbers being reported to begin with), but I would much rather it be remembered for on overblown security budget than be the place where a pipebomb killed multiple members of a foreign government or something.

 

[nfitz]

I seriously question the total costs if true (I question the numbers being reported to begin with), but I would much rather it be remembered for on overblown security budget than be the place where a pipebomb killed multiple members of a foreign government or something.

Given that security costs are so high, the biggest question is why did the government need 2 summits instead of one. If they'd only had to secure either Toronto or Huntsville then the $900 million security costs would have been significantly lower. If 8 months ago when it became clear that Huntsville was too small to handle everyone, they had moved the entire thing to Toronto, we would have saved hundreds of millions of dollars.

 

[old boy]

Given that security costs are so high, the biggest question is why did the government need 2 summits instead of one. If they'd only had to secure either Toronto or Huntsville then the $900 million security costs would have been significantly lower. If 8 months ago when it became clear that Huntsville was too small to handle everyone, they had moved the entire thing to Toronto, we would have saved hundreds of millions of dollars.

This whole affair has the appearance of an , " oops, look what we got here " kind of mentality, where erring on the side of extreme caution and fencing the whole damn thing in trumps everthing. I hope the city gets something, ( anything at all, might be the only way to look at it ), out of it's first " Olympics ".

 

[GrinTO]

It has become so over the top that I'm waiting to hear them declare marshall law and require all citizens in the GTA to remain in their homes. I don't believe the cost will be 1.2 Billion, by the time this is over it'll be much higher. I wonder if there is any truth to the rumors we are paying for some foreign delegations to attend?

Like I said before, what a mess this Leaves for Canada Day/Pride/Tall Ships fest! right after.

 

[urbandreamer]

Let me guess--they think the Taliban are going to crash the fence with their Toyota pickups.

I have a feeling it's the US running the show.

 

[Second_in_pie]

Trust me, if conservative-minded Torontonians have had to put up with Liberal/NDP bulwarks to the plight of the everyday man for 8 years; y'all can tolerate a mere three days of Harper.

I think that point is that a majority of Canadians don't hate the kind of socialism that the Liberals and NDP champion.

 

[gabe]

I really hope people don't cancell trips to T.O because of this nonesence.

U.S. issues G20 travel alert for Toronto

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/100617/national/g20_us_travel_alert
By The Canadian Press

TORONTO - Protests expected at the G20 summit can quickly turn violent, so it's best to stay away from them — in fact, avoid the Toronto downtown core altogether, the U.S. warned its citizens Thursday.

The U.S. State Department issued a travel alert for Americans who live in Toronto or plan to visit the city before or during the June 26-27 summit of world leaders.

"Previous G20 summits have drawn large numbers of protesters and activists, and a number of groups have announced plans to demonstrate throughout downtown Toronto," the advisory says.

"Even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable. You should avoid them if at all possible."

Because of security concerns and significant travel disruptions in and around the security perimeter, the state department is suggesting people avoid the area.

"U.S. citizens should avoid travelling in or through downtown Toronto during the summit, if possible."

Not too many tourists are expected to be roaming around the Metro Toronto Convention Centre — where the summit is being held — anyway, so the travel alert may be a bit moot, said John Karastamatis, the director of communications for Mirvish Productions.

Performances of the musicals "Rock of Ages" and "Mamma Mia!" have been cancelled, the Blue Jays game was moved from Toronto and some downtown businesses are bracing for customers to stay away that weekend.

"The travel advisory is a bit ironic," Karastamatis said.

"If you wanted to come to Toronto next week from out of town it's very difficult to do so... The downtown core may be fairly empty during that time. There won't be much for people to see or do."

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said he's not concerned about the travel alert, noting it and the summit last just a few days.

"The only issue I'd be concerned about if I was a tourist is hotel space," McGuinty said.

Protesters have said they're planning a massive but peaceful rally and march on June 26. Washington said the travel alert expires June 28.

The travel alert does not extend to the picturesque cottage country town of Huntsville, Ont., which is hosting the G8 summit from June 25-26.

"Because of limited hotel space and Huntsville's location three hours away from Toronto, the department does not expect significant protest activity in the Huntsville area," the travel warning said.

 

[Juan_Lennon416]

they could take down the Gardiner Expressway while they are at it!

 

[Second_in_pie]

So in a nutshell, US citizens are advised to stay away because their leader is in town.

It's a lot more ironic the way that I see it.

 

[insertrealname]

Was catching up yesterday with someone who has some real involvement in security... it seems that much of this reaction is based on specific intelligence and it's above and beyond simple sticks and stones protesters. I wasn't given any specifics of course - and I'm not sure this person even knows the specifics - but it's someone I've known for some time and trust not to make things up or exaggerate.

You have to think that with our porous borders and decades long attitude of "relax, nothing will happen to us" that the G20 represents the largest possible opportunity for certain nutjobs to cause problems, and possibly be the only time they're withing legit striking distance of the kind of world leaders and targets that would make history if they were successfully attacked.

I seriously question the total costs if true (I question the numbers being reported to begin with), but I would much rather it be remembered for on overblown security budget than be the place where a pipebomb killed multiple members of a foreign government or something.

If there are specific terrorism threats, the authorities really don't have much other choice than security maximalism, since the nature of terrorism is that it is a crime of opportunity involving few people and difficult to protect against.

But I'm more inclined to believe this whole extravaganza is more about putting on security theatrics that will demonstrate authoritative control, and the need, as an earlier poster mentioned, to appease the demands of the terrified 800 lb gorilla of the G8, the USA.

 

[ShonTron]

The even better idea would be to spend $600-700 million on a new Muskoka mega-resort to contain all the big-wigs and their assorted valets and coat-tail holders where you could handle security much better and then have a new mega-resort building in Tony Clement's PorkWord (TM). Granted, there wasn't enough time, but it would have made better use of the money. Then you could even get much of it back by selling off the beast to Four Seasons or Delta, even at a loss.

 

[W. K. Lis]

Now during Friday, June 25th, there will be no school buses in the entire city of Toronto.

From The Star:

Toronto's school boards say they are cancelling all school bus transportation next Friday due to concerns about the G20 summit.

The Toronto Catholic District School Board and the Toronto District School Board made the decision after consulting with the Ministry of Education, local police and the RCMP.

They say it's just a precautionary measure due to the amount of traffic congestion expected to happen during the summit.

In a letter sent to parents, board officials say they don't want students to be stuck on buses or left waiting at bus stops for long periods.

Toronto and area residents have been told to expect traffic congestion and delays starting on Thursday and lasting through next weekend.

The summit of world leaders takes place June 26-27 in downtown Toronto.

"This is a proactive decision and while we understand the inconvenience this may cause, the care of our students continues to be our priority," said Chris Spence, director of education for the Toronto District School Board.

 

[nfitz]

Now during Friday, June 25th, there will be no school buses in the entire city of Toronto.

From The Star:

What on earth? I thought they were supposed to be all heading to Muskoka on Friday, and not getting to downtown until Saturday.

Quite frankly, with all the hysteria, I'm expecting traffic on Friday to be lighter than usual ... as long as you stay aware from the Gardiner, 427, 401, and 400; none of which ever seem to have a lot of school buses!