Issue: Highway 60 Closure and Marine Restrictions for the G8 Summit

HUNTSVILLE, ON, June 22 /CNW/ -

    
    Media Lines
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    Highway 60 Closure

    -   The Integrated Security Unit (ISU) is restricting access to a portion
        of Highway 60 in Huntsville at 7:00 am on June 23, in preparation for
        the G8 Summit.

    -   Access to the closed portion of the highway will be restricted to
        employees and residents who live or work in the Interdiction and
        Controlled Access Zones around Deerhurst Resort and have an access
        pass.

    -   The decision to restrict access to the highway was made as part of
        our ongoing security planning to ensure the safety of the Summit's
        participants, residents, other visitors, staff and protestors.

    -   The Integrated Security Unit is committed to keeping the public
        informed of all road closures in a timely manner.

    -   The ISU continues to consider the impacts that restrictions could
        have on the daily lives of area residents and businesses, the
        trucking industry and all other users of Highway 60.

    -   Dates and times for the restrictions could change based on
        operational demands, however, it is anticipated that the restrictions
        will be in effect until the evening of June 26.

    -   Huntsville area residents are encouraged to visit the ISU web site
        for the latest information on road closures and restrictions at
        www.g8-g20isu.ca.

    Traffic Detours

    -   The ISU has modified its alternate detour routes for motorists to
        bypass restrictions on Highway 60 during the period of the summit, at
        the request of the Town of Huntsville.

    -   Motorists may not use Williamsport and Harp Lake roads as previously
        indicated and will have to use the southern detour routes instead.

    -   Access is limited to residents living on Williamsport and Harp Lake
        roads only.

    -   Suggested alternate routes can be found on the ISU web site.

    -   Restrictions will not apply to Emergency vehicles (EMS, fire, police)
        and those with proper accreditation (residents, resort(s) staff and
        security personnel).

    Peninsula Lake Restrictions

    -   Marine restrictions will be put in place on Peninsula Lake on June 23
        at 7:00 a.m.

    -   No watercraft of any type, other than authorized ones, will be
        allowed on Pen Lake and the canal. Marine restrictions have been
        lifted on Fairy Lake during the Summit.

    -   Swimming will be allowed in front of one's own property on Pen Lake.

    -   All efforts will be deployed to minimize disruptions to the daily
        lives of area residents and businesses.

    Questions and Answers:

    Q:  Where will motorists who were planning to use these roads have to go
        now?
    A:  Residents will have to use the southern detour route. This includes
        residents who live on Limberlost Road and on the section of Highway
        60 between Hidden Valley Road and Muskoka Road No.9 (Britannia Road).
        The revised alternate routes map and detailed information are
        available on the ISU website at: www.g8-g20isu.ca.

    Q:  What are the alternate routes?
    A:  There is a series of alternate routes planned for the duration of the
        summit. There are specific routes for local traffic avoiding the
        restricted section of Highway 60 to travel from Huntsville to Dwight
        for example. There are other routes for regional and local traffic
        involving delivery vehicles, finally, there are further routes
        available for heavy commercial traffic using Highway 118 and 35 to
        avoid the restricted area of Highway 60. Information on detour routes
        is available on the ISU website at www.g8-g20isu.ca and will also be
        available through the Ministry of Transportation website, electronic
        traffic signs, and through the media during the summit itself.

    Q:  Will I be able to use Highway 60 to go from Dwight to Huntsville and
        vice-versa?
    A:  Only those with the appropriate accreditation will be able to travel
        into the restricted section of Highway 60. This includes area
        residents, emergency responders, workers delivering or performing
        essential services such as those working for utilities, in home care
        and other related services. On a case-by-case basis, those who arrive
        at the checkpoints without an accreditation and a valid reason to
        travel into the restricted security perimeters may be escorted by a
        police officer to their destination.

    Q:  Will emergency vehicles such as fire, ambulances and police, be able
        to use the highway to respond to any incidents in or near the
        security zone?
    A:  Yes. Fire, EMS and police vehicles will be able to use Highway 60 to
        respond to emergencies. Essential services, such as hydro, gas and
        other utilities, will also be allowed in case of need and with the
        proper accreditation.

    Q:  Will I be able to take my boat wherever I want on Peninsula Lake
        during the event?
    A:  There will be total marine exclusion zones on Peninsula Lake and the
        canal. Only authorized vessels and embarkations will be allowed on
        the lakes.

    Q:  Will I be able to swim in the lake?
    A:  The ISU will adopt a common sense approach to enforcing the marine
        exclusion zones. Swimming in the lake in front of one's property
        should not be impacted but could be monitored or limited by security
        measures during the summit. The use of motor vessels, rowboats,
        sailboats, kayaks, canoes or any other type of embarkation will not
        be allowed during the period when the marine exclusion zones are in
        effect.

    Q:  How long will the restrictions be in place?
    A:  It is anticipated that security measures will be put in place until
        the evening of June 26.

    Prepared by:
    Melanie Roush - PAOC                    June 21, 2010

    Reviewed by:
    Insp Dave Ross, Watch Commander, PAOC   June 21, 2010

    Approved by:                            June 21, 2010
    

For further information: Media contact: ISU Media Relations at 1-888-338-3738