Security officials scout the rugged landscape surrounding Kananaskis Country as diplomatic teams draft contingency plans. The upcoming G7 Summit has thrown this pristine Alberta wilderness into the international spotlight once again, particularly with the possibility of Donald Trump’s return to the world stage as U.S. president.
“The scale of security operations we’re seeing is unprecedented for the region,” says Martin Reeves, former RCMP special operations coordinator who worked the 2002 Kananaskis G7. “They’re essentially creating a diplomatic fortress in the mountains.”
During my visit last week, helicopter surveys buzzed overhead while communications specialists tested signal capabilities across the valley. The Kananaskis Delta Lodge, likely to serve as the summit’s epicenter, has begun coordinating with federal officials on necessary upgrades to its infrastructure.
Canada last hosted the G7 in 2018 in La Malbaie, Quebec, where security costs topped $340 million. Early estimates suggest the Kananaskis operation could exceed $400 million given the current global security climate and the remote location’s logistical challenges.
What makes this summit particularly complex is its timing coinciding with the U.S. presidential transition period. Canadian diplomatic sources speaking on condition of anonymity reveal that two parallel planning tracks are underway – one accounting for the Biden administration’s final diplomatic engagement and another for a potential Trump delegation.
“We’re gaming out very different scenarios,” admits a senior Global Affairs Canada official involved in the planning. “The summit agenda, security posture, and even seating arrangements could shift dramatically depending on November’s election results.”
The 2002 Kananaskis G7 marked the first major international summit following the September 11 attacks. Military personnel deployed surface-to-air missiles in the surrounding mountains as CF-18 fighter jets patrolled no-fly zones. Today’s security apparatus looks remarkably different, focused heavily on cybersecurity and counter-surveillance measures.
Indigenous communities whose traditional territories encompass the summit site have expressed mixed reactions. The Stoney Nakoda Nation has established a consultation committee with summit organizers, pushing for meaningful inclusion beyond ceremonial roles.
“This presents both opportunity and concern for our people,” says Elder Joseph Crawler. “We want substantive involvement in discussions about land protection and climate policies that directly impact our future.”
For local businesses, memories of the 2002 summit’s economic impact generate cautious optimism amid the disruption. “The exposure was tremendous last time, but security restrictions meant many couldn’t access their businesses for days,” explains Helena Murray, Kananaskis Business Association director.
Climate action groups have already begun organizing parallel events, hoping to leverage the international media presence. Their focus: challenging Canada’s continued fossil fuel expansion while hosting climate discussions.
Infrastructure improvements have accelerated across the region. Highway 40, the main access route, is undergoing significant upgrades. Telecommunications companies are enhancing cellular networks to handle the surge in diplomatic communications requirements.
The Kananaskis golf course – still recovering from devastating floods in 2013 – has become an unexpected focal point. Diplomatic advance teams have surveyed the course for potential bilateral meeting locations and photo opportunities. Maintenance crews are working overtime to ensure the grounds project the manicured image expected for world leaders.
Resort staff report extensive security surveys of the facilities, with particular attention to entrance points, ventilation systems, and water supplies. Many employees expect to undergo additional background screening as the summit approaches.
The economic calculus is complex. While the immediate security spending and delegation expenses will inject millions into the regional economy, the long-term tourism benefit remains debatable. Following the 2002 summit, tourism stakeholders reported mixed results – initial publicity boost followed by recovery from access restrictions.
Provincial officials have established a dedicated coordination center in Calgary, working alongside federal authorities to minimize disruption to local communities while maximizing potential benefits. Premier Danielle Smith has emphasized the opportunity to showcase Alberta’s energy transition efforts alongside its traditional resource industries.
The Canadian Armed Forces has begun preliminary work establishing secure communications networks and conducting terrain familiarization. Military helicopters have been spotted practicing mountain approaches to potential landing zones.
What remains unclear is how the summit’s agenda might shift based on the U.S. election outcome. Climate commitments, trade relationships, and approaches to China and Russia could all see dramatic pivots depending on who occupies the White House.
“The working groups are essentially preparing two completely different summits,” confides one Department of Finance official involved in preparations. “It’s an extraordinary diplomatic challenge.”
As security fencing begins to appear and construction crews work to upgrade facilities, the quiet mountain community braces for its moment on the global stage – and the geopolitical drama that will inevitably unfold amid its stunning natural backdrop.
