Dangerous goods regulations come into effect for G-20, G-8

Transport Canada, the RCMP-led Integrated Security Unit, Public Safety Canada and all of its participating agencies are reminding Canadians that special aviation, marine, rail and transportation of dangerous goods regulations come into force later this week.

These security requirements are designed to protect and safeguard the general public, delegations and diplomats during the G-8 and G-20 summits.

Aviation

Transport Canada says that aircraft operators intending on operating in the general area surrounding the G-8 and G-20 summits are advised that there will be airspace restrictions for the duration of the summits.

These airspace restrictions will be described to pilots in Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by NAV CANADA.

The NOTAMs will be in effect from June 24 to June 26, for the Huntsville area in Ontario and from June 26 to June 28, for the Toronto area.

Air operations in the restricted zones will be limited.

Transporting dangerous goods

From June 21 to June 28, 2010, the transportation of certain dangerous goods will be controlled into, through and within a zone that encompasses the G-20 meeting venues in and around downtown Toronto.

The goal of the temporary requirements is to promote the safety and security of the public and world leaders, dignitaries and participants at the G-20 meetings.

Law enforcement agencies and transportation of dangerous goods inspectors will be enforcing this interim order, as well as all other requirements established under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and its regulations during the event.

The interim order expires June 28, 2010, at 6 am ET.

Rail security

Transport Canada issued a notice on June 9 to federally regulated railways operating within the G-8 or G-20 security zones during the summits, requiring them to carry out the railway transportation security measures in relation to their operations.

Law enforcement agencies and railway safety inspectors will be enforcing these security measures, as well as all other requirements established under the Railway Safety Act and its regulations during the summits.

Marine security

Enhanced security zones will be in force from June 24 to June 27, 2010, and include security perimeters from 30 to 300 metres around critical infrastructure, including ferries and ferry facilities operated by the City of Toronto, the Toronto City Centre Airport and the Toronto Port Authority.