Update: 2010's G8 & G20 this weekend; security, road closures ect. are in full force!!

Are we anticipating a relaxing weekend in cottage country despite the fact our 'area' is crawling with an additional 5,000+ gun wielding tourists for this year's G8 Summit? ...same situation a couple of hours south in downtown Toronto, another 15,000+ for the G20 Summit!!?

One ought to feel safe with all of the security nearby yet it's probably the least safe I've felt since the morning of 9/11! With worldwide attention being focused on our once quiet and serene 'neighbourhood' we truly do lay helpless in the wake of whatever bad things 'they' anticipate happening. Oh well, I guess it's out of my control but fingers are certainly crossed!

All road closures will be in affect as of tomorrow (Wednesday) with many restrictions already in place throughout both areas. No ID and/or special pass = no enter! Pink, orange, blue and green roads all have restrictions and you are required to have a level of authority or 'right to be there' on all of them. The green roads will be used for those passing through the area and do expect delays and/or detours and/or road checks!

Here's more information about the G8 Summit & the G20 Economic Summit.

p.s. have a safe weekend everyone! And, to all of our temporary visitors...be sure to come back when you can kick back, relax and enjoy cottage country, not guard it! Thanks though, we, the country and the visiting countries leaders and their own all thank you.

p.s.s. no more summit posts for this chic, except perhaps to sum up this landmark experience when it's over!

Update - G8 Summit 2010 Final Town Meeting announced - Huntsville, Ontario

The Mayor has announced a final town meeting regarding the 2010 G8 Summit meeting in Huntsville, Ontario taking place June 26 & 27, 2010. This is of special interest to local residents and those who have a business or own a cottage in the Huntsville region therefore, you are invited to attend.

As well in attendance you can expect the Honourable Tony Clement (Minister of Industry), the senior official of the Summits Management Office and the ISU (representatives of/for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the Department of National Defence).

June 1 - G8 Summit Technical Briefing on Security
Media Advisory

Town meeting...


Final Town Hall meeting on 2010 G8 Summit
Sunday, June 6, 2010
2:00pm - 4:00pm

Canada Summit Centre
20 Park Drive
Huntsville, Ontario


For updates follow on Twitter @TOHG8Summit2010 ...and, you may as well follow me too, if you aren't already ;) @central_ontario

G8 Summit June 2010 - Huntsville, Ontario

Watch for international exposure for the Muskoka area this June as Huntsville, Ontario hosts the world's G8 Summit for 2010! This is an amazing opportunity to welcome the eyes of the world into 'our' home, to share the spirit of cottage living and our hospitality. This event will have an impact on our community and surrounding areas that will last a lifetime!

The G8 Summit is also known as The Group of Eight... "The Group of Eight is an economic and political forum for the leaders of eight of the world's most industrialized nations, aimed at finding common ground on key topics and solutions to global issues. The G8 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom." quoted from the Ontario Government website. This year our Prime Minister, Stephen Harper will be representing Canada at the G8 Summit in Huntsville.

The G8 Summit is on Friday, June 25th 2010 and Saturday, June 26, 2010. The G8 Summit began in 1975 and 2010 will mark Canada's 5th opportunity to host the annual meeting.

Preparations for security, lodging and meeting quarters have been ongoing since the initial event was announced. The Town of Huntsville and it's residents, the media, RCMP, OPP and the G8 Summit Integrated Security Unit (ISU) are collaborating and contributing to ensure a safe and successful summit meeting.

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The Canadian government estimates investing $50 million dollars to host the G8 in 2010. The benefits being left behind are the new Media Centre in Huntsville which will revert to an additional ice surface and the newly resurfaced landing strip in North Bay stays too ;) The G8 summit created an economic boost for the area that will have lasting effects that are beneficial to the wholecommunity and surrounding areas.

For further information visit the Ontario Government - FAQ's , view this PDF document entitled  Town of Huntsville's 2010 G8 Legacy Project  or visit the Town of Huntsville.

Pond Hockey Championship 2010 - Huntsville, Ontario

Get off the couch and get ready for the world's largest outdoor pond hockey tournament that spans over 6 acres of Mother Nature's natural ice! Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario will once again host the 5th annual Canadian National Pond Hockey Championships featuring both male and female hockey players from Everywhere, North America.

Entertain yourselves this winter on back to back weekends,

come to Sunset Bay for a visit or a stay!

January 29 - 31, 2010 - Men's Open Championships (age 25+, 80 teams) Women's Open Championships (age 19+, 24 teams) , and Men's Recreational Division (age 25+, 40 teams).

February 5 - 7, 2010 - Masters Championships (men's, age 35+, 72 teams); Masters Recreational (men's, age 35+, 40 teams), Women's Recreational (age 25+, 18-24 teams) and NEW Women's Masters (age 35+, 6-12 teams).

This is a recreational event folks, so there will be a rink side beer tent for those thirsty (of age) diehard hockey players and fans! There will also be refreshments, the resort and other facilities nearby including Huntsville. Remember, it's freakin' cold outside so dress appropriately and bring a change of clothes. Safe ice is an all too important factor so weather conditions do play a role in this event. If you are unsure or have any questions, call ahead to the Deerhurst Resort (phone # 705-789-6411) before you leave home.

Your participation in the event is appreciated, in any form! This pond hockey tournament is a fantastic economic boost for the Huntsville area along with being a fund raising source for worthy causes such as Shoot For a Cure, NHL Alumni Hockey's Greatest Family Fund and the Walter & Wayne Gretzky CNIB Blind Youth Scholarship Program. Mr. Walter Gretzky, named Honorary Coach of The Canadian National Pond Hockey Championship, also known as a super awesome hockey Dad, will make an appearance over the course of the event as well.