Heightened alert

Extra measures being taken in Charlottetown to protect public during Canada Day weekend

Due to recent world events, security around Charlottetown’s waterfront will be tight for Canada Day events. Dave Power, who is handling security around Port Charlottetown for Transport Canada, said extra precautions are being taken.

Extra concrete barriers will be put in place that block vehicle traffic.

“We’re certainly going to try to keep it to a minimum, but we have certainly been directed by Transport Canada to be more vigilant and to prepare for vehicle-ramming-type situations,’’ Power said Monday. Port Charlottetown is expected to be buzzing with activity when nine tall ships arrive. The Canada C3 and HMCS Charlottetown will also be visiting.

“There will be a few extra barricades, the concrete ones . . . should anything come up. Hopefully, we’ll never have to deal with it.’’

There will be a security checkpoint coming on to the main port site in addition to several security checkpoints before people reach the venue itself. Wayne Long, Charlottetown’s events development officer, said meetings have been held with the police department with respect to things like road closures, traffic changes and police officers at certain locations. Discussions have also been held with a private security firm with respect to traffic and pedestrian flows.

“As an example, the entire park will be shut down to vehicle traffic,’’ Long said, adding the obvious exception for emergency vehicles. “We have a number of points on the site itself and police milling about.’’

Long said the police department is well aware of the city’s plans and capabilities on site.