Tight security for Canada Day in Ottawa

Officials are promising shorter queue times for Canada Day festivities in the nation’s capital this year, but heavy security measures will once again force revellers to endure enhanced screening and tightly controlled access to Parliament Hill.

Security was ramped up to its tightest and most restrictive levels ever last year for the Canada 150 celebrations.

Officials say the same measures are necessary again this year due to the threat of violent attacks.

Police presence will be heavy throughout the city and multiple streets will be closed around the parliamentary precinct.

Last year, visitors endured lengthy waits in long lineups and many complained of a lack of communication and co-ordination. Some participants were especially upset after spending hours in queues that turned out to go nowhere.

“Significant planning” has been undertaken to minimize the wait times for visitors and improved operations, officials said during a technical briefing

Sen. Vernon White, who formerly served as police chief of Ottawa, says he believes operations will run smoother this time, despite the fact security levels will be the same as last year.

Keeping the public safe is important, but allowing Canadians proper access to their nation’s capital on Canada Day is equally critical, he said.