Security set for summit in Little Burgundy

Montreal police officers were out knocking on doors Friday in the Little Burgundy neighbourhood where the long-awaited education summit will be held next week to warn residents about traffic issues and advise them on safety issues.

At a news conference in the parking lot of the Arsenal, a contemporary art museum on William St. that will host the summit on Monday and Tuesday, Insp. Eric Lalonde told reporters the Montreal police service is fully prepared to ensure the safety of residents, protesters and participants in the conference.

“I want to send a message to the whole population that everything is in place to protect residents, possible protesters, and everything to do with the summit itself,” Lalonde said.

He said officers visited 175 homes and businesses in the area to warn residents and merchants that some streets around the museum will be closed Monday and Tuesday morning, but police will ensure they have access to their homes and businesses.

They were also asked to clear their property of any items that could be used as “potential projectiles,” Lalonde said.

Notre Dame St. W. will remain open to traffic but there will be no parking in that area from Sunday morning until Tuesday afternoon. Beginning Monday at 6 a.m., des Seigneurs St. will be closed to through traffic between Notre Dame St. W. and Canal St. Canning St. south of Notre Dame St. W. will also be closed to through traffic, as will William St. between Canning and des Seigneurs Sts.

Lalonde said there will be sufficient number of officers to protect citizens and ensure bylaws are respected.

The Association pour une solidarité syndicale étudiante and other groups have already announced one protest related to the summit. Supporters of free post-secondary education will gather on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Victoria Square. (The summit is to go all day Monday and end shortly after noon Tuesday.)