With less than six months to go before Toronto hosts the world's leaders at the G20 summit, the city's leaders are accusing Ottawa of going over their heads on decision-making, and keeping them in the dark on key issues related to the event.
For starters, the location now favoured by the Harper government – the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, on the edge of the city's financial heart – is far from ideal from the city's perspective.
“The mayor has made it clear on a number of occasions that his preference was for Exhibition Place: It's modern, it's environmentally friendly, it's an area that's easily cordoned off. There are a number of reasons he thought it would be better. But ultimately it's up to Ottawa,” said Mayor David Miller's spokesman Stuart Green.
“We're in the midst of very detailed discussions about logistics to make sure that wherever it is that it's safe and successful for those attending…But, ultimately, it's the call of the federal government.”
Councillor Adam Vaughan, in whose ward the convention centre is located, sent a letter to his constituents this week saying Ottawa's plans for the summit could have a disruptive effect on the area.
“The site's been chosen 'cause it's a great photo-op. I'm not sure that's the best way to choose the location for something as complex as this, and something as intricately woven,” he said, adding that he's also concerned about security issues at the high-traffic convention centre, which is close to the subway, PATH system and abuts numerous condominiums and office buildings.
“The impact on my ward is significant, and my constituents have a right to know what's going on.”
Ottawa has emphasized it still hasn't made a final decision on the summit's location, although sources told The Globe and Mail and The Canadian Press earlier this week that the convention centre had gotten the green light.
Andrew MacDougall, spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office, said the government is consulting with the city and will officially announce the venue “in due course.”
“All we can say is, we do look forward to welcoming the world to Toronto. We think Toronto, as the centre of our financial system, has a great story to tell,” he said.
“Our announcement on the venue itself will be made in due course.”
Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone has said for months the city would rather hold the summit at Exhibition Place – ideally at the brand-new, environmentally friendly Allstream Centre, which is conveniently cordoned off to ease event security.
“At the end of the day, it's their meeting,” he said. “They consulted with us and that's what we told them.”
But Mr. Vaughan said his concerns extend beyond the location for the international event, which is expected to draw tens of thousands of leaders, diplomats and journalists to the city. It has already displaced both baseball games and the city's Gay Pride parade.
“What we need them to do is work with us. This is a great event and I'm only too happy to host it and celebrate Toronto's economic vitality and diversity and cultural strength … But there are a lot of unanswered questions.”
Toronto Police Service spokesman Mark Pugash said in December that police have been in touch with the Canadian Forces and the Ontario Provincial Police to work on a strategy for the event.
“Consultations between the Government of Canada and the City of Toronto regarding summit planning have been close and are ongoing,” Mr. MacDougall said. “The Toronto Police Service is an active participant for the security planning of the summit.”
