Preparing for the G20 Summit in Toronto
(Jun. 03/10) Security measures and the cancellation of major sporting events during the G20 Summit on June 26 and 27 will reduce the number of customers in downtown Toronto restaurants. CRFA has urged all three levels of government as well as the organizing and security committees to minimize the Summit’s impact on Toronto’s foodservice operators and adequately compensate them for any lost income.
Operators should be aware of the following issues relating to the Summit:
Traffic restrictions
There will be significant traffic restrictions in the area surrounding the Metro Toronto Convention Centre as well as a security perimeter fence. (Click here for a map. [PDF])
Although the fence will be erected in the weeks leading up to the Summit, the public should be able to move through the area until the evening of June 25 unless security dictates tighter control.
Restaurants within the security perimeter should have been contacted by Toronto police to arrange security passes for their employees. If you have not been contacted, please call the Integrated Security Unit at 1-888-446-4047 immediately.
Businesses should also schedule overnight deliveries as security precautions will significantly delay traffic during the day.
Property damage
Police may request operators in the restricted area to dismantle their patios to minimize risks of vandalism. The government will not reimburse businesses for property damage by third parties. Restaurants should contact their insurance brokers to confirm they have appropriate coverage for property damage.
Reimbursement for loss of net profits
The federal government will reimburse businesses for loss of net profits related to the Summit’s “extraordinary security measures.”
Businesses must demonstrate decreased revenues or extraordinary expenses. Financial statements for the past three years will be required along with previous years’ sales figures for June. Businesses that rely heavily on traffic from sporting events (such as Blue Jays games) should provide details on sales levels generated from them in the past. Claims and all supporting documents must be mailed, couriered, or hand-delivered by September 27, 2010.
Business continuity
Unless instructed to close by security officials, operators should remain open during the Summit if they wish to apply for compensation. Operators are also obligated to take steps to mitigate costs during the Summit (i.e. prepare to reduce staffing levels).
Key contacts and resources
Summit Management Office – Compensation Issues: 1-877-420-2261
G20 Integrated Security Unit – Community Relations Group: 1-888-446-4047
To access the Integrated Security Unit online, click here.
For information, forms and FAQs on compensation payments, click here.