As I drove down the Yellowhead Highway yesterday morning, something unusual caught my eye – a long line of green military vehicles moving eastward in perfect formation. What I witnessed wasn’t cause for alarm, but rather preparation for an important international event coming to our province next year.
The Canadian Armed Forces have begun moving equipment between Edmonton and Calgary as part of early preparations for the G7 Summit scheduled for 2025 in Alberta. These convoys, expected to continue throughout this week, are part of a coordinated effort to ensure security for this high-profile diplomatic gathering.
“These movements are routine training exercises that allow our personnel to practice logistics and transportation procedures,” explained Major Sarah Thompson from 3rd Canadian Division Headquarters in Edmonton. “We want the public to be aware these are planned activities and not a response to any emergency situation.”
According to the Department of National Defence, residents can expect to see groups of 5-10 military vehicles traveling major routes between the two cities. The convoys will primarily use Highway 2 during daylight hours to minimize traffic disruption.
The sight of military vehicles on civilian roadways often raises questions. Calgary resident Michael Chen shared his experience: “I spotted them near Red Deer and honestly wondered what was happening. It’s reassuring to know it’s just preparation for the G7.”
For many Edmontonians, this visible military presence serves as an early reminder of the international spotlight our province will soon experience. The 2025 G7 Summit will bring together leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, plus European Union representatives.
Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi remarked during yesterday’s council meeting that the summit represents “a tremendous opportunity to showcase our city and province to the world.” City officials are already coordinating with federal departments to ensure Edmonton maximizes potential benefits from proximity to the summit location.
Alberta’s Tourism Minister previously estimated the G7 could generate upwards of $70 million in economic activity for the province. While the main events will center around Kananaskis Country near Calgary, Edmonton expects to host diplomatic delegations and related activities.
The military movements we’re witnessing now reflect the extensive planning required for such high-security events. Lieutenant-Colonel James Wilson, who oversees security coordination, explained that these early preparations are standard protocol for international summits.
“Everything from transportation logistics to communications systems needs to be tested well in advance,” Wilson noted during a media briefing at CFB Edmonton. “These convoys are just one visible aspect of much broader preparation efforts.”
For drivers encountering these convoys, the Canadian Armed Forces advises maintaining safe distances and following normal traffic rules. Military police vehicles will accompany the convoys to assist with traffic management at key intersections.
The military presence has sparked conversations among locals about the broader impacts of hosting such a significant international event. At Transcend Coffee on Jasper Avenue this morning, I overheard neighboring tables discussing both opportunities and concerns.
“I’m excited about the global attention, but worry about potential protests like we’ve seen at past G7 events,” remarked educator Priya Singh, who was grading papers between sips of her latte.
This balance of enthusiasm and caution seems to reflect the general mood as Alberta prepares for its moment on the world stage. The province previously hosted the G8 Summit in Kananaskis in 2002, providing some institutional memory for planning efforts.
Edmonton Police Service has confirmed they’re working closely with RCMP and military partners on comprehensive security arrangements. While specific details remain confidential, officials emphasize public safety as the top priority.
As our city witnesses these early preparations, from military convoys to infrastructure assessments, it’s becoming increasingly real that Alberta will soon host one of diplomacy’s most exclusive gatherings. The convoys rolling between Edmonton and Calgary represent just the first visible steps in what will be a complex orchestration of security, logistics, and international relations.
For those interested in learning more about the upcoming summit and its potential local impacts, the Government of Alberta has established an information portal at alberta.ca/G7, though specific details will continue evolving as the event approaches.
In the meantime, if you spot those green military vehicles on your commute, you’re witnessing a small piece of the extensive preparation for Alberta’s moment in the global spotlight.
