G20 Summit: Reimbursement for Loss of Profits for Local Businesses

As the G20 Summit, held in Toronto June 26-27, 2010, approaches, some local business are inevitably concerned about potential profit losses as a result of the increased security. To begin, it is important to understand the extent of the increased security measures. There will be a “traffic zone” acting as a security perimeter with increased presence by Toronto Police within the boundaries of King Street, Lake Ontario, Spadina and Yonge. The areas immediately surrounding the G20 Summit (including the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and hotels where Internationally Protected Persons will be staying) will be enclosed by a security-controlled zone under the jurisdiction of the RCMP. Security fencing will be erected and photo identification or Registration and “Express Pass” cards will be required to pass through the gates during the Summit.

Business-owners in the “traffic zone” and in areas immediately surrounding the G20 Summit may find that their businesses are adversely affected by this increased security. There are options, however, as commercial businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals may be eligible for payments by the Government of Canada to mitigate adverse financial consequences resulting from Extraordinary Security Measures implemented at Designated Meetings hosted by Canada at the G20 Summit.

In order to be eligible for these payments, claimants must meet specific criteria outlined in the Guidelines for Payments on an Ex gratia Basis. Claims must be submitted within 90 days of the date of conclusion of the Extraordinary Security Measures of the Designated Meeting unless otherwise authorized by the Executing Agency. Places of business located inside the Security Perimeter or a Satellite Event location must remain open during the Designated Meeting to be eligible to make a claim for loss of profits and commercial businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals located in an External Affected Area will be evaluated in the same manner as those within the Security Perimeter subject to the impact of the specific Extraordinary Security Measures in that area.