Plane spotters in Calgary hope for glimpse of Air Force 1 at G7
Airplane enthusiasts are setting up at the Calgary International Airport in hopes of seeing some exciting aircraft land for the start of the G7 leaders' summit in nearby Kananaskis, Alta.
View image in full screen
Several V-22 Osprey, tilt rotor aircraft are seen on the runway at Calgary International Airport after they arrived prior to the start of the G7 summit. Global News
Corbin Johnson wants to catch a glimpse of the plane carrying U.S. President Donald Trump.
'Air Force 1 is certainly the gold standard, but I think myself and everyone else is very excited to see all the other aircraft are coming,' Corbin Johnson said Saturday, as he checked out a viewing area of the airport.
Story continues below advertisement
The spot is also one of three designated demonstration zones that police have set up in Calgary, with another in Banff.
2:09
Air restrictions over Calgary, Kananaskis for G7 Leaders' Summit
Prime Minister Mark Carney is hosting G7 leaders from the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan and Italy, who were expected to arrive Sunday for the start of the three-day summit in Kananaskis, southwest of Calgary in the Rocky Mountains.
Get daily National news
Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
Some leaders of non-member countries, including Ukraine and India, are also set to attend.
View image in full screen
With world leaders arriving in Calgary for the G7 leaders' summit in Kananaskis, Alta., airplane enthusiasts, like Corbin Johnson, are setting up shop at the Calgary airport in hopes of seeing some exciting aircraft. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Bill Graveland
Johnson, a camera around his neck, said he posts all his plane photos on Instagram.
Story continues below advertisement
'My love of airplanes, I would say started right here, where we're standing. My parents would take me here to plane spot and look at all the planes that would come through here,' he said.
'This is absolutely my number 1 hobby. It's something you can make as full time as you kind of want to.'
While Johnson and some other plane spotters were getting the lay of the land, several police vehicles drove through the parking lot.
A sign on the runway fence topped with barbed wire warns: 'No Drone Zone.' Air restrictions over the airport and Kananaskis Village went into effect Saturday morning.
Police said they have received indications that protesters are expected, and the demonstrations are to be broadcast on TVs set up for the leaders in Kananaskis.
RCMP Chief Supt. David Hall said he just wants the protests to be peaceful.
'We know it's important for people to have their message seen and heard by the world leaders, and it's for this reason we've established live feeds,' he said.
'We police behaviours and not beliefs. And so I'd just encourage everyone to look to conduct any demonstration activity over the next few days in a lawful, peaceful and safe manner.'
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2025.
Story continues below advertisement
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Globe and Mail
an hour ago
- Globe and Mail
Threat of wider war looms after U.S. bombs Iran nuclear sites
This weekend, the U.S. struck three Iranian nuclear facilities, as it warned Iran about its nuclear capabilities and attacks against Israel. U.S. President Donald Trump called the bombing mission 'a spectacular military success' and threatened 'future attacks' if a nuclear peace deal was not made. The Globe's international affairs columnist, Doug Saunders, joins The Decibel. He explains how the U.S. got involved in this conflict, what's at stake for the leaders of the U.S., Israel and Iran, and why there are concerns this could become a wider war. Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@
Ottawa Citizen
2 hours ago
- Ottawa Citizen
Today's letters: AI could radically alter bilingualism training in the public service
Article content So, some seven country leaders plus the EC leader met in a nice place in Alberta, a tough job for Mark Carney. He wisely invited a few more leaders to try to get a bit more balance in this group where five of the eight guests come from western Europe, an area that has lagged economically for more than a decade and does not have a common foreign policy. Article content At present, their economies are barely equivalent to that of China who is not invited. Article content It is no wonder that Donald Trump does not pay much attention to that group since he does not care too much about western Europe. In fact, nobody really does except the media and some traditional protesters. This group now is mostly a pleasant outing for some European leaders, with Japan tagging along Article content And what did they do? They could not deal with the major conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine, Israel-Iran and Israel-Palestinians, because the leaders involved in these conflicts were not there (apart from Volodymyr Zelenskyy who usually come to beg for more money and arms). So, the European leaders could only demonstrate their weaknesses by once again using 'strong language' and offering 'unwavering support.' Article content Article content The group did not achieve results in the trade war between the U.S. and the rest of the world either, because most of the rest of the world was not there and these trade issues are complex. Article content In contrast to his predecessor, Carney handled this social event smoothly and managed to get along with Trump, no mean task. This was the best that could be expected from a group clearly past its prime. Article content People who criticize inviting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the G7 fail to understand the purpose of diplomacy. Article content Canada does not need diplomatic relations to deal with friendly countries. The prime ministers of Canada and the United Kingdom, for example, can phone or visit each other any time, discuss how to advance shared interests and any problems, then hand the issues over to their public servants. Article content Article content Diplomacy was developed so that the governments of countries that have real differences, that may be at war or drifting towards war, can communicate with each other frequently and safely. Then they can listen to each other, get a good understanding of the others' views instead of relying on rumours and the views of those who want confrontation, appreciate the dangers and seek solutions. Article content 'Punishing' a foreign government by refusing to talk to its leaders or expelling its ambassadors may satisfy some citizens, but our government was right to invite Modi to the G7, to have discussions with him, to keep most of them secret, and to restore high-level diplomatic relations. All it took was common sense, courage, and a phone call.
Winnipeg Free Press
3 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Letters, June 23
Opinion Re: Frequency is what works for transit, Think Tank, June 20. I strongly agree with most of the points made by Joe Kornelsen. Although I will miss direct access to the routes we'll be losing, I agree that it makes sense to have most routes spend as little time as possible downtown. This will greatly reduce congestion downtown and allow buses to have a better chance to stay on schedule. Another plus will be better use of existing resources. Currently we have too many buses not in service during rush hour as they return from their express destinations. It is my understanding that this type of one-way service will be discontinued. Unfortunately, the new system is not designed to provide good service to downtown residents, particularly in off-peak hours. This could easily be corrected by adding a feeder route from city hall to the University of Winnipeg that would allow downtown residents direct access to downtown amenities and to all the transfer points for the various suburban routes. As it stands, the new system will greatly inconvenience downtown transit users, especially those with disabilities. Eric Hemmerling Winnipeg Another way to improve transit in Winnipeg is to adopt a law similar to Washington State's law that gives buses right away over cars. RCW 46.61.220 states: 'The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a transit vehicle traveling in the same direction that has signalled and is reentering the traffic flow.' Stuart Williams Winnipeg I wish to thank Jerry Buckland for his welcome and refreshing perspective on the growing emphasis on militarization — including in Canada, a nation once internationally regarded for its peacekeeping legacy. (Can militarization deliver a safer world? Think Tank, June 20) I'm reminded of Bill Clinton's campaign catchphrase, 'It's the economy, stupid.' Buckland, as a professor of economics, seems to suggest a vital revision: 'It's justice…' It's still about the economy but now seen through the lens of justice — a profound shift in thinking, reminiscent of Nelson Mandela's words: 'A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.' All too often, conflicts are framed as power struggles among so-called leaders. Buckland's reference to the devastating casualties — 100,000 Ukrainians and 250,000 Russians — is sobering. I wonder if the word justice appeared in any communiqués from the recent G7 summit. What we do know is that Canada committed $4.3 billion in military support. It's striking how the term military support has become a euphemism for 'more aid to destroy.' History shows that real societal change moves from the bottom up, though political leaders often claim the credit. As the well-known song pleads, 'Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.' One does what one can. Edwin Buettner Winnipeg The Spence neighbourhood is about to lose its only centrally located bank, specifically, the Royal Bank at the corner of Sargent and Sherbrook. A notice is posted saying they will be closed as of July 10, 2025. Here are some considerations: 1) Neighbourhoods need banks. They are a cornerstone of a healthy community. If people want to buy things from stores and restaurants, they need banks. This bank is located in the closest thing we have to a business district and its absence will leave a gaping hole. We often hear about food deserts, but there are also bank deserts — and I'm afraid our neighbourhood is about to become one. 2) People in the Spence neighbourhood don't have extra money to spend on bank fees. If they have to use an ATM from another bank, they will pay $3.50/transaction. For people who live on EIA or disability pensions, the monthly margins are very tight, and this extra cost is a problem. 3) The new branch is a long way away for people who do not have a car. The branch will be moving from 588 Sargent to 1395 Ellice. To get to this new location, people will have to take a bus, which adds to the cost of banking. 4) There is no nearby bank to switch to. I live nearly in the centre of the neighbourhood and the current bank is a three minute walk away. The TD Bank (Notre Dame) is 10 minutes, the Bank of Nova Scotia is 25 minutes, and the Assiniboine Credit Union is 17 minutes. In a neighbourhood where lots of people walk, getting there and back takes time and is difficult. For seniors and people with physical disabilities the problem is compounded. 5) This bank always seems to be very busy. There are often lineups — even at the two ATMs. There are about 5,000 people in Spence — more than in many small towns, so it's hard to believe there isn't enough business. For people who drive or who don't have to worry about transaction fees, the loss of a bank is not a big deal. The loss probably won't leave their neighbourhood with another abandoned building. But, for neighbourhoods that struggle to keep as many of the ordinary things as possible — grocery stores, department/dollar stores, bakeries, restaurants, retailers — losing a bank is a big deal! Cheryl Martens Winnipeg Re: Surgical wait times headed in the wrong direction under the NDP, Opinion, June 13 It is easy to find fault and criticism, but let us try and be supportive by being positive. Canadians benefit from universal health care that works, and we should be showing some support. My personal journey with Amyloidosis, a blood disorder, demonstrates the efficient care Canadians receive. This blood disorder was first recognized by doctors at the Stonewall Medical Clinic. Diagnosis and treatment was initiated at Cancer Care Manitoba. I continue treatment at Cancer Care in Selkirk. This treatment is timely and efficient. This Amayloidosis has damaged my kidneys beyond repair. I am now under the care of the Peritoneal Clinic at Seven Oaks Hospital. This knowledgeable and empathetic care will give me the chance to live at home and, for the most part, carry on a normal life. The necessary supplies and care are offered through the health-care system. My appreciation goes out to the universal health system, local doctors, Homecare, Cancer Care Manitoba and the Kidney Clinic. My disease was diagnosed and treatment started in a timely manner. I am also blessed to have wonderful support from family and friends. Please do don't drag our health system down with negative news; let us look for what is working and show our appreciation. I cannot change the fate handed to me, but I can show support for the care I receive. Again, we need positive news and show support for the universal health care Canadians receive. Walter Badger Stonewall Because Canadians are more patriotic, because Canadians are buying home-grown Canadian food instead of food from south of the border, because Canadians are looking at vacations in their own province and vacations in other parts of this great country, I thank the 'big bully ' to the south of us. Simply because of his silly tactics, he just made us all much, much stronger. I thank him — you know who it is — without mentioning his name. Well done Canada and all Canadians. Ken Butchart Winnipeg
