HUNTSVILLE, Ont. - As anxiety ripples through big-city Toronto, paralyzing part of the downtown ahead of the G20, small-town Huntsville, Ont. has taken a typical laid-back cool, calm, cottage-country approach towards the G8.
Unlike the trepidation seizing some Toronto residents, Huntsville folks have taken their summit all in stride.
"It's the best thing that's ever happened to the town," said Steve MacAllister," owner of Langford Canoe.
The G8 summit is from June 25-26 in Huntsville and the G20 summit is from June 26-27 in Toronto.
In a phone interview, MacAllister prattled off a list of benefits the pending summit has brought to the sleepy community, which he said has become of hub of intrigue.
"Businesses are booming and there's just an electric buzz of excitement and anticipation. It's amazing," said MacAllister, his enthusiasm hard to contain.
His business has been selected to offer a gift to the G8 leaders.
According to many people in town, Huntsville's main street is packed. Pubs and restaurants have standing room only. MacAllister said the summit has given everyone a job.
Even those inconvenienced by the security zone, which wraps around Deerhurst Resort where the G8 delegates will temporarily call home, said they're not bothered by the summit.
Judith Brain, 54, has a home on Hidden Valley Road part of the "red zone," surrounded by either lake or fence.
For Brain, the fence is ugly. It covers a beautiful stretch of Highway 60. She also said army tents are practically pitched in her backyard.
But this hasn't fazed the local resident, who smiles and waves at those security officials hunkered down in the tents.
She has even planted flowers and put out her Canadian flag to embrace the world.
"People here just know how to roll with what comes along," said Brain, explaining her mellow attitude towards the G8.
"There's not the sense of entitlement that there might be in other places," she added.
But Brain acknowledged there will be annoyances. She will have to put her dog in a kennel just in case she can't get into the the secure zone to feed the animal.
However, she said the benefits have outweighed mild nuisances. She said the town has been spruced up with much-needed improvements, clean-up and infrastructure.
One of the wrinkles for residents in an otherwise exciting time has been the cost of the summit, which some have called an "embarrassment."
"I disagree with the amount of money they spent. I think they should put them on an aircraft carrier and save everybody a ton of dough," MacAllister joked.
But if money is going to be spent, he said Huntsville is the place to invest.
In Toronto, the city has anticipated violent protesters. Some people have decided to stay at home to avoid security checkpoints and potentially aggressive demonstrators.
As for unruly protesters in Huntsville, residents have tempered their concern.
When asked if he's worried about protesters, Brian Kells, owner of the Cottage Waterfront Grill, said "no."
"Why aren't we concerned?," Kells pondered, as if he's never considered the probability of violence. With an easy chuckle, he answered.
"Protesters will probably stay in Toronto," he said.
For Fairy Bay Guest House, a bed and breakfast located almost two kilometres from Deerhurst, the G8 has offered few benefits to the business.
Marc Ansell, the manager, said being in the security zone has kept potential guests away. Nevertheless, Ansell said he's "pro G8."
"I don't sense there's a lot of anxiety," said Ansell, "everybody is just doing what they normally do."
Part of the reason is because residents are confident with the security measures.
But there's also another reason for this ease.
"Nosy parkers" will be ready to report any mischief, according to MacAllister.
"Being in a small town, the minute someone rolls into town that looks out of place, everybody knows it," he said.
