Ceremony, surveillance and a 21-gun salute surround Friday’s first official visit to the B.C. capital by Canada’s Gov.-Gen Mary Simon.
A ceremonial honour guard of 50 Maritime Forces Pacific members will be on parade to welcome Simon alongside the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy and an artillery saluting battery from 5th BC Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery.
The ceremony begins with a 21-gun salute when Simon meets Premier John Horgan on the steps of the legislature at 1 p.m. There will be a traditional First Nations welcome.
Traffic will be restricted during the ceremony. Other temporary road closures include Belleville Street between Menzies and Government streets from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Menzies Street between Superior and Belleville streets from noon to 2 p.m. and Quebec Street between Oswego and Menzies streets from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Victoria police are also using closed circuit TV for surveillance during the May 20 event, the department said in a release.
“We have deployed CCTV cameras in support of our operations to ensure public safety during the governor general’s visit,” the release stated. “This CCTV deployment is in keeping with provincial and federal privacy law. The cameras will be taken down a short time after the event. Temporary signs are posted in the area to ensure that those in the area are aware.”
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