POLITICS

An Ottawan’s guide to the ‘Three Amigos Summit’

Get ready for delays, Ottawa. Barack and Enrique are in town.

President Barack Obama, center, walks with Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto, left, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, as they arrive for a group photo with leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Manila, Philippines, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015. (Susan Walsh/AP)

President Barack Obama with Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Manila, Philippines, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015. (Susan Walsh, AP)

It’s the first time since 2007 the Three Amigos—the presidents of the United States and Mexico, and the Canadian Prime Minister—have been in Canada for the North American leaders’ summit, and that means things are going to get a little crazy in Ottawa’s core. It’s good news for some: anyone looking to catch a glimpse of Barack Obama or Enrique Peña Nieto, for instance. But it’s bad news for others. Yogis: Your weekly takeover of the Parliament lawn has been cancelled. And commuters should try a more scenic route.

MORE: Peña Nieto arrives to Canada towing baggage

Maclean’s has compiled a list of events happening on June 29 to help you navigate where you should be to take in some of the action, and maybe—for some of you—what areas to avoid.

Where to find the Amigos:

  • Monday, June 27, 11 p.m.: President Peña Nieto arrives at the Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.
  • Wednesday, June 29, 10:15 a.m.: President Obama arrives at the airport where he’ll be greeted by Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion.
  • 10:45 a.m.: Trudeau will be waiting at the National Gallery of Canada to greet Peña Nieto and Obama. The trio will then walk together to the Great Hall at the National Gallery of Canada.
  • That afternoon: The leaders will host a press conference detailing summit outcomes.
  • 4:15 p.m.: Obama will officially be welcomed by Trudeau on the front steps of Centre Block. After a meeting with the Prime Minister in his office, Obama will address the House of Commons.

Where to watch:

  • Parliament Hill: You can watch the speeches given in the House of Commons chamber on screens set up at Parliament Hill. However, plan to get there early and be ready to pass through screening stations.
  • At home: Watch the House of Commons speeches from the comfort of your living-room couch by streaming it live on CPAC.
  • ByWard Market: Keep an eye out for Obama in ByWard Market. Last time he was here, in 2009, he paid a visit to the bakery Le Moulin de Provence and bought some cookies to take home to his family.

Where to avoid:

  • ByWard Market: Multiple roadways in the ByWard Market will be closed from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 29.
  • Parliament Hill: Multiple roadways around Parliament Hill will be closed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The bike path below Parliament Hill will be also be closed from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m, and all government buildings will be closed to the public and tours. Both the Changing of the Guard and Yoga on the Hill have been cancelled.
  • The airport: There will also be road closures around the Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, as well as around the city as the motorcade makes its way to and from the airport.
  • For a full list of closures, go to the City of Ottawa’s website.

A look back at past North American leaders’ summits:

Looking for more?

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