Perimeter fence around Palais des congrès in Montreal, as the city prepares for COP15

A perimeter fence will go up this week around Palais des congrès in Montreal, as the city prepares for the December UN Conference on Biodiversity, known as COP15.

This is the first of many steps – that will see increased security and traffic restrictions in Old Montreal, as well as seeing a metro station closed.

The international meeting will bring together more than 10,000 people from 195 countries, including members of governments from around the world, at the Palais des congrès in downtown Montreal.

COP15, which runs from Dec. 7 to 19, will be the most complex security event in Montreal in at least 20 years, according to Montreal police (SPVM).

The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) will also be part of the security outside the event and helping with escorting convoys of dignitaries to Palais des congrès from Trudeau airport. And the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will also be taking part.

The interior of the Palais des congrès will be taken care of by the United Nations Department of Safety and Security

Montreal police estimate the cost, including payroll, at $25 million, which will be reimbursed in part or in whole by the federal government.

Police officers from Quebec City, Laval, Longueuil and Gatineau will assist Montreal police officers during the event.

The Place d’Armes metro station will be completely closed from Dec. 1 to 20, and the executive director of the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) said she is making sure that transit users are aware of the changes that could affect mobility.

During COP15, traffic lanes will be restricted on Saint-Urbain Street, Viger Avenue, Saint-Antoine Street and Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle.

Restaurateurs, convenience store employees, pharmacy employees and all people who usually work inside the Palais des congrès will have to obtain accreditation from the Secretariat of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, in order to get to work.

With files from The Canadian Press