Canadian banks will close 36 branches inside or near the security perimeter during the G20 summit in Toronto, which begins June 26.

The Royal Bank, CIBC, TD Bank, Scotiabank and Bank of Montreal say the branches could be the targets of protesters, so they will close the outlets June 24-26.

Workers set up concrete blocks marking the G20 security perimeter along lower Simcoe Street in downtown Toronto early on June 7. Thirty-six bank branches inside or near the perimeter will be closed June 24-26.Workers set up concrete blocks marking the G20 security perimeter along lower Simcoe Street in downtown Toronto early on June 7. Thirty-six bank branches inside or near the perimeter will be closed June 24-26. (CBC)

They are asking people who might need to get to safety deposit boxes for items such as passports to visit their branches before June 24 so vacation plans aren't ruined.

The banks say some of the employees at the closed branches will be sent to other branches or work from home.

Bell Canada and internet experts say they don't expect networks to be strained by an increase in the number of people working from home or a flood of visitors to the city using the internet or cellphones.

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Other businesses will also be affected.

The CN Tower and the Art Gallery of Ontario will close their doors and the curtain will fall on performances of Rock of Ages and Mamma Mia! A Toronto Blue Jays home series against the Phillies will move to Philadelphia.

Retailers worry

Whether they close or stay open, the Retail Council of Canada said retailers are worried about fewer customers and rowdy protesters.

"A big concern for retailers is the potential for damage to their stores," said spokesman Mark Beazley.

Slogans such as "Stop G20" and "Resist G20" were spray-painted at several banks and ATMs in downtown Toronto in late May.

With files from The Canadian Press