High fences went up across Montebello, Que., this week as residents and police braced themselves for a meeting meant to break down barriers between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.

U.S. President George W. Bush, Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Prime Minister Stephen Harper are holding their North American Leaders' Summit in the western Quebec town on Aug. 20 and 21 to discuss the 2005 Security and Prosperity Partnership agreement.

A high metal fence encircles the Fairmont Château Montebello, where the meeting will take place.
(CBC)

The meeting is expected to draw thousands of protesters opposed to the pact signed between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico in 2005 to boost co-operation on security, trade and public-health issues.

Opponents say the agreement represents an undemocratic process that gives business leaders too much say and ignores the will of the majority on issues such as climate change, the Iraq war and the use of energy resources such as Alberta's tar sands.

In preparation, a three-metre metal fence has been erected between the Fairmont Château Montebello where the meeting will take place and the expected chanting, banner waving throngs outside.

Plywood protects 'White House'

Local business owners such as Guy Joanis, owner of Bar Centrale — the only one in town — have been busy building fences of their own.

Guy Joanis, owner of Bar Centrale, said police told him to barricade everything.
(CBC)

A new plywood barrier now surrounds the stately, colonnaded building known to locals as "the White House," and a four-metre high replica of the Statue of Liberty that usually stands proudly on the front lawn has been encased in a protective plywood box.

"[We did it] because we're afraid and the policemen told me to barricade everything,"  Joanis said, adding that police also told him the theme of his bar won't be very popular when Bush is in the neighbourhood.

He plans to shut down his business for three or four days because of next week's summit, which will cost him $10,000 to $15,000.

"You can't take any chances," he said. "We don't know what's gonna happen."

Joanis has built a plywood fence around 'The White House' and a plywood box around a replica of the Statue of Liberty.
(CBC)

Jean Ouellet, whose art store is across the street from the Château Montebello's main gate, said he will probably shut down for a few days too.

He said he's afraid if something happens to his property, he won't be compensated, given the circumstances.

Rocks removed

The municipality has taken other measures besides the fence — its workers have removed the rocks from a large floral display in front of the old train station, following police advice to put away anything that could be used as projectiles by protesters.

Meanwhile, local business owner Michel Gervais said he won't be putting up plywood around his french fry and ice cream stand because he thinks that might provoke the demonstrators.

And he plans to stay open.

"Those protesters are gonna have to eat, and I'll be there for that," he said.

During the summit, police say Highway 148 will be open to regular traffic, but closed to heavy trucks, which will have to go through Ontario.

Other roads may be closed depending on the number of protesters.