Canadian officials have prepared for the arrival of world leaders into Toronto for the G8 and G20 summits. Security is tight as thousands of police patrol the area.

Authorities are prepared for violent protests and have spent millions on security. 

[Constable Samantha Nulle, Integrated Security Unit]:
"We want to be prepared for everything and we are. Our officer's are very well trained and prepared for whatever may come during the next few days. We expect that most people that are coming to Toronto are coming to do so in a peaceful way to get their message out, but we also understand that there may be some groups that will use violence and again, our officers have to be prepared, and they are."

Locals hope that the summits will be peaceful.

[Lina Ottaviano, Local]:
"I hope nothing happens,but i really don't know what,what really their expecting.I know in other cities it has been ...they've had things happen…”

The G8 meeting starts on Thursday. And the G20 meeting will follow in downtown Toronto, beginning on Friday this week.

The summit security plan has been designed to shield leaders from clashes like the 1999 "Battle of Seattle" that disrupted trade talks there, or tear gas heavy protests when Canada hosted the Summit of the Americas in 2001.