Road closures underway for Brian Mulroney's lying in state

Several streets in downtown Ottawaare closed to trafficfor the lying in state of former prime minister Brian Mulroney at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building.

According to Canadian Heritage, the followingstreet closures will be in effect from 6 p.m. Monday until 6 p.m.Wednesday:

• Wellington Street from Elgin Street to Bank Street.
• Sparks Street from Elginto Bank.
• O'Connor Street from Wellingtonto Queen Street.
• Metcalfe Street from Wellingtonto Queen.

Mulroney, who served as Canada's 18th prime minister, died Feb. 29.

A family spokesperson said he was surrounded by relatives in a Palm Beach, Fla., hospital, where he'd been staying since a recent fall.

The former prime minister will lie in state for two days in Ottawa. Visitors can pay their respects from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Ontario Provincial Police said Wednesday drivers can expect minor delays and rolling on-ramp closuresalong Highway 417 from Ottawa to the Quebec border starting 2 p.m. that day as Mulroney's procession goes to Montreal.

People are asked to not stop along the highway and if they gather on overpasses, to do it safely.

Starting Thursday, Mulroney will lie in repose in Montreal's Saint Patrick's Basilica for two more days. His funeral ceremony will begin 11 a.m. Saturday at the Notre-Dame Basilica, also in Montreal.

Eulogies will be performed by Caroline Mulroney, Pierre Karl Pladeau, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Wayne Gretzky, James Baker and Jean Charest.

Is there a dress code?

Visitors to the Sir John A. Macdonald Building will be allowed to wear casual attire, said Stephanie Milligan, a manager withthe state ceremonial and protocol team at Canadian Heritage.

However, T-shirts with slogans that could be considered offensive will not be permitted.

Visitors will have to undergo security screening prior to entering the building, said Mike Steinhauer, the team's acting director.

To expedite the process, Canadian Heritage is recommending members of the public refrain from bringing bags or other items.

Milligan recommended against bringing flowers since they could be damaged during the security process. Instead, people who wish to bring wreaths can place them on Parliament Hill next to the Centennial Flame.

How should visitors behave?

The atmosphere will be solemn and there will be a pre-established route to follow that will allow visitors to walk alongside the coffin, Steinhauer said.

Books of condolencewill be available to sign, according to Canadian Heritage.

Milligan said visitors will have as much time as they want to pay their respects.

The Mulroney family wasthere to greet visitingdignitaries on Tuesday morning.

Canadians pay their respects as Brian Mulroney lies in state in Ottawa

7 months ago

Duration 2:02

Hundreds of Canadians, from dignitaries to members of the public, are paying their respects to Canadas 18th prime minister. Brian Mulroney is now lying in state in Ottawa ahead of his state funeral in Montreal on Saturday.