Record numbers turn out for 150th anniversary events

(AFP/HP) Canada is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its confederation on Saturday.

A record 500,000 revelers were expected at the celebrations with the main events taking place in the capital, Ottawa.

The government, which funds the festivities, has gone all out this year to mark 150 years of confederation.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the UK's Prince Charles has also travelled to Canada. Queen Elizabeth II is Canada's head of state.

Security was beefed up to unprecedented levels in Ottawa for the country's 150th anniversary celebrations.

"I want to make sure that people are at ease that they will be able to celebrate with their families, with their neighbors, with perfect strangers this extraordinary country... on July 1st," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.

He added that "extraordinary police services and intelligence agencies are doing everything necessary to keep people safe."

Officials described on Wednesday a massive endeavor involving six police forces, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canada's spy and electronic eavesdropping agencies.

"Every officer will be working," Ottawa police spokesman Constable Chuck Benoit said.

Outside the parliament building workers were busy setting up barricades and security cameras ahead of the event.

Dump trucks will also be used to block vehicle access to the parliamentary precinct where the events will be held.

The RCMP warned participants to expect security checks and other restrictions over the course of the festivities, and asked the public in a statement to help ensure a safe Canada Day "by being vigilant".