The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced significant changes to the operating hours at 35 land ports of entry across Canada. These changes, set to take effect at 12:01 am local time on January 6, 2025, were developed in collaboration with the United States to bolster border security, optimize resource deployment, and enhance efficiency at busier entry points.
This adjustment reflects a coordinated effort between Canada and the United States to align border operations, ensuring smoother processing of travelers and goods while maintaining robust security measures.
Purpose of the Adjustment
Enhanced Security: The revised hours are part of a broader strategy to improve security measures by focusing resources on busier and higher-priority border crossings.
Operational Efficiency: By reallocating staff and resources from low-traffic areas to busier locations, the CBSA will be better equipped to process travelers and commercial goods and address enforcement needs effectively.
Cross-Border Coordination: Similar adjustments are being implemented by the United States, ensuring both sides of the border operate in alignment. This coordination simplifies the process of returning inadmissible travelers and goods to another country, which has been challenging when one side of the border operates during different hours.
Rationale for Changes
The CBSA conducted a comprehensive analysis of operational data, including traffic volumes, peak travel times, and the nature of services required at each port of entry. It was observed that most of the impacted ports handle an average of fewer than two vehicles per hour during the hours slated for closure. To minimize disruptions, the CBSA ensured that travelers and commercial operators would have access to alternative border crossings within a 100 km radius of the affected ports.
Updated Land Port Operating Hours
The following highlights the adjusted operating hours for ports across provinces. All times are listed in local time.
Alberta
Del Bonita: 9 am – 5 pm, daily.
British Columbia
Cascade: 8 am – 8 pm, daily.
Nelway: 8 am – 6 pm, daily.
Manitoba
Cartwright: 8 am – 4 pm, daily.
Coulter: 8 am – 4 pm, daily (commercial services Monday to Friday only).
Crystal City: 9 am – 5 pm, daily.
South Junction: 8 am – 8 pm, daily.
Winkler: 8 am – 8 pm, daily.
Quebec
Chartierville: 8 am – 8 pm, daily.
Highwater: 8 am – 8 pm, daily.
Trout River: 6 am – 6 pm, daily.
Lacolle Route 221: 6 am – 10 pm, daily.
New Brunswick
Bloomfield: 9 am – 5 pm, Monday to Saturday (except Canadian and U.S. holidays).
St. Croix: 9 am – 9 pm, daily (commercial services Monday to Friday only).
Saskatchewan
Estevan Highway
8 am – 6 pm, March to November.
9 am – 7 pm, November to March.
Monchy
9 am – 5 pm, March to November.
10 am – 6 pm, November to March (commercial services Monday to Friday only).
These adjusted hours reflect seasonal variations where applicable, ensuring optimal staffing during periods of higher traffic.
Traveler and Community Impacts
While these changes may affect some border communities and travelers, the CBSA has taken steps to minimize disruptions:
Alternative Options: Almost all affected locations are within a 100 km radius of other ports, allowing travelers to access nearby crossings.
Streamlined Processing: Focusing resources on busier ports will lead to faster and more efficient processing at major entry points.
Advance Notification: The CBSA has provided ample time for individuals and businesses to adapt to the new schedules.
US-Canada Collaboration
The United States is also revising its border operating hours, ensuring a synchronized approach to managing cross-border traffic. This alignment strengthens security and operational cohesion between the two nations while enhancing the flow of goods and people. The CBSA’s decision to adjust service hours reflects a thoughtful approach to modernizing border operations, focusing on efficiency, security, and resource optimization.
Travelers and commercial operators are encouraged to review the updated schedules and plan their trips accordingly. For more details on specific ports and their operating hours, consult the official CBSA website or contact local border offices.
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