As of 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 6, 2025, the hours of operation at 35 land ports of entry across Canada will be adjusted.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced the changes Monday, calling them a collaborative effort with the United States to enhance security for both countries. The CBSA said the adjustments would also help allocate resources more efficiently by concentrating officers at busier ports of entry. This is expected to improve the processing of travellers and goods while bolstering enforcement activities.
The U.S. will similarly adjust service hours at several ports of entry, which officials say will simplify the process of returning inadmissible travellers and goods when one side of the border is closed and the other remains open.
The CBSA said the adjustments are based on an analysis of operational pressures, peak periods, and services required at each port. Nearly all affected ports process two or fewer cars or commercial trucks per hour during the hours being eliminated. The agency said alternate border crossings are available within 100 kilometres of most locations.
In Saskatchewan, the operating hours for travellers and commercial services vary by location and time of year.
At Carievale, travellers can access services from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from the second Sunday in March until the first Saturday in November. From the first Sunday in November to the second Sunday in March, the hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Estevan Highway has the same hours as Carievale: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from the second Sunday in March to the first Saturday in November, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the remainder of the year.
At Monchy, travellers' hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, from the second Sunday in March to the first Saturday in November. The hours change to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the remainder of the year. For commercial services, the hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, except on holidays, from the second Sunday in March to the first Saturday in November, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the rest of the year.
At Northgate, travellers can access services from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from the second Sunday in March to the first Saturday in November, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the remainder of the year. Commercial hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, except on holidays, from the second Sunday in March to the first Saturday in November, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the rest of the year.
At Oungre, travellers' hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from the second Sunday in March to the first Saturday in November, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the remainder of the year.
At West Poplar River, travellers' hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from the second Sunday in March to the first Saturday in November, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the rest of the year. For commercial services, the hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, except on holidays, from the second Sunday in March to the first Saturday in November, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the rest of the year.