The RCMP has launched a trial drone corridor along parts of the Canada-U.S. border in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba to help combat smuggling and drug trafficking. The corridor extends up to 500 feet in altitude and one nautical mile north of the border. Local pilots are asked to provide advance notice before entering the corridor to ensure safe operations.
In a written statement, the RCMP said the corridor allows drones to patrol remote or hard-to-access areas more effectively. “It helps us detect and respond to potential risks in real time, while keeping our officers safer by alerting them to possible hazards before they arrive on scene,” the statement said.
The RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) corridor is part of the RCMP’s broader strategy to enhance border security. “Our drone operations enhance intelligence-driven patrols and help us target all illegal activity along the border,” the RCMP added. “They provide a valuable supplement to traditional patrols, allowing us to cover more ground and respond faster to emerging threats.”
The corridor is also designed to reduce risks for other airspace users. “By clearly marking this airspace, we reduce the risk of collisions and create a coordinated space where our patrols can operate smoothly,” the RCMP said. “The RPAS corridor supports these objectives by creating a clearly defined and coordinated space for operations that helps keep the skies safe for all airspace users.”
Advisory airspace such as this corridor allows pilots to maintain situational awareness. “Any aircraft flying in or near the corridor can know in advance where drones may be operating, helping prevent accidents and ensuring the safety of everyone in the skies,” the RCMP explained.
Pilots who plan to fly in the corridor are asked to provide advance notice. “You can use ADS-B Out, which transmits your aircraft’s location, or contact us directly to coordinate your flight,” the written response said.
The RCMP said it uses multiple methods to monitor the border between ports of entry, in line with Canadian laws and regulations and its Federal Policing border integrity mandate. “While we cannot provide all the details of our operations, RPAS are a key part of our toolkit, especially in areas that are difficult to access or monitor with ground patrols alone,” the statement added.
Pilots can email NWRRPASNWRSAT@rcmp-grc.gc.ca for 24+ hour advance notice, or contact the RCMP for short-notice or same-day coordination, which is available 24/7.