New CBSA Service Hours Across Canada-U.S. Border Effective January 6

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Last Updated On 19 November 2024, 9:24 AM EST (Toronto Time)

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced significant adjustments to service hours at 35 land ports of entry across the Canada-U.S. border, set to take effect at 12:01 am (local time) on January 6, 2025.

These changes aim to enhance border security and optimize resource allocation in collaboration with the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

This joint decision reflects an effort to improve efficiency at busier ports of entry, streamline enforcement activities, and align operational hours between both countries.

The adjustments also address minimal traffic at certain locations, ensuring that travellers have alternative crossing options nearby.

The CBSA and U.S. CBP conducted a thorough review of operational pressures, peak traffic periods, and service demands at the affected border crossings.

The analysis revealed that many of the ports see an average of two or fewer vehicles per hour during the periods being adjusted.

By reallocating resources to busier crossings, the CBSA aims to improve its capacity to process travellers and commercial goods efficiently while managing enforcement activities.

The alignment of service hours also facilitates the return of inadmissible travellers and goods between the two nations, reducing complications when one side of the border is closed.

The CBSA has taken measures to minimize the impact on border communities.

Travellers at affected ports will find alternative crossings within a 100-kilometer radius, ensuring continued accessibility.

Additionally, most of the adjusted hours focus on periods of low traffic, which should limit disruptions for regular commuters and trade routes.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the new hours of operation for each affected port of entry, categorized by province: (times reflect local time zones)

Alberta

Del Bonita: Travellers: 9 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week

British Columbia

Cascade: Travellers: 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week
Nelway: Travellers: 8 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week

Manitoba

Cartwright: Travellers: 8 am to 4 pm, 7 days a week
Coulter: Travellers: 8 am to 4 pm, 7 days a week
- Commercial: 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays)
Crystal City, Goodlands, Piney, Snowflake, Windygates: Travellers: 9 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week
Gretna, South Junction, Winkler: Travellers: 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week
Lena: Travellers: 8 am to 4 pm, 7 days a week
- Commercial: 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays)
Tolstoi: Travellers: 8 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week

Quebec

Chartierville, Highwater, Hereford Road, Lacolle Route 223, Noyan, Frelighsburg: Travellers: 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week
Clarenceville: Travellers: 8 am to 4 pm, 7 days a week
Lacolle Route 221: Travellers: 6 am to 10 pm, 7 days a week
Trout River, Herdman: Travellers: 6 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week

New Brunswick

Bloomfield: Travellers: 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday (excluding holidays)
- Commercial: 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays)
Gillespie Portage: Travellers: 7 am to 7 pm, 7 days a week
Fosterville: Travellers:
- 8 am to 8 pm (last Monday of May to first Monday of September).
- 8 am to 6 pm (remainder of the year)
St. Croix: Travellers: 9 am to 9 pm, 7 days a week
- Commercial: 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday

Saskatchewan

Carievale, Estevan Highway, Oungre: Travellers:
- 8 am to 6 pm (second Sunday of March to first Saturday of November).
- 9 am to 7 pm (remainder of the year)
Monchy: Travellers:
- 9 am to 5 pm (Monday to Friday, second Sunday of March to first Saturday of November)
- 10 am to 6 pm (remainder of the year)
- Commercial: (Monday to Friday, except holidays):
  - 9 am to 5pm, second Sunday of March to first Saturday of November
  - 10 am to 5 pm, remainder of the year
Northgate: Travellers:
- 8 am to 4 pm (second Sunday of March to first Saturday of November)
- 9 am to 5 pm (remainder of the year)
- Commercial (Monday to Friday, except holidays):
  - 8 am to 4 pm, second Sunday of March to first Saturday of November
  - 9 am to 5 pm, remainder of the year
Oungre: Travellers (7 days a week):
- 8 am to 6 pm, second Sunday of March to first Saturday of November
- 9 am to 7 pm, remainder of the year
West Poplar River: Travellers:
- 9 am to 5 pm (second Sunday of March to first Saturday of November)
- 10 am to 6 pm (remainder of the year)
- Commercial (Monday to Friday, except holidays)
  - 9 am to 5 pm, second Sunday of March to first Saturday of November
  - 10 am to 5 pm, remainder of the year

The updated service hours reflect the CBSA’s commitment to balancing efficiency, security, and accessibility.

By reallocating resources, the CBSA will be better equipped to handle high traffic volumes and complex enforcement cases at busier locations.

Meanwhile, trade routes and supply chains will remain intact, with minimal disruption to commercial crossings.

What Travellers Need to Know

Check the updated service hours for your intended port of entry.
If your preferred crossing is affected, locate the nearest alternative within 100 km.
Be aware of local time zones, as the new hours will adhere to local time.

For more information, visit the official CBSA website or contact their service hotline.

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon moved to Canada in 2010 on a study visa. She navigated through the ups and downs of her student life and gained her permanent residency in 2015. Today, she is a proud Canadian citizen residing in Calgary, Alberta. She is mother of 2 beautiful daughters and making her difference through writing and guidance at INC – Immigration News Canada.