Canada’s border agency is reviewing both short- and long-term strategies to mitigate extensive wait times at the Roosville Port of Entry near Eureka, according to Canadian officials.
The Canada Border Services Agency responded to questions and concerns recently raised about unreasonably long wait times at the border crossing station on U.S. Highway 93 North.
Mike Cuffe, the state representative serving Eureka and the surrounding area, is spearheading a new campaign to raise awareness and encouraged the Canadian government to increase resources at Roosville to reduce prolonged wait times for visitors returning to Canada. Cuffe has raised concerns over an issue he considers detrimental to tourism and commerce for Northwest Montana.
CBSA officials say they are looking at possible solutions and reviewing the infrastructure at Roosville “with a view to optimizing operations and balancing costs.”
In 2011 the agency added a third primary lane as part of a summer action plan to deal with seasonal increases in traffic volumes, according to CBSA. This lane is open during peak travel periods throughout the year as necessary.
“CBSA’s Pacific Region management takes very seriously the impact of border wait times on the traveling public, commercial traffic and local residents,” Kathy Liu, communications advisor for the CBSA, wrote in an email to the Beacon.
“Our management team carefully monitors the traffic flows, and operational plans are put in place to mitigate pressures at land borders during peak travel times, and staff is redeployed as required.”
According to Liu, a review of Roosville’s border wait times from the last two years showed travelers have experienced waits exceeding 60 minutes on four days in 2014, three days in 2013 and six days in 2012.
“These waits often occurred on Sundays, at the end of long weekends, or during unforeseen events, such as vehicle accidents,” Liu said.
As a reminder, Liu cited the important steps that travelers must undergo during the entry process, including potential secondary examinations.
“Officers have the authority to question travellers and examine their goods. This process can take several minutes or longer and is determined on a case-by-case basis,” Liu said. “Referrals for secondary examinations should not be viewed as an indication of wrongdoing. This is a normal part of the cross-border travel process, which any returning resident or visitor to Canada may experience.
The CBSA recommends travellers avoid entering and re-entering Canada during peak periods. At Roosville, the peak periods are Sundays and holiday-long weekends, with line-ups beginning in the early afternoon, according to the agency.
Tips for Quick Border Crossings
Travelers can help speed up the border crossing process by following these tips provided by the Canada Border Services Agency:
- Cross the border at non-peak times to avoid the rush. Plan to enter Canada in the morning as border lineups typically begin in the afternoon and carry on through the evening
- Have the passports for all passengers on hand and ready for an officer to scan
- Be aware of the total amount of your purchases away from Canada and have the receipts handy
- Declare all goods you are bringing into Canada
- Be open and honest with border services officers