News Release

Northern Ontario Region

CBSA anticipates a busy Victoria Day weekend in Northern Ontario Region

Ottawa, Ontario, May 16, 2013 — The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is anticipating higher traffic volumes at various ports of entry this Victoria Day long weekend and would like to remind travellers to plan their border crossing to avoid delays.

In anticipation of higher traffic volumes and limits to the volume of traffic that can be processed at some ports of entry this weekend, travellers are advised to consider the potential for delays for the following dates and times:

Cornwall port of entry: Peak traffic volumes are anticipated to be between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, and between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Monday, May 20, when border wait times may exceed 60 minutes.

On May 17, travellers should be prepared for delays or the possibility of a temporary bridge closure due to a peaceful march scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

Travellers may also choose to enter Canada via the Prescott port of entry where peak traffic volume is anticipated to be between 12 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Monday, May 20.

Fort Frances port of entry: Peak traffic volumes are anticipated to be between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, and between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday, May 17, when border wait times may exceed 30 minutes.

Travellers may also choose to enter Canada via the Rainy River port of entry where peak traffic volume is anticipated to be between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday, May 17.

Lansdowne port of entry: Peak traffic volumes are anticipated to be between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday, May 17, between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, and between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Monday, May 20, when border wait times may exceed 45 minutes.

Travellers may also choose to enter Canada via the Prescott port of entry where peak traffic volume is anticipated to be between 12 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Monday, May 20.

Pigeon River port of entry: Peak traffic volumes are anticipated to be between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, and between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Monday, May 20, when border wait times may exceed 30 minutes. Higher than normal traffic could also be expected on Friday evening, May 17, and on Saturday morning, May 18.

Sault Ste. Marie port of entry: Peak traffic volumes are anticipated to be between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday, May 17, between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, and between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Monday, May 20, when border wait times may exceed 45 minutes.

To facilitate their entry to Canada, travellers should make sure they are carrying proper identification for everyone in their vehicle and have all their receipts for purchases on hand when they arrive at the primary inspection booth.

After an absence of 24 hours, you may bring back $200 worth of goods duty- and tax-free; after 48 hours, your personal exemption is $800. If the value of your goods exceeds $200 for a stay of between 24 and 48 hours, you will not receive an exemption. There are no personal exemptions for same-day travel (less than 24 hours).

For information on border wait times and for instructions on how to receive Twitter messages for border wait times for the 26 busiest land ports of entry, visit the CBSA Border Wait Times Web page. We know you are mobile and now we are too. Stay connected with us at www.cbsa.gc.ca/mobile.

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For media information:

Caroline Desjarlais,
CBSA Communications
Tel.: 613-991-1591

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