Traffic through Coutts border crossing slows significantly after post-reopening rush – Lethbridge | The Canadian News

On November 8, 2021, non-essential travelers from Canada were allowed to cross land border crossings south for the first time since March 2020.

Jim Willett, mayor of the Village of Coutts, located at Alberta’s largest land border crossing, said the small community was quite overwhelmed Sunday night and into Monday.

At times, several miles of traffic stretched out on the road.

“It was a stressful time for some of us in town,” he said.

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Snowbirds gather in Alberta border towns ahead of November 8 reopening

However, that quickly changed.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a total of 6,248 people entered Montana through the Sweetgrass port of entry between Nov. 8 and Nov. 14.

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On Monday, 2,545 people crossed, falling to 839 on Tuesday, 877 on Wednesday, 674 on Thursday, 509 on Friday, 413 on Saturday and 391 on Sunday.

“I think all the snowbirds in (Alberta) decided they had to pass in the first 24 hours,” Willett joked.

“By 3:30 pm on Monday afternoon they were all gone,” Willett said. “The next day there was a little bit of alignment, and since then it has been normal, probably a little less than normal because people are waiting for the PCR test to go away.”

Peter Jennings, a hotel and restaurant owner in Great Falls, Montana, said he has noticed more Canadians in the area.

“We’ve definitely seen an increase in plates north of the border since the 8th, which is great, I’m glad to have them back,” Jennings said.

Reaction to scrapping of PCR tests

The federal government is expected to announce changes to US-Canada border restrictions before the week is out, making three-day trips much less expensive by eliminating the need for PCR testing.

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Travelers must be fully vaccinated to enter the US and provide a negative PCR test to return.

But Willett said that anyone who has entered the United States will likely do so for a long time, and not just for a day trip or weekend getaway because of the testing requirements.

“Even if you could get (the test) in Canada and take the trip, you’re still paying for the test.”

Willett said that many people who live in the southernmost parts of the province do so because they are so close to the border.


Click to play video: 'Ottawa is ready to eliminate PCR testing for Canadians returning from short trips'



Ottawa prepares to eliminate PCR testing for Canadians returning from short trips


Ottawa prepares to eliminate PCR testing for Canadians returning from short trips

“They like the advantage of being so close to the US where you can go down and pick up a tank of gas for less money, you can buy some adult drinks, you can meet up with friends, you can do things that you know a lot of people don’t. has been able to do for a long time.

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“I think a lot of people are waiting to make the trip south, just for that reason. I know I was, ”Willett said.

“The simple fact that you are encouraged to know that this restriction is going away makes everyone feel so much better,” Jennings admitted.

“The result of this PCR test will be the icing on the cake,” Willett said. “Even if you could get it in Canada and take the trip, you’re still paying for the test.”

-With files from Amy Judd, Richard Jussman and David Baxter

© 2021 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.



Reference-globalnews.ca

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