Major upgrades at North Portal border crossing completed after years-long project

The Government of Canada has marked the completion of a multi-year infrastructure project that saw many improvements to the port of entry located in North Portal, Sask.

The $26.4 million improvements began in May of 2018 and lasted until October of 2021.

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The additions to the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) port of entry include:

• A third processing lane for vehicles entering Canada.
• The installation of bi-level primary inspection line booths, which can accommodate either cars or semi-trucks.
• The construction of a new canopy with more height clearance for semi-trucks and oversized vehicles.
• The renovation and expansion of the warehouse building where CBSA officers examine semi-truck shipments.
• Increased parking space for semi-truck drivers who need to report to the CBSA office.
• Improved site security and lighting for greater nighttime visibility and safety.
• The introduction of solar panels, powering part of the facility with renewable energy.

“It reduces border wait times for people returning into Canada and that improves efficiency so that cargo, for example, can get to the destination much quicker and easier and it helps the economy,” Chief of the CBSA Sask. and Alta. District Scott Kienlen told CTV News.

The North Portal is the 10th busiest border crossing in Canada for commercial vehicles according to CBSA. One Canadian resident who frequently crosses the border said the upgrades alleviated some congested traffic in Portal, N.D.

“It’s working good. You get through in time with no big delays,” Daryl Keley said.

The four year renovation process is part of the Canada-U.S. Beyond the Border Action Plan, a long-term partnership between the two countries with a goal to enhance security and the flow of travellers, goods and services.

In 2021 alone, the North Portal border crossing saw 158,225 travellers, 129,486 commercial trucks, 27,566 vehicles and 1,173 other vehicles such as motorcycles and buses, according to the CBSA.

The border crossing will also be home to three pieces of Indigenous artwork. Artist Michael Lonechild unveiled his paintings at the grand opening.

Two of the paintings are of horses drinking water from a slough in winter time. The third painting is an Indigenous man wearing a head dress. Lonechild said he wanted to show the beauty of Indigenous peoples.

“My people are spiritual. They’re in touch with the land and grateful to be a part of something beautiful,” Lonechild said.

“An artist has to be a really good dreamer."

CBSA prairie region executive director Lisa Laurencelle-Peace explained that ports of entry across the prairies will be upgraded with the intention of incorporating Indigenous work.

“[Its] putting more emphasis on learning from the Indigenous community,” she said.

“It demonstrates from a Government of Canada perspective what we’ve been committed to through Truth and Reconciliation."