CBSA Marks New Modular Port Facility at West Poplar River

WEST POPLAR RIVER, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - Aug. 20, 2014) - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today the new modular port at West Poplar River in southern Saskatchewan. CBSA President Luc Portelance and Vice-President of Comptrollership Claude Rochette marked the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The Government of Canada has invested approximately $2.5 million in this new modular port at West Poplar River under the Small Ports Infrastructure Replacement Initiative. Under this initiative, aging infrastructure at select small ports is being replaced with standardized, prefabricated buildings.

The modular port is 139.35 square metres (1500 square feet) and offers significantly enhanced functional operational capacity including an enclosed and covered bi-level primary inspection lane (PIL) booth to process travellers and commercial traffic, as well as a secondary examination area, detention cell, and added security features. This new modular port facility replaces the old facility built in 1954 and demonstrates the Agency's commitment to modernizing border management.

West Poplar River is the first of seven modular port facilities that are being delivered to ports across Canada, including five in southern Saskatchewan over the next two years. The modular port in Coronach is currently under construction with completion expected by October. The ports of Monchy, Willow Creek and Oungre will also be replaced with modular ports.

Quick Facts

• The Small Ports Infrastructure Replacement Initiative offers a substantial upgrade to existing infrastructure as well as significant enhancements to operational capacity, complementing CBSA's commitment to service excellence.

• Last year, close to 3,900 vehicles and nearly 6,500 travellers entered Canada through the West Poplar River port of entry.

• The CBSA in Prairie Region operates at 62 locations, including: six international airports, 14 small airports, 34 land border crossings, two marine ports, and five Inland Enforcement offices. The region's 34 land border ports of entry are located along 1,427 km.

• Since 2000, over $300M has been invested to modernize and improve the infrastructure at ports of entry across Canada.

Quotes

"Canadians gave our Government a strong mandate to protect jobs and our economy, and keep our families and communities safe. This upgraded West Poplar port of entry will allow for more efficient processing of legitimate travellers and trade into Canada, which will allow Canadian business to grow, expand trade and create jobs. This will, in turn, help build stronger communities in southern Saskatchewan and help secure a prosperous future for all Canadians over the long-term."

Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"This is not only an investment in infrastructure. This is an investment in the communities of southern Saskatchewan. The benefits that stem from modernized facilities extend far beyond the port. The new port offers secure facilities for our officers and the travelling public, to better protect Canada's border and to facilitate trade in the area."

Luc Portelance, CBSA President

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