Residents in the County of Warner in southern Alberta have been utilizing a road on the American side of the Canada-U.S. border for years. Border Road, located in Montana, has been a convenient route for Canadians as it connects with many Alberta roads. Under an agreement with Toole County, Mont., the gravel was supplied by the American counterparts while Warner maintained the road.
However, starting next July, Canadians will no longer have unrestricted access to Border Road without passing through an official border crossing. This change was confirmed by Warner’s Reeve Randy Taylor after a meeting with U.S. Homeland Security. The decision to close off Canadian access to the road reflects the heightened border security efforts by both Canadian and U.S. governments.
To replace Border Road, Warner County plans to construct a new gravel road on the Canadian side of the border. The area had previously seen increased border security measures, with Alberta RCMP collaborating with U.S. agencies and introducing a $29-million border security plan, including the Interdiction Patrol Team.
Residents, like Darcy Wills, who run businesses along the border, have expressed concerns about the additional costs and duplication of services that will come with the new road construction. Despite claims of enhancing security, locals like Wills believe that the previous access to Border Road was not a security threat.
Warner’s Reeve Taylor acknowledges the discontent among residents but believes that once the new Canadian road is in place, it will be beneficial for law enforcement agencies on both sides. The province has verbally committed to funding the new road, with construction expected to begin soon.
Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen mentioned that the replacement road is in the design phase, with construction set to start pending funding approval. U.S. Customs and Border Protection assured minimal disruption to residents along Border Road, emphasizing the national security interests of both countries in securing their borders.
