The Canada Border Services Agency is seeking feedback from border communities as it determines new telephone reporting sites for crossing the border in remote locations.
Designated telephone reporting sites will be made available for travelers to connect and report to a border services officer before crossing into Manitoba or Ontario from remote areas. The Remote Area Border Crossing program, which allowed travelers with permits to cross the border without physically presenting themselves at a port of entry, will be phased out in mid-September.
The Border Services Agency said the new process will ensure a consistent level of security and expectations of compliance from everyone.
“It is a measure that will also more closely align with how travelers report to U.S. Customs and Border Protection when entering the U.S. in remote areas,” stated a news release.
Proposed sites in Minnesota for telephone reporting locations include the Northwest Angle area, and Pigeon River through to and including Lake of the Woods.
Indigenous communities, local residents, businesses and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to submit feedback by Feb. 13.
-
Lorie ShaullNorthMet, formerly owned by PolyMet and now controlled by NewRange Copper Nickel, is one of three proposed copper-nickel mines in Minnesota. A reworked project plan is now before the DNR. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEAircraft play an essential role in fighting wildfires. Seaplanes from the Ely seaplane base drop water, fire retardant and deliver firefighters — and canoes — to the blazes. -
Contributed/Grand Rapids City CouncilTax increment financing is meant to encourage economic development. Per Minnesota regulations, 20% of units in a TIF rental property must be reserved for low-income housing. -
Warm water temperatures across the state go along with an increasing number of fish mortality events, where a large number of fish die at once. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe delayed Forest Service grants would have supported prescribed burns and other fuel-reduction efforts on thousands of acres near the Echo Trail, which has borne the brunt of this year’s fires. -
Plus: Mine proposal formerly known as Polymet sees changes to plan; and Grand Rapids City Council approves a TIF district for a new 99-unit apartment building. -
Canva illustrationResponders used a winch line on a fire truck to pull the car from the water and found the woman later identified as Kaylee Smith inside. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe walk on July 25, 2026, spanned 13 miles from Big Sandy Lake in McGregor to Tamarack, with women taking turns carrying a bucket of water. -
Contributed/Crosslake Mayor Jackson Purfeerst Facebook pageThe building sustained significant damage near its front entry. U.S. Postal Service officials designated a temporary location for operations until further notice. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe Superior National Forest announced the July 31, 2026, openings as Phase 3 of its reopening of the BWCAW, as well as the opening of recreation sites in the western forest.
