Starting January 6th, nearly a dozen ports of entry in the Swanton Sector will implement shortened hours, allowing people to cross the U.S.-Canada border only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. This change will impact several northern New York and Vermont border crossings, including Rouses Point, Overton Corners, Chateaugay, Trout River, Alburg, Canaan, North Troy, and West Berkshire.The new schedule is part of a broader initiative by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to streamline operations and deploy officers to busier ports of entry, improving resources to address national security concerns. However, the reduction in hours has left many locals concerned, particularly in smaller communities where cross-border traffic is vital.Christopher Latremore, the village clerk and administrator for Rouses Point, expressed his surprise and concern about the changes.“Some of the concerns I have are whether Canadian customs will be following the same hours as the U.S. port of entry here in Rouses Point, and secondly, what effect will this have on the main border entry after 8 p.m.? Will it cause more congestion and traffic backups?” said Latremore.For some local business owners, the changes raise additional concerns. Christina Vanier, co-owner of Sandy’s Deli in Rouses Point, worries that travelers who can no longer cross the border after 8 p.m. may stop using the port altogether.”Most of us close at 9 p.m. anyway, but it’s more about the long-term effect, “If someone tries to cross at 9 and can’t, they may start avoiding this border in the future,” said Vanier.Latremore and other village officials acknowledge the challenges ahead but are working to find solutions. “We really haven’t had much time to put any plans together, but it’s something that Mayor LaBonte and the board of trustees are going to be looking at. We’ll try to come up with a plan moving forward,” Latremore explained. Officials also emphasized that the change in hours is being coordinated closely with Canada Border Services to ensure consistency across the border.NBC5 has reached out to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for more details but have not heard back yet.
Starting January 6th, nearly a dozen ports of entry in the Swanton Sector will implement shortened hours, allowing people to cross the U.S.-Canada border only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
This change will impact several northern New York and Vermont border crossings, including Rouses Point, Overton Corners, Chateaugay, Trout River, Alburg, Canaan, North Troy, and West Berkshire.
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The new schedule is part of a broader initiative by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to streamline operations and deploy officers to busier ports of entry, improving resources to address national security concerns. However, the reduction in hours has left many locals concerned, particularly in smaller communities where cross-border traffic is vital.
Christopher Latremore, the village clerk and administrator for Rouses Point, expressed his surprise and concern about the changes.
“Some of the concerns I have are whether Canadian customs will be following the same hours as the U.S. port of entry here in Rouses Point, and secondly, what effect will this have on the main border entry after 8 p.m.? Will it cause more congestion and traffic backups?” said Latremore.
For some local business owners, the changes raise additional concerns. Christina Vanier, co-owner of Sandy’s Deli in Rouses Point, worries that travelers who can no longer cross the border after 8 p.m. may stop using the port altogether.
“Most of us close at 9 p.m. anyway, but it’s more about the long-term effect, “If someone tries to cross at 9 and can’t, they may start avoiding this border in the future,” said Vanier.
Latremore and other village officials acknowledge the challenges ahead but are working to find solutions.
“We really haven’t had much time to put any plans together, but it’s something that Mayor LaBonte and the board of trustees are going to be looking at. We’ll try to come up with a plan moving forward,” Latremore explained.
Officials also emphasized that the change in hours is being coordinated closely with Canada Border Services to ensure consistency across the border.
NBC5 has reached out to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for more details but have not heard back yet.
