By Alan Sorensen
Modern technology is expected to give Havre residents 24-access to the Canadian Border at the Willow Creek Port of Entry into Saskatchewan.
A public meeting will be held in Havre Aug. 5 to familiarize area residents with the remote video inspection system (RVIS) that will make around-the-clock border crossings possible. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the Havre city council chambers.
Jon Weigum, area port director of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Servicer at Sweetgrass, said the Willow Creek Port will remain open until 10 p.m. Aug. 5 to allow Canadians the chance to attend the town meeting.
Weigum said U.S and Canadian border stations at the Willow Creek crossing will be manned during the regular working hours from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. From 5 p.m. until 9 a.m., the crossings will be operated from remote locations.
Weigum said the new technology allows the inspection agencies of both the United States and Canada to carry on inspections from the remote locations by use of a video camera and special communications equipment. The remote location on the U.S. side of the border will be the Sweetgrass station, he said.
People wishing to utilize the RVIS must complete applications with both U.S. and Canadian authorities to enroll in the system. There is no fee for enrolling.
Having 24-hour access to the crossing could save a lot of time for regular travelers who have trouble getting to the crossing on time.
Weigum encourages everyone to attend the town meeting and to learn more about the 24-hour the RVIS crossing process scheduled for implementation at Willow Creek.
