By Doug Draper
Officials on both sides of our Ontario-New York. border have rolled out a “comprehensive planning effort” they hope will avoid what could be a perfect storm at our bridge crossings during the Holiday Season.
The planning by a coalition of custom agencies and others has been many months in the making and is a response not only to an always busy Holiday Season at Niagara’s three major bridge crossings, but to an unusual number of other activities this season that is expected to possibly draw an unprecedented number of cross-border visitors that could get tangled in enormous backups at the bridges.
Along with the many people who cross the border to shop this time of year, the Buffalo area is playing host to the World Junior Hockey Championships. On Boxing Day, alone, three hockey games will be hosted at Buffalo’s HSBC Arena, including a Russia-Canada game, and the Buffalo Bills football team is playing a home game that always brings large numbers of Canadians across the border to its Orchard Park, N.Y. stadium. On top of that, there will be all of those shoppers crossing the border for bargains.
For the information of our binational population of readers, Niagara At Large is posting below the media release from the Binational Econonic and Tourism Alliance, compete with links that you can access for border crossing information. That is followed by a tip sheet for making your trip across the bridges a little easier.
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Border Crossing Coalition Announces Comprehensive Planning Effort to Promote Efficient Travel During Holiday Season and Upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships
BUFFALO, N.Y. December 21, 2010 – Today an informal coalition of customs agencies, port operators, and binational advocacy organizations – including the Buffalo Sabres, the Binational Economic & Tourism Alliance (BETA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Peace Bridge Authority (PBA), the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission (NFBC), the Ontario Motor Coach Association (OMCA), the Niagara International Transportation Technology Coalition (NITTEC), the Niagara Sports Commission, and the Canadian Consulate – unveiled a comprehensive planning effort to help facilitate greater efficiency and reliability at Buffalo Niagara region border crossings during anticipated peak travel days between December 24, 2010 and January 5, 2011.
It is currently anticipated that December 26, 2010 will be one of the busier cross border periods with several regional special events scheduled, such as a Buffalo Bills home game at 1 p.m., the World Junior Hockey Championship kickoff with three games at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo at 12:30 p.m., 4 p.m. (Russia – Canada Game) and 8 p.m., and one game at Dwyer Arena in Niagara Falls, NY, at 4 p.m. Many skiers and cross border shoppers are also expected to take advantage of Boxing Day specials on both sides of the border.
Two other potential peak travel days are December 28, 2010 and December 31, 2010, when three World Junior Hockey games are scheduled at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo at 12:30 p.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m., as well as one game at Dwyer Arena in Niagara Falls, NY, at 4 p.m.
Travelers with flexible travel plans are urged to leave as early as possible for their cross-border shopping trips and avoid peak travel periods historically during late-morning for U.S. bound motorists, and between noon and midnight for those headed to Canada. On December 26, 2010 Canadian shoppers headed to the U.S. are encouraged to leave early and return home before noon if possible, in order to minimize your crossing time. In addition, those travelers who are able to spend the evening of December 25, 2010 at their cross border destination will have the opportunity to take the earliest possible advantage of the many specials and activities on both sides of the border.
Fans attending hockey games on December 26, 28, and 31 in particular are Canada. Children under the age of 16 can present an original or copy of their birth certificate. Please visit the WHTI Web site for additional information (getyouhome.gov) regarding entry into the U.S. and the CBSA Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca for entry into Canada.
Travelers should check traffic conditions at the Peace, Rainbow, and Queenston-Lewiston Bridges and select the least busy crossing. Current travel conditions are available via:
Calling NFBC toll free at (1-800-715-6722) or 511 for traffic updates
Tuning the radio to 1610 AM
Travelers can also visit the following websites: www.cbp.gov , www.cbsa.gc.ca , www.nittec.org , www.peacebridge.com , www.niagarafallsbridges.com
Noting NITTEC highway dynamic message signs with posted delays
Registering at www.mynittec.org to receive a free personalized email or text notifications of border delays and regional traffic information
Accessing Twitter at www.twitter.com/CBSA_BWT
Using cell phones to access travel information at wap.gc.ca or www.gc.ca
Travelers may also avoid border delays by crossing at the NEXUS-only Whirlpool Bridge if everyone in the vehicle posses a NEXUS card. Please note that the Whirlpool Bridge is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
During the anticipated peak travel days and other peak periods through to December 31, 2010, U.S. CBP and CBSA will have operational measures in place to expedite and facilitate border crossings with additional staff and maximizing the number of available primary lanes. However, if you choose or have to cross during the anticipated busiest days or peak periods, allow for extra time, be prepared with proper identification, have supplies in the vehicle like water and snacks, and be patient. Same day Canadian cross-border shoppers returning to Canada are reminded that there are no personal exemptions applicable and all purchases are subject to the HST and other possible duties. For more information, check Know Before You Go on the U.S. CBP Web site at www.cbp.gov or click onto Canadian and Residents on the left of CBSA’s homepage at www.cbsa.gc.ca.
Cross safely and allow for extra time to reach your cross-border destination. Don’t drink and drive. Happy Traveling and Happy Holidays!
Holiday Border Tips
Border Tip 1
Other than essential luggage, empty your trunk before the trip. Additional belongings in your car may add time to your crossing, as border officers may perform a visual inspection of the belongings in your car.
Border Tip 2
Turn off radios and cell phones when approaching the inspection booths, roll down window, remove sunglasses and speak directly to the border officer.
Border Tip 3
Declare all purchases and have receipts in hand. Also be sure to declare all fruits, vegetables, plants and plant products, animals, birds, eggs, meat and meat products, as well as items acquired for personal use. For further information for entry into Canada consult www.inspections.gc.ca and for entry into U.S. consult www.cbp.gov
Border Tip 4
You can avoid border delays by crossing at the NEXUS-only Whirlpool Bridge if you and everyone in the vehicle have NEXUS cards. Please note that the Whirlpool Bridge is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Peace and Rainbow Bridges also have NEXUS lanes. For more information about NEXUS, click onto www.NEXUS.gc.ca
Border Tip 5
For traveler information related to entry into Canada, contact the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at 1-800-461-9999 for calls within Canada or 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064 for calls outside Canada (long distance charges applicable) or consult the CBSA Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca
For traveler information related to entry into the US, contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) at 1-877-227-5511 or consult the US CBP Web site at www.cbp.gov
Border Tip 6
Be patient. Border officers are responsible for protecting our nations’ border and public safety. Ensure that your license plate is visible – remove any snow or dirt that obscures the license plate number. Do not drink and drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Border Tip 7
Ensure that you have proper identifications for yourself and everyone in the vehicle readily available in hand when crossing the border. (If you don’t have a NEXUS card, your best bet is to have a Passport.)
(Visit Niagara At Large at www.niagaraatlarge.com for more news and commentary on matters of interest and concern to our greater binational Niagara region.)
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