As part of its plan to modernize land border infrastructure, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is pleased to announce that construction has begun at the Paterson, BC, port of entry.

The Paterson port of entry is located in the West Kootenay region of south central British Columbia. It provides traveller and commercial services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The port of entry will remain open during construction and service will continue uninterrupted.

The newly redesigned and rebuilt Paterson port of entry will provide border services officers with the modern facilities they need to keep Canadians safe while improving the flow of people and goods.  Key features will include enhanced functional space designed to meet officer needs and operational goals, additional space for secondary inspection, including an enclosed garage, and a new inspection booth to process both traveller and commercial vehicles.

In April this year , following an open, transparent and competitive procurement process, a contract valued at $18.1 million was awarded to Greyback Construction Ltd to complete the work. Public Services and Procurement Canada led the competitive procurement process and will manage the project on behalf of the CBSA. Construction is expected to be completed by 2028. Updated timelines will be communicated as needed.

The CBSA is also engaging with Indigenous communities and working closely with various levels of government, industry stakeholders and U.S. counterparts. The contract includes a requirement for an Indigenous Participation Plan, under which bidders were required to identify opportunities for local Indigenous economic participation. Greyback has committed to subcontracting work to a supplier from the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) valued at a minimum of five per cent of the total construction contract amount.

The Paterson port of entry redevelopments are part of the Agency’s Land Border Crossing Project, a plan to renew and upgrade a number of Canadian land ports of entry across the country. 

"Paterson is an important border crossing in British Columbia’s West Kootenay region and a crucial economic link for the whole province. Once completed, the new port of entry will provide travellers and commercial carriers with a smooth and more efficient border crossing experience, and equip Border Services Officers with modern infrastructure and technologies to support them keep the border secure," said Nina Patel, Regional Director General, Pacific Region, CBSA.