MP Lewis Announces reopening of local ports to international visitors
May 20, 2022
Port Dover, Ontario – “As the warmer weather approaches, seasonal tourism along the Grand River and our sunny south coast of Lake Erie is set to return. Our sandy shores, warm waters and hospitality attract people from not just southern Ontario but from across the country and from around the world.” said Member of Parliament Leslyn Lewis. “Open ports are an essential part of our lakefront communities’ culture, and our economy; and after 2 long and unpredictable years of COVID restrictions, our local businesses are ready to welcome guests, and our communities are ready for the vibrancy, that we all know and love, to return.”
A signature event in Port Dover that many look forward to is the Lake Erie Interclub Sailboat Race. However, while international airports and land border crossings were open and the number of international visitors steadily increased, our local small vessel ports were unable to share in the resurgence of international visitors, a fact that would have seen signature events like the Sailboat race potentially cancelled as a result of the federal government’s travel restrictions.
“I want to thank the organizers of the Lake Erie Interclub Sailboat Race for being the first to bring this issue to my attention.” said Lewis. “From the day they called, my team and I have been in regular contact with the Office of the Minister of Public Safety and with CBSA officials working to see a reopening,” said Lewis. “I’m proud to announce that, starting today, the Canada Border Services Agency will be resuming service at most small vessel reporting sites, allowing international visitors to, once again, sail directly into our communities and to enjoy and contribute to local economies.”
“I am very pleased that my work in conjunction with my MP Leslyn Lewis has resulted in the reopening of the majority of Ports of Entry in Ontario. Our tourism-based businesses have been shuttered far too long and Canadians want to be able to travel freely, whether by car, plane or boat. I look forward to reconnecting with my American friends on the water.” said Wayne Shorrock, Lake Erie Inter-Club Race Committee
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Background:
Local sites that remain temporarily suspended include Dunnville Town Docks and the St Williams Funny Farm Marina
For full details on the resumption of CBSA services, and instruction for travelers entering Canada visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/news/2022/05/covid-19-the-cbsa-resumes-services-at-most-small-marine-vessel-reporting-sites.html
For a full list of small vessel reporting sites that are reopening May 20th, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/news/2022/05/covid-19-the-cbsa-resumes-services-at-most-small-vessel-reporting-sites.html