Customs to expand

Ken Johnston

Plans are in the works for expanding the Canadian Customs facilities at Rainy River.
Pierre Marquis of the Canada Border Services Agency said that they have been looking at the needs of the staff at Rainy River and the current building, which is not that old, is not big enough.
Since the terrorist attacks of 9-11-01 staff levels have been increased right across the Canada-U.S. border and Rainy River is no exception.
“We are looking at expanding the facility but have no fixed plans or a deadline for it to happen,” said Marquis last Friday.
At this early stage in the planning process, Marquis said details have not been ironed out. He could not say if the expansion will include any new technological equipment, such as x-ray machines. He did say that the “office accommodation factor” is the most prevalent reason for the move to expand.