Recent federal actions to modernize Canada’s land border crossings represent a meaningful step forward for trade-enabling infrastructure, including at the Port of Wild Horse, a critical gateway for Southeast Alberta and businesses along the Eastern Alberta Trade Corridor. Through the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) Land Border Crossing Project (LBCP), the federal government is rebuilding and modernizing select ports of entry that are at or near the end of their lifecycle.

The objective is to improve the border crossing experience for travellers, enhance safety and security, and provide border services officers with modern, fit-for-purpose facilities designed to adapt to future operational needs. Wild Horse, Alberta is identified as one of the ports currently in the planning and design phase of this national program, alongside locations in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, and New Brunswick. [cbsa-asfc.gc.ca]

What Is Changing at Wild Horse

Momentum on long-advocated improvements continued to move forward with the release of a federal Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Wild Horse Port of Entry (Solicitation WS5607834295). The RFP calls for demolition of existing structures and preparation of the site for new, owner-supplied prefabricated modular buildings and supporting infrastructure. According to the procurement notice, the scope of work includes:

• Site servicing, utilities, roadwork, and sidewalks
• Installation of modular inspection and administrative buildings
• Construction of supporting infrastructure, including a detached garage
• Installation of a backup diesel generator and utility shed

The project is expected to move quickly once awarded, with an estimated construction period of approximately five months and a proposed site construction start date of June 2026. These upgrades align with improvements already delivered at other smaller ports, which emphasize compact, flexible designs, improved accessibility, and resilience to climate and operational demands.

Why This Matters for Southeast Alberta

Wild Horse is a key link in the Eastern Alberta–Eastern Montana trade corridor, serving exporters, agricultural producers, energy services, transportation firms, and supply chain operators across the region. Investment in modern facilities helps address long-standing operational constraints caused by outdated infrastructure and limited service capacity. While infrastructure upgrades alone do not resolve all trade and border challenges, they are a necessary foundation for:

• Improved reliability and safety at the crossing
• More efficient use of CBSA staffing and resources
• Greater certainty for businesses planning north-south logistics
• Reduced pressure on Alberta’s single full-service commercial crossing at Coutts

These outcomes directly support regional competitiveness and cost control for businesses that depend on timely border access.

Alignment With Chamber Policy and Advocacy

The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce has consistently advocated for improvements at Wild Horse and these federal investments reflect progress on policy priorities. The Chamber’s active policy calls for expanded and more consistent hours at Wild Horse to reduce bottlenecks and strengthen Alberta’s trade capacity with the United States. While we recognize the hours of operation are not linked to the modernization project, the Chamber’s policy recognizes that infrastructure limitations and service constraints have long made Wild Horse a choke point for north-south trade. Modernized facilities show progress towards improved service levels, providing more appropriate inspection space, officer amenities, and operational infrastructure. While these improvements are not a prerequisite for extended hours, they do support improved service delivery, recognizing that improved service delivery can increase traffic flow, and increased traffic flow would ultimately influence the need for extended hours over the long term.

At the federal level, the Chamber has a federal policy advocating for increased commercial border crossing access and reduced reliance on a single designated commercial office in Alberta. The policy emphasizes the need for mirrored investments and coordination on both sides of the border, along with modern facilities and technology such as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) systems. Infrastructure investments at Wild Horse support this objective by positioning the port to play a larger role in regional trade flows over time and by alleviating congestion at existing commercial gateways.

Looking Ahead

The Land Border Crossing Project represents a multi-year, national commitment to rebuilding critical trade infrastructure. As of 2025, CBSA has received approval to rebuild up to 24 land border ports of entry across Canada, supported by a federal investment totaling $481 million. For Southeast Alberta, progress at Wild Horse demonstrates that sustained, evidence-based advocacy matters. The Chamber will continue to monitor the Wild Horse project, engage with federal and provincial partners, and advocate for the operational improvements, hours of service, and policy alignment needed to fully realize the economic potential of this crossing.