B.C. flooding border exemptions end Monday

The exemption at the U.S.-Canada border for people affected by B.C.’s floods ends Monday night.

The exemption, which allowed some people to cross the border without having to abide by COVID-19 rules, has been in place since mid-November, when extreme floods left the majority of B.C.’s major highways shutdown, heavily affecting the supply chain.

Those who needed to access essential food and supplies because of the flood situation have not been required to provide proof of a COVID-19 pre-arrival test, undergo testing upon arrival, or quarantine.

“Given the improved situation in BC, this temporary exemption for residents and essential workers in BC will end on January 31, 2022 at 20:59 PST,” the government of Canada wrote in a statement Friday.

Related articles:

• Stranded B.C. traveller takes on 14-hour drive through U.S. to get home after highways flooded

• Border exemptions for British Columbians otherwise stranded by floods

In recent weeks, several major routes have reopened, including the Coquihalla Highway and Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon.

“This restores a major route connecting the Lower Mainland to B.C.’s Interior and North, helping the movement of people and goods. Repairs to the highway were completed, despite the record snowfalls, avalanche risks and cold temperatures over the past few weeks,” the B.C. Ministry of Transportation wrote in a release.

Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon reopened to all vehicle traffic on Jan. 24, 2022, marking another milestone in British Columbia’s recovery from November’s flooding, the province said. (Courtesy: B.C. Ministry of Transportation)

The Government of Canada continues to advise Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside of the country at this time.

With files from Denise Wong, and Hana Mae Nassar