The Alberta Government has announced new ways in which it plans to beef up security at the Alberta-Montana border. (Photo: Pattison Media)

By David Opinko

Alberta announces new border security measures

Mar 5, 2025 | 3:30 PM

The Government of Alberta has announced new investments aimed at tightening up security at the Alberta-Montana border.

It is committing $15 million over two years to create three new vehicle inspection stations along Highway 1 at Dunmore, Highway 3 at Burmis and Highway 4 at Coutts.

They are also training highway maintenance workers to identify and report suspicious activities during their operations.

Volker Stevin has a contract to maintain approximately 600 kilometres of highways in southern Alberta.

Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen says these steps should go a long way in keeping Canadians safe.

“Border security is a priority, and Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors is doing its part to enhance security and surveillance through three new vehicle inspection stations and with the help of our highway maintenance contractors, who will be trained to detect and report suspicious activity, providing an extra pair of eyes along the border,” says Dreeshen.

Today’s announcement is the latest in several border-related initiatives in recent months.

In December 2024, the province announced a $29 million plan to create an Interdiction Patrol Team (IPT) within the Alberta Sheriffs.

Since then, 20 officers have been assigned to the IPT between all border entry points and are actively working with the RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency. Hiring will continue until all 51 positions are filled.

The government says it is also working to acquire resources for the IPT such as drones, night-vision optics and patrol canines. These should be in place within the next few months.

As well, the province amended the Critical Infrastructure Defence Regulation in January 2025 to create a two-kilometre-deep zone north of the border. It gives peace officers the authority to arrest people caught trespassing on, interfering with, or damaging essential infrastructure.

Justice Minister Mickey Amery says stopping criminals at or near the border will keep people safe elsewhere in the country.

“Amending the Critical Infrastructure Defence Regulation is a key piece of our efforts to strengthen security in the area near the international border. We have quickly taken action that will support law enforcement in improving public safety, and tackle cross-border crime, drugs, illegal migrants and human-trafficking,” says Amery.

READ MORE: Alberta taking action to prevent illegal crossing, drug trafficking at border