Fact Sheet

June 2001

New customs facility
Armstrong – Highway 173, Quebec

Each year, the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) handles over $500 billion in cross-border trade and processes more than 108 million travellers. Last year alone, Canada conducted over $2.2 billion worth of business with the world each day through the import and export of goods and services.

Through its commitment to modernizing Canada's borders, the CCRA identified the Armstrong facility as a priority for replacement. The port of entry, located on the Quebec-Maine border on Highway 173 southeast of Quebec City, was constructed in 1949.

A new building is needed for a number of reasons, including:

• insufficient space for processing of commercial shipments and travellers;
• overcrowding of current operations; and
• seasonal traffic pressures relating to the growth in tourism.

The new facility will provide for more efficient operations to meet the needs of Canadians returning to Canada and visitors entering the country.

The Armstrong – Highway 173 project is expected to cost up to seven million dollars. A site assessment will be completed by mid-July, followed immediately by the design phase. The new facility is expected to open in 2003.

Before the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency begins the design phase of the facility, Canadian officials will explore with their U.S. counterparts the potential for a joint facility.

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