Reopening Canadian Border Brings Business Back to Hotels, Cleaning Companies

Hotels, retail shops, and other businesses along the U.S and Canadian border have lost customers since the pandemic closed borders between the two countries. As Canada prepares to reopen its border to U.S. citizens next Monday, Canadian hotels, stores, and other facilities are anticipating increased business, The Wall Street Journal and Marketplace report.

Canada will allow fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents currently living in the U.S. to enter the country for nonessential purposes such as tourism and recreation beginning August 9. Travelers will need to wait at least 14 days after their last vaccine dose, present proof of an approved, negative COVID-19 test taken during 72 hours before their arrival in Canada and must not have any symptoms of the disease.

U.S. cleaning companies are busy with requests to clean cabins and other Canadian buildings owned by Americans, according to The Buffalo News. Many are concerned about the state of their property after not being able to visit it for more than 16 months.

Canadian officials said reopening the border “would sustain jobs, boost business confidence, and allow more families to reunite. It would help facilitate a safe and gradual return to a more normal life.”

The United States has not reciprocated by reopening its border to Canadians. Last month it extended its border restrictions with Canada and Mexico through at least August 21.

Hotels, resorts, and other American tourism facilities that rely on Canadian visitors, such as in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, say they have lost 20% of their revenue since the border closed, according to Seacoastonline.com.