The U.S. - Canadian border crossing in Porthill, ID is a major part of surrounding communities on both sides of the border.  The hours of operation prior to COVID restrictions were 7:00 am-11:00 pm.  During the pandemic, hours were restricted to 7:00 am -5:00 pm.  While this reduction in hours made sense during the pandemic to conserve resources and help keep infection rates down, and as border crossings were severely decreased during the height of COVID restrictions, those conditions are no longer in play and the pre-pandemic hours should be restored. Local businesses and communities desperately need the pre-COVID hours to return, to help revitalize the economy and help return the area to a sense of normalcy, both economically and socially. 

To change the hours back to the "before times" schedule, would mean the world to businesses, communities, families, individuals.   Shoppers going up to Canada or down to Idaho for day trips, would be able to have the time they need to complete their purchases and return home.  Community activities such as parties, fundraisers, church events, rodeos, barbeques, etc., could commence as they once had, involving friends and neighbors on either side of the Porthill border.  Businesses that have struggled during the pandemic can once again be engaged in a thriving economy that involves the entire border community.  Workers and employers will have more job and hiring options if they can freely come and go during normal business hours.  Families that have members on both sides of the border can visit their loved ones and enjoy dinner together before they need to return home.  

As of October 1, 2022, Canada lifted its cross-border COVID restrictions and travelers are no longer required to test, vaccinate, quarantine, or use the ArriveCAN app.  The operational hours need to reflect that change and go back to the 7:00 am-11:00 pm schedule.  Our communities here desperately need this change for our economical, physical, and emotional well-being.  Please join me in signing this petition to effect immediate change!