From the office of MP Leslyn Lewis
To The Haldimand Press
PORT DOVER—“As the warmer weather approaches, seasonal tourism along the Grand River and our sunny south coast of Lake Erie is set to return. Our sandy shores, warm waters, and hospitality attract people from not just southern Ontario but from across the country and from around the world,” said Member of Parliament Leslyn Lewis.
“Open ports are an essential part of our lakefront communities’ culture, and our economy; and after two long and unpredictable years of COVID restrictions, our local businesses are ready to welcome guests, and our communities are ready for the vibrancy, that we all know and love, to return.”
A signature event in Port Dover that many look forward to is the Lake Erie Interclub Sailboat Race. However, while international airports and land border crossings were open and the number of international visitors steadily increased, our local small vessel ports were unable to share in the resurgence of international visitors.
MP Lewis noted that this fact would have seen signature events like the Sailboat race potentially cancelled as a result of the federal government’s travel restrictions.
“I want to thank the organizers of the Lake Erie Interclub Sailboat Race for being the first to bring this issue to my attention,” said Lewis. “From the day they called, my team and I have been in regular contact with the Office of the Minister of Public Safety and with CBSA officials working to see a reopening.”
She continued, “I’m proud to announce that, starting today (May 20), the Canada Border Services Agency will be resuming service at most small vessel reporting sites, allowing international visitors to, once again, sail directly into our communities and to enjoy and contribute to local economies.”
Wayne Shorrock, Lake Erie InterClub Race Committee, said of the announcement, “I am very pleased that my work in conjunction with my MP Leslyn Lewis has resulted in the reopening of the majority of Ports of Entry in Ontario.”
“Our tourism-based businesses have been shuttered far too long and Canadians want to be able to travel freely, whether by car, plane, or boat,” concluded Shorrock. “I look forward to reconnecting with my American friends on the water.”
