Fully immunized Canadians will be able to enter Western New York after 19 months.
Representative Brian Higgins' office confirms to "2 On Your Side" that the border will reopen early next month.
Higgins' office did not provide a specific date for when the border would reopen. The reopening will be discussed at a press conference Wednesday morning at the Peace Bridge.
"At long last, the United States is taking steps to open the doors and welcome our Canadian neighbors back," Congressman Higgins said.
On March 21, 2021, all non-essential access to Canada from Western New York was shut down.
Higgins said they've been hearing from businesses that are hurting and families who are distraught because of the ongoing border shutdown for months.
The relief felt by Northern Border villages as a result of the announcement is "so loud it can nearly be heard on both ends of the Peace Bridge," according to the congressman.
Higgins stated last week that "justifying continuing restriction of the northern border to our Canadian neighbors, based on other difficulties at the southern border, is unacceptable," citing the vaccination rate in Canada.
Since August 9, Americans have been authorized to travel to Canada if they had a negative COVID-19 test, were vaccinated, and organized their trip through a Canadian government-issued app.
Senators Schumer and Gillibrand's offices, as well as Congressman Jacobs' offices, were contacted for more information.
Schumer thanked U.S. President Joe Biden for doing the right thing and boosting cross-border travel between the two countries.
Increased vaccination coverage rates on both sides of the border have opened the door to safe cross-border travel, which will now safely boost Upstate New York's economic activity.
"I commend our federal partners for restoring our borders to Canada, as I have requested since the closure began. Canadians are not only our trading partners, but they are also our neighbors and friends," Governor Hochul said in a statement Tuesday night.
"As we continue to rebuild and recover from this pandemic, from Western New York to the North Country, I look forward to welcoming our Canadian neighbors back to New York," the governor added.
