Farmer In U.S. Border Town Calls Road Closure Unfair

A farmer living near the US-Canada border has strongly criticized the planned closure of a historic cross-border road, calling the decision unfair and unnecessary. The road, commonly known as Border Road, connects communities in Montana and Alberta and has been used freely by residents for decades.

Roger Horgus, a wheat farmer from Sweet Grass Hills in Montana, says the road has long been a symbol of close ties between communities on both sides of the border. He recalled how people would cross the road easily in the past to meet friends, ride bicycles, and spend time together without barriers. For many residents, the border felt more like a shared space than a strict divide.

However, this long-standing practice will come to an end on July 1, when Canadians will no longer be allowed to use the road. The decision is part of border security measures introduced under the administration of Donald Trump, which aim to control illegal migration and cross-border crime.

The road itself lies within the United States but has been maintained by Canadian authorities in Alberta. To manage the change, the Alberta government has announced plans to build a new gravel road on its own side of the border. The project is expected to cost around C$8 million and is scheduled to begin construction soon.

Horgus believes the decision is not only unfair but also wasteful. He argues that building a separate road on the Canadian side will lead to unnecessary spending, as both countries will end up maintaining parallel routes. He also expressed frustration that local residents were asked for their opinions, but their feedback did not appear to influence the final decision.

Many residents in the region share similar concerns. They say the closure will disrupt daily life, making travel longer and more complicated for farmers, families, and businesses that depend on easy access across the border. Some also feel that the move weakens the strong social and economic connections that have existed for generations.

While US officials have justified the closure by citing security concerns, including drug trafficking and illegal crossings, some locals question these reasons. Horgus pointed out that border communities have already seen increased security measures over the years and believes that residents themselves can help monitor and report suspicious activity.

Despite the upcoming changes, Horgus remains committed to maintaining relationships across the border. He says he will continue visiting Canada for business and personal reasons, even if it becomes more difficult. For him and many others, the border may be a line on the map, but the sense of community goes beyond it.

The closure of Border Road marks a significant shift for people living in the region, ending a decades-long tradition of open and easy cross-border movement.