A number of smaller border crossings in our region were scheduled for some significant upgrades this year, however, that process appears to be behind schedule based on information from Canada Border Services Agency.

In 2015, the former Harper government rolled out a multi-million dollar, Canada wide plan that would upgrade border infrastructure and modernize the country's ports of entry. The border facilities at Winkler, Gretna, Snowflake and Windygates were scheduled to be replaced with construction to start this year. However, it appears the process is nowhere near construction at this point.

"I can only tell you that we are in the preliminary planning and assessment stages, so really in the beginning stages," said Jacquie Callin, Media Relations Officer for CBSA. "Once that assessment is complete, we'll have a better idea of what the next steps will be. So, it may not go ahead this year, however, that again will be determined."

A total of 17 ports of entry in Manitoba were scheduled for upgrades or replacement.

The infrastructure investment includes design finalization, site services, geotechnical and environmental assessments, as well as modular building construction, including structural, mechanical, electrical, internal fit-up, commissioning, project management and signage.

The program was orginally supposed to cost about $440 million to complete, however, Callin says those costs are also under review