Joint inspection station to open on Alberta, B.C. border

CALGARY (Oct. 16, 2003) — B.C. and Alberta are planning to built a new joint inspection station near the provincial border in the Kicking Horse Pass for dual use by both provinces.

The Alberta Motor Transport Association reported that each province is hoping to save costs by shutting down older weigh stations near the provincial boundary, and share the cost of the new facility. The stations to be replaced are on Hwy. 1. near Calgary and the Golden facility in B.C.

Leanne Stangeland, spokeswoman for Alberta’s transportation department said she expects the two provinces to save $2 million in capital costs. She said the new facility — which will cost between $3 – $5 million to build — would also reduce about $150,000 in annual operating costs for each province.

The new facility will accommodate inspection agents from both provinces, as well as share traffic and weather information between the two jurisdictions on electronic messaging boards.