Border Security on the Rise: Harbourmaster Calls for Increased Funding and Action

Windsor harbourmaster Peter Berry says there's been an uptick in illegal border crossings, including one by kayak and another on a stolen Sea-Doo. He believes more needs to be done to prevent such incidents, including increased funding for patrol craft and joint operations. Berry also expresses concerns about drug and weapons smuggling and human trafficking. The federal government has committed to spending $1.3 billion on improved border security, but Berry says more needs to be done in the Windsor area.

Windsor, July 2, 2025 – Windsor harbourmaster Peter Berry has expressed concern over a recent surge in illegal border crossings, including incidents involving kayaks and stolen Sea-Doos. Berry's comments follow reports from the LaSalle Police Service and Sarnia Police Service about two separate attempts to enter Canada and the U.S. illegally. The harbourmaster emphasizes the need for increased funding and resources to bolster border security in the Windsor area.

Berry notes that while such incidents are not new, there has been a notable uptick in the past month to six weeks. "In the past, I've found homemade boats, floaties – pool floaties – they paddle themselves across," Berry said. "Is it all in the middle of the night? No. … What we're starting to see is actually the public is waking up to the fact that this is occurring and taking that opportunity to make that phone call" [1].

The Sarnia Police Service alleges that a 40-year-old man illegally entered the U.S. on a rented Sea-Doo, while the LaSalle Police Service reported discovering a man attempting to enter Canada by kayak. Both incidents underscore the potential for drug and weapons smuggling and human trafficking, concerns that Berry shares [1].

The federal government has pledged to invest $1.3 billion in border security improvements, but Berry believes more needs to be done, especially in the Windsor area. He advocates for additional patrol craft, storage facilities, and funding for joint operations between agencies such as the OPP, RCMP, and Windsor Police. "We need funding that will put an OPP boat, an RCMP boat and Windsor police boat in the same building at the same location," Berry said [1].

Ottawa has already taken steps to enhance border security, deploying drones and Black Hawk helicopters to the border and introducing Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act, which would expand the mandate of the Coast Guard to include security activities. However, Berry emphasizes that while these measures are a step in the right direction, more needs to be done to ensure that resources are effectively allocated to high-risk areas like Windsor-Detroit [1].

Senator Sandra Pupatello, who represents Windsor, has echoed Berry's concerns, stating that the region's close proximity to the U.S. makes it a prime target for illegal crossings. "It's such a sliver of a river between our nations," she said. "It's the easiest path. … We're very close to our American friends. So this is the area that needs a heightened focus" [1].

While Canada cannot prevent people from attempting to enter the country illegally, Pupatello believes that more can be done to stop such activities, including training more officers and acquiring the necessary equipment. "It's going to take time to train more officers … time to get … the equipment ordered, getting it built, etc.," she said [1].

In conclusion, the recent incidents in Windsor highlight the need for continued vigilance and investment in border security. As the federal government works to implement new measures, it is crucial that resources are directed towards high-risk areas to effectively address the challenges posed by illegal border crossings.

References:
[1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/windsor-illegal-kayak-sea-doo-border-crossings-prompt-call-for-action-1.7606410