Buffalo, NY – Mayor Byron W. Brown today applauded the reopening of the border between the U.S. and Canada, as part of the lifting of travel restrictions on foreign travelers into the U.S.
“This is a huge step toward recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. The two-and-half hour wait for Canadians to cross the Peace Bridge into Buffalo early this morning, demonstrates the pent up demand on the part of our Canadian neighbors to visit their family and friends, have fun, and do business in Buffalo and Western New York,” Mayor Brown said.
As of 12:01 a.m. Monday, November 8, Canadians are able to enter the U.S. with proof of full vaccination. However, to return to Canada, they are required to pass a Covid test, which can cost upwards of $200. Americans traveling to Canada face the same requirement.
“I urge the Canadian federal government to lift that testing requirement for fully vaccinated travelers. It’s a financial burden for many Buffalo and Western New York residents, as well as Ontario residents who will forego day trips to shop, dine, go to Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres games and do business. It is a hurdle in getting back to pre-Covid economic conditions,” Mayor Brown said
Prior to the pandemic, Canadians made hundreds of thousands of cross-border trips – both day trips and overnight stays
– amounting to nearly $1 billion of annual expenditures and related taxes, according to Visit Buffalo Niagara.
Buffalo PAL PlayStreets will take place at Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park this week
Buffalo Police Athletic League’s popular PlayStreets will take place on Tuesday, November 9, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, 1 Porter Ave.
There will be no Thursday PlayStreets session this week because of the Veterans Day holiday.
All sessions are weather permitting. In addition to free fitness gear, participants will receive a healthy snack and bottled water.
PlayStreets is sponsored by Independent Health and supported by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, in partnership with City of Buffalo Block Clubs. Youth who have not previously participated in PlayStreets events are asked to register at: buffalopal.com.