RCMP boosts Canada–U.S. border security with a new drone corridor

An RCMP drone initiative that began this week will further strengthen Canada—U.S. border security.

The RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region (NWR) established a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) corridor along the border in the NWR. This border corridor is initially being introduced and trialled in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, to enhance border security and support the safe, coordinated use of drones, or RPAS, within the Canadian airspace at the Canada—U.S. border.

The RPAS corridor, established in collaboration with Transport Canada, will continue to enhance border security through intelligence-driven patrols targeting all illegal activity along the border. This includes searching for individuals who illegally enter Canada between official ports of entry and for the human smugglers who facilitate their travel. As well, RPAS patrols will detect and stop illegal smuggling and trafficking of contraband such as illicit drugs into and out of Canada.

This strategic trial allows the RCMP to gather insights, evaluate performance, and inform how advanced RPAS tools might be implemented across other locations along the border. Community feedback will be incorporated in the evaluation process to help guide the evolution of the initiative.

“The RCMP is committed to advancing the use of RPAS technology to enhance our service delivery models that protect the security of our border. The use of this technology and the creation of the RCMP RPAS corridor will also augment our ability to enhance coordination efficiencies amongst our law enforcement partners, which will ultimately have a direct impact on public safety,” said assistant commissioner Lisa Moreland, regional commander of the NWR.

The RPAS corridor took effect at 9 p.m. Aug. 18 and the initiative will be continually evaluated and assessed in terms of operational value, cost and impact on communities along the border.

The RPAS corridor, formally referred to as advisory airspace, does not restrict flight activity. It extends from ground to 500 feet, to one nautical mile north of the border (1.85 kilometers).

Local pilots, agricultural operators, and recreational aviation users may continue to fly in the area but are asked to exercise increased caution, and to notify the RCMP before entering the corridor. The goal is to strengthen situational awareness, reduce the risk of mid-air conflicts, and enable safer RPAS patrols of Canada’s border.

Anyone planning to fly in the corridor is asked to provide notification in advance, by utilizing ADS-B Out, a system that transmits your aircraft’s location, or notify the RCMP in advance of your flight.

For more than 24 hours notice email NWRRPASNWRSAT@rcmpgrc.gc.ca. For short-notice or same-day coordination (available 24/7) call 1-888-626-4238. In the event that you can’t reach anyone, call 1-866-475-4238.