In Baudette, Minn., anticipation grows for the border reopening

US-CANADA-BORDER-HEALTH-VIRUS
Vehicles cross the Blue Water Bridge over the St. Claire River to Port Huron, Mich., from Sarnia, Ontario, in March 2020.
Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images 2020

When the Minnesota-Canada border closed in March 2020, no one expected it would be closed for 20 months. But that’s how long it will have been by the time the border fully reopens.

Nov. 8 is the big day when communities and families will be reunited. For Baudette in northwestern Minnesota, a reopened border means the city will be able to unify again with their neighbors in Rainy River, Ontario.

Baudette claims to be Walleye Capitol of the World
Welcome to Baudette.
John Enger | MPR News 2014

MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with the mayors of both cities about what they’ve been through since the pandemic started and — what it will mean to have that border open again. Both said the day cannot come soon enough.

Guests:

  • Deb Ewald, mayor of Rainy River, Ontario

  • Rick Rone, mayor of Baudette, Minn.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.