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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.

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. 

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

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When the United States-Canada border closed in March 2020 because of the pandemic, it split two towns that function as one: Baudette, Minn. and Rainy River, Ontario. But the long separation will soon end when the border is fully reopened next month. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer talked with the mayors of both cities about what it’s been like living in a community divided.

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

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