This brick building on Boundary Avenue in Emerson was constructed between 1952 and 1954 by the Peter Leitch Construction Company, at a cost of about $328,000, for use as a customs port of entry, immigration bus terminal, and examining warehouse. In later years, it was used primarily for processing of commercial traffic. Closed in June 2003, the building was used until around 2019 as an inspection station for livestock being imported into the United States. It was vacant at the time of a 2023 site visit.
The former Emerson Customs Building (May 2023)
Source: Gordon Goldsborough
The former Emerson Customs Building (May 2023)
Source: Gordon Goldsborough
Interior of the former Emerson Customs Building (May 2023)
Source: Gordon Goldsborough
Interior of the former Emerson Customs Building (May 2023)
Source: Gordon GoldsboroughSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.00111, W97.21054
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Manitoba Business: Peter Leitch Construction Company
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Emerson Customs Building / Pembina-Emerson Area Plaque (Emerson, Municipality of Emerson-Franklin)
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Dominion Post Office Building (11 Main Street, Emerson, Municipality of Emerson-Franklin)
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Emerson Customs Building / Emerson Hospital (26 Main Street, Emerson, Municipality of Emerson-Franklin)
“Over million for building in Manitoba,” Winnipeg Free Press, 20 March 1952, page 1.
“Emerson tenders in,” Winnipeg Tribune, 28 August 1952, page 14.
“Construction start planned on Emerson customs house,” Steinbach Carillon, 30 May 1952, page 8.
“Water lack stalls use of building,” Winnipeg Free Press, 8 March 1954, page 2.
“Revenue drop likely McCann says here,” Winnipeg Free Press, 11 October 1954, page 3.
A View from Inside the Portcullis: A History of Emerson Customs and General Area by Elmer D. McClelland, privately published, 1992.
“Residents upset by border upgrade,” Winnipeg Free Press, 12 June 2003, page 28.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough and Wayne Arseny.
Page revised: 25 June 2023
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