People using Canadian Forces Base Borden as a shortcut to Alliston or Angus will soon have to change their course.

Within the next two weeks Canadian Corps of Commissionaires will be posted at the gates. People wanting entry to the base will be stopped and required to provide identification. Vehicle ownership and insurance will also be checked. A reason for entering the base is also needed, and staff has the right to limit access to the base.

“The reason is the safety of personnel on the base,” said Capt. Cheryl Swarbrick. “If you have proper business on base you are more than welcome to come on base.”

Dealing with security at the entrances to CFB Borden was common practice up until about eight years ago.

A recent study done on the base shows people are using it as a thoroughfare to Alliston, Angus, and other destinations. Each year about 17,000 defence personnel attend courses on the base, which requires them to march on roadways. As such, any increased traffic is a safety concern according to officials.

“Not that we’ve had any major accidents, but we don’t want to have any,” said Swarbrick.

She said the speed limits approaching the entrance to CFB Borden will also be reduced to ensure the safety of staff working the gates.

“This is in no way meant to undermine the excellent relationship that Borden has with the surrounding communities, it is simply a reflection of my need to protect our most important resource, our people,” said Capt. J.F. Schmidt, CFB Borden commander.

Once the commissionaires are posted, the Angus and Alliston gates will be open 24 hours a day, every day.

Access through the Lisle gate will be limited however, to Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will be closed on Saturday, Sunday and holidays.