International Boundary Commission facts for kids
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Commission de la frontière internationale
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Sign at the international border between Calais, Maine in the United States and St. Stephen, New Brunswick in Canada (August 2019)
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| Abbreviation | IBC |
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| Formation | 1908 |
| Purpose | Surveying and mapping the Canada–United States border |
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Commissioners
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 Jean Gagnon Kyle K. Hipsley |
| Website | |
The International Boundary Commission (also called the IBC) is a special group that works for both Canada and the United States. Its main job is to take care of the long border between these two countries. The IBC makes sure the border is clearly marked and helps manage building projects near it. This group was first started in 1908 and became a permanent organization in 1925.
The IBC's tasks include checking and fixing border markers, like special stones or buoys in water. They also keep a clear path, about 3 meters (10 feet) wide, along the border. This path is kept free of trees and bushes. If someone wants to build something close to the border, they need permission from the IBC. The commission also tells both governments what they've been doing each year.
Contents
How the IBC Works
The International Boundary Commission is led by two main people called commissioners. One commissioner is from the United States, and the other is from Canada. Each commissioner has their own team and budget to do their work.
Appointing Commissioners
The American commissioner is chosen by the President of the United States. This person then reports to the United States Secretary of State. The Canadian commissioner is chosen by the Governor General of Canada. This person also works as the Surveyor General of Canada under the Minister of Natural Resources.
Current Commissioners
Right now, the commissioners are Kyle K. Hipsley for the United States and Jean Gagnon for Canada.
Building Near the Border
The rules for the International Boundary Commission say that certain structures need special permission. If you want to build a power line, pipeline, railroad, or highway that crosses the border, you must get approval first. This also applies to any building project within 3 meters (about 10 feet) of the border.
Historic Border Buildings
Before these rules were in place, some unique buildings were constructed right on the border. These are sometimes called "line houses." You can find some of these old buildings along the border between Maine and New Brunswick, or between Vermont and Quebec. One famous example is the Haskell Free Library and Opera House. This building was designed so that the border runs right through it. The International Peace Garden, which was built in 1932, also needed permission from the commission.
See Also
- Boundary Commission Trail
