Customers with CMB keys, including in Edmonton and Calgary, can unlock other customers’ community mailboxes.

**Canada Post’s Community Mailbox Keys May Open Multiple Boxes, Investigation Finds**

*Edmonton, Alberta –* An investigation by Postmedia has raised concerns that the keys used for Canada Post’s community mailboxes (CMBs) are not unique to individual boxes. According to the report, the same key and lock combinations are employed across multiple CMB units, meaning a key issued to one customer could potentially open other customers’ mailboxes.

The issue comes as Canada Post prepares to expand its community mailbox network. The Crown corporation plans to convert an additional 37 communities—covering roughly 485,000 addresses—to CMB service by 2027. The rollout includes more than 55,000 addresses in the Edmonton and Calgary regions.

**Key and lock practices**

Postmedia spoke with a Canada Post employee who said that, for efficiency in replacing damaged or destroyed mailboxes, the corporation uses a limited set of key and lock combinations nationwide. The employee indicated that each key and lock is “not in any way unique,” and suggested that the ratio could be as low as one unique lock for approximately every 35 community mailboxes. Canada Post officials did not confirm or deny this specific ratio.

Canada Post’s media relations representative, Valérie Chartrand, responded to inquiries with a statement emphasizing the organization’s commitment to mail security. Chartrand said, “Canada Post is trusted to securely deliver mail to all Canadians and takes this responsibility very seriously.” She added that the corporation does not disclose detailed security measures or equipment specifications publicly, as doing so could compromise their effectiveness.

**Implications for customers**

Community mailbox users typically locate their assigned compartment by two numbers displayed on the unit. The use of shared key and lock combinations means that a key belonging to one customer could unlock other compartments that share the same lock configuration. The investigation did not provide documented instances of unauthorized access, but the practice has prompted questions about the overall security of the CMB system.

**Responses and next steps**

Canada Post declined to comment further on the alleged key duplication practice, reiterating that mail safety remains a priority. Customers with concerns about their mail delivery or mailbox security are advised to contact Canada Post’s Customer Service team online at canadapost.ca/support or by phone at 1‑866‑607‑6301 (TTY: 1‑800‑267‑2797).

Postmedia’s report also noted that the organization was unable to secure an on‑record interview with Canada Post officials specifically about the key and lock issue. Readers wishing to comment or request additional information were directed to contact rbrown@postmedia.com.

**Background**

Community mailboxes are a common alternative to door‑to‑door delivery in many Canadian neighborhoods, allowing multiple households to retrieve mail from a shared unit. The upcoming expansion of the CMB system is part of Canada Post’s broader strategy to modernize its delivery network and reduce costs. The investigation highlights a potential security consideration as the service scales to additional communities across the country.

Article and image source: dailyheraldtribune.com