‘Absolutely stupid’: Border town becomes collateral damage in Canada-U.S. trade war

A Tiny Community Caught in the Crossfire: The Plight of Point Roberts in the Canada-U.S. Trade War

Point Roberts, a small community of approximately 1,100 residents nestled just south of Tsawwassen, British Columbia, finds itself in a precarious position. Geographically part of Washington state, this enclave has historically relied heavily on Canada for its economic and social well-being. However, the escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada have turned this once-thriving community into collateral damage. Brian Calder, a resident and former president of the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce, highlights the deep ties that bind the community to Canada. "Half of us here are dual citizens, including me—Canadian and American. There’s 500 of us here that have very strong ties to Canada," Calder explained. This close relationship has made the recent animosity between the two nations particularly devastating for Point Roberts, as Canadians, who make up 90% of the community’s market, are now staying away. The situation is not just economically challenging but also emotionally taxing, as residents feel they are being unfairly penalized in a conflict they did not create.

A Lifeline Severed: The Economic Impact of the Trade War

The economic fallout from the trade war has been brutal for Point Roberts. Many businesses in the community, already weakened by the prolonged COVID-19 lockdowns that saw half of them shut down, are now barely hanging on. Calder painted a grim picture: "It’s absolutely devastating for Point Roberts businesses. All our building materials come from Greater Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Richmond. And so our roofing, our concrete, all those things come from Canada, British Columbia." The reliance on Canadian goods is not just about construction materials; residents also depend on British Columbia for essential services like healthcare, veterinary care, and even something as simple as a car wash. Now, with tariffs and trade restrictions in place, sourcing these necessities has become Both expensive and uncertain. Calder worries that if the situation does not improve, the community could lose access to basic utilities like electricity and water, which are provided by BC Hydro and Metro Vancouver. "If they cut that off, it’s done. We’re done. We can’t survive without access to water and power for heat and light."

When Neighbors Turn on Neighbors: The Human Cost of the Trade War

The strained relations between the U.S. and Canada have also led to a rise in hostility towards Point Roberts residents when they cross the border into Canada. Calder shared disturbing accounts of residents being confronted in Tsawwassen, with some even being told to "get back to your own (country)." These incidents have added to the sense of isolation and vulnerability felt by the community. To counter this, Point Roberts has taken a proactive approach to show their solidarity with Canada. Bumper stickers declaring "Point Roberts supports Canada" have become a common sight, reflecting the community’s desire to maintain its ties with its northern neighbors. Despite these efforts, the tension remains palpable. As Calder put it, "We didn’t do anything wrong. They didn’t do anything wrong. Why are we in this mess? It’s absolutely stupid and it’s not productive and it’s not necessary or needed. And no one wins."

The Struggle to Stay Afloat: Businesses on the Brink

The trade war has hit Point Roberts’ businesses hard, with many struggling to stay afloat. Dave Duncan, the store manager of the Point Roberts International Marketplace, described the uncertainty that has gripped the community. "A lot of people started selling off their properties down here," Duncan said, noting that about 60% of their clientele is Canadian. With fewer visitors and reduced spending, the Marketplace has seen a 20% drop in customers compared to the previous year. "When you go from 500 customers a day to 250 customers a day, yeah, you don’t have a need for having lots of stuff on the shelves," Duncan remarked. The situation is particularly challenging for businesses dealing with perishable goods, as stocking up becomes a risky endeavor. Despite the current situation not being dire, Duncan acknowledged that things are getting "close to scary." If the Marketplace does not see an uptick in business by the spring, he fears it may not survive until the fall.

Tamra Hansen, owner of the Saltwater Café and the Pier Restaurant, has also felt the pinch. Her businesses have seen a 55% drop in revenue, forcing her to adapt in creative ways. In a bid to appeal to Canadian customers, she renamed her Americanos to Canadianos. "We’re caught in the middle here," Hansen said, expressing her sympathy for both sides of the border. However, the uncertainty of the situation has left her worried about the future. "If things don’t change, then I am worried Point Roberts is going to become like an abandoned mining town after the Canadians picked up and left," she said. This sentiment is shared by many in the community, who fear that the loss of Canadian visitors and trade could spell the end for their way of life.

A Community’s Cry for Help: Can Point Roberts Be Saved?

As the trade war rages on, the residents of Point Roberts are left to wonder if there is a way out of this crisis. The community has made it clear that they value their relationship with Canada and are eager to see tensions ease. "Our businesses are on the ropes now," Calder said, urging for a resolution before it’s too late. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Point Roberts lacks many basic amenities, making it even more reliant on its Canadian neighbors. Without a drug store, vet, dry cleaner, or car wash, residents have little choice but to cross the border for essential services. This dependency, coupled with the economic and emotional toll of the trade war, has left Point Roberts in a precarious position. As the community struggles to stay afloat, one thing is clear: the fate of Point Roberts hangs in the balance, and only time will tell if it can overcome the challenges posed by the Canada-U.S. trade war.