Nestled at the tip of a peninsula just south of Tsawwassen, British Columbia, Point Roberts is a unique American enclave that finds itself geographically isolated from the rest of the United States. This small community of approximately 1,100 residents is part of Washington State but is accessible by land only through Canada. For decades, Point Roberts has thrived on its close ties with British Columbia, relying on cross-border commerce, tourism, and the daily flow of goods and services. However, the ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States have turned this quiet community into collateral damage, leaving its residents caught in the crossfire of a geopolitical dispute they have no control over.
A Geographic Anomaly
Point Roberts’ peculiar geographic situation is the result of a historical quirk. During the Oregon Boundary Dispute of the mid-19th century, the 49th parallel was established as the border between the U.S. and British North America (now Canada). This decision left Point Roberts as a small American exclave, separated from the rest of Washington State by the Canadian border. While this unique location has given the community a distinct identity, it has also made it heavily dependent on Canada for its economic survival.
The community relies on British Columbia for everything from groceries and healthcare to fuel and construction materials. Many residents are dual citizens, with strong family, social, and economic ties to Canada. Brian Calder, a Point Roberts resident and former president of the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce, estimates that about half of the community’s population holds dual citizenship. “There’s 500 of us here that have very strong ties to Canada,” Calder told Global News. “And I get that they’re upset and angry that their sovereignty is being threatened for no good reason whatsoever.”
The Impact of the Trade War
The Canada-U.S. trade war, which escalated in recent years over issues such as tariffs on steel, aluminum, and dairy products, has had a ripple effect on Point Roberts. While the dispute is primarily between national governments, the community has felt the brunt of the fallout. Cross-border tensions have led to increased scrutiny at the border, longer wait times, and a decline in Canadian visitors, who are essential to the local economy.
For years, Point Roberts has been a popular destination for Canadians seeking cheaper gas, mail services, and vacation homes. The community’s businesses, including gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, have long depended on this cross-border traffic. However, the trade war has created an atmosphere of animosity and apprehension, discouraging Canadians from making the trip. “They stay away,” Calder lamented, noting that the decline in visitors has been “very, very detrimental to Point Roberts.”
The economic impact has been significant. Local businesses have reported a sharp drop in revenue, and some have been forced to close their doors. The community’s real estate market, which relies heavily on Canadian buyers, has also suffered. With fewer Canadians willing to invest in property or visit their vacation homes, property values have stagnated, and the local economy has taken a hit.
Border Restrictions and the COVID-19 Pandemic
The challenges facing Point Roberts were further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, the Canada-U.S. border was closed to non-essential travel in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. While the restrictions were necessary from a public health perspective, they dealt a devastating blow to Point Roberts. Overnight, the flow of Canadian visitors came to a halt, leaving local businesses struggling to stay afloat.
Residents of Point Roberts found themselves in a difficult position. Cut off from the rest of Washington State by the Canadian border, they were forced to rely on ferries or flights to access essential services such as healthcare and grocery shopping. The closure of the border also disrupted supply chains, making it harder for businesses to obtain the goods they needed to operate.
Even as the border restrictions began to ease in 2021 and 2022, the damage had already been done. Many Canadians remained hesitant to cross the border, and the lingering effects of the trade war continued to cast a shadow over the community. For Point Roberts, the pandemic was not just a public health crisis but an economic catastrophe.
A Community in Crisis
The combination of the trade war and the pandemic has left Point Roberts in a precarious position. The community’s unique geographic situation, once a source of pride, has become a liability. With limited access to the rest of the United States and dwindling support from Canada, residents are facing an uncertain future.
Efforts to revive the local economy have been met with mixed success. Some businesses have adapted by offering online services or catering to the local population, but these measures have not been enough to offset the loss of Canadian customers. The community has also sought assistance from state and federal governments, but progress has been slow.
In the meantime, residents like Brian Calder are doing their best to keep the community together. Calder, who has lived in Point Roberts for decades, remains hopeful that the community will weather the storm. “We’re resilient,” he said. “We’ve been through tough times before, and we’ll get through this.”
A Call for Understanding
The plight of Point Roberts highlights the unintended consequences of geopolitical disputes. While the Canada-U.S. trade war is driven by national interests, its impact is felt most acutely at the local level. For the residents of Point Roberts, the trade war is not just a matter of tariffs and trade deficits; it is a threat to their way of life.
Calder and other residents are calling for greater understanding and cooperation between the two countries. They argue that the trade war is harming not only Point Roberts but also the surrounding communities in British Columbia that rely on cross-border commerce. “We’re all in this together,” Calder said. “We need to find a way to work together and resolve these issues before it’s too late.”
Looking to the Future
As the Canada-U.S. trade war continues, the future of Point Roberts remains uncertain. The community’s fate is tied to the broader relationship between the two countries, and any resolution to the trade dispute will have a direct impact on its residents. In the meantime, the people of Point Roberts are doing what they have always done: adapting to their unique circumstances and finding ways to survive.
For now, Point Roberts stands as a symbol of the human cost of geopolitical conflict. Its story is a reminder that behind the headlines and the rhetoric, there are real people whose lives are being upended by forces beyond their control. As Calder put it, “We’re just a small community trying to make a living. We don’t deserve to be caught in the middle of this.”
In the end, the survival of Point Roberts may depend on the willingness of both Canada and the United States to recognize the community’s unique challenges and work together to find a solution. Until then, the residents of Point Roberts will continue to navigate the complexities of life in a geographic anomaly, hoping for a brighter future.
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