It was an afternoon of unity with a strong message.
On Sunday afternoon (July 4) a protest was held on the Canada/US Boundary Bay border as residents and business owners from Point Roberts joined residents from Canada in a protest.
Dubbed Hands Across the Border, the protest was an effort to influence state, provincial and federal politicians to get the border open again.
The border will remain closed until at least July 21, which is the latest deadline in a year-long closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Optimist photographer Jim Kinnear was on hand.
He said those that he spoke with simply lamented on not being able to get to their cabins.
“Some were guessing when the border would reopen,” he said. “Any Americans I talked to are simply anxious to get the border open so they can come and go at will and to get their economy going again. All in all it was a very sociable gathering.”
Faced with a growing business crisis, Point Roberts business owners have been ramping up the pressure the past few weeks, calling on governments in both countries to reopen the border for the livelihood of Point Roberts’ future.
State funding will keep International Marketplace open
Last week, Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee announced $100,000 in funding from the state strategic fund would go to Point Roberts to ensure there was food security for the community.
This came following the announcement two weeks ago from International Marketplace owner Ali Hayton, who said if she didn’t receive help or if the border didn’t open soon, she would be forced to close the store for good on July 15.
“I strongly support the reopening of the U.S.-Canada border to support our border communities in Washington and British Columbia,” said Inslee in his funding announcement. “The Point Roberts community has been isolated due to the closure throughout the pandemic, and while all Washington communities have been impacted, the situation up there is unique. This action is a small bridge to support the entire community and retain a critical employer. I urge the U.S. and Canadian governments to take rapid and meaningful steps to reopen travel across the U.S.-Canada land border, consistent with public health guidelines.”
Hayton said the funds will allow the International Marketplace to remain in business and serve the community.
“Although I am extremely discouraged that we haven’t made any progress on the border re-opening, I was so grateful and relieved to hear from Governor Inslee. These funds will allow us to continue serving our community,” said Hayton. “We have been so encouraged by his outreach, especially these last few weeks, and while we know he has no control over the border, we are hopeful that his continued advocacy will spur some change in Washington, D.C.
"As a business owner, I have never wanted a hand-out; I just want my customers back. And while these funds help stop the hemorrhaging at my business, the entire business community as well as every resident of Point Roberts needs to see an exemption at Boundary Bay so that we can ‘re-open’ along with the rest of Washington state.”
Inslee is planning a visit to Point Roberts on Friday (July 9) to engage with stakeholders and discuss issues impacting the community.
