Isolated Point Roberts watches Canada-U.S. trade tension anxiously

There's probably no American community more reliant on Canada than the tiny peninsula of Point Roberts, Wash.

While many people are on edge about a potential Canada-U.S. trade dispute, the tension is even higher in Point Roberts – that little chunk of the U.S. just south of Delta.

“We are unique,” Brian Calder, a past president of the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce told CTV News on Thursday. “We are unique in North America.”

The American exclave enjoys a close connection with Metro Vancouver during good times, especially given how many of its residents are dual citizens.

It also gets its water, power and even fire services from the region.

But amid ongoing trade tension, fewer Canadians are heading down.

That’s leaving the isolated community feeling even more disconnected – and bringing back memories of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the population was essentially locked off from Canada for roughly 20 months.

“I think the word uncertainty is key there,” said Wayne Lyle, the current Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce president. “As you know, there were tariffs that were threatened, and they’ve been postponed, but there’s an air of uncertainty still there.”

Concern over the situation is growing – and has prompted a number of petitions, including a letter to Premier David Eby asking that any potential retaliation from the B.C. government exempts Point Roberts.

“We’re trying to get through to the politicians and leaders that there’s a situation here,” Calder said. “We can see it coming.”

One Canadian politician who is listening is Delta Mayor George Harvie, who once lived three doors away from the border.

“We’re trying to be as best a neighbour as we can, and those people do need help, and I hope they don’t get caught up in a situation where people are trying to boycott everything coming from the United States,” Harvie told CTV News, adding that he does support the idea of prioritizing Canadians goods and services during this time.

The chair of B.C.’s tariff response committee, Ravi Kahlon, tells CTV the previously announced measures focused on red states.

Regardless, those in Point Roberts remain on edge – hoping the border feud doesn’t escalate further.