"Bummed out" Bellingham residents say they miss BC locals as Trump tariff threat lingers
From frequenting (and crowding) its Trader Joe’s locations to driving down for cheaper gas and milk, Metro Vancouverites have had a special relationship with our neighbours across the border in Bellingham.
But US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats against Canada may have already put a dent in those ties.
Trump’s proposed tariffs — which would charge 25% on most Canadian products imported into the US, except for a lower 10% tariff on energy — were supposed to come into effect on February 4.
Before the sweeping measures, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged Canadians to “choose Canada” during a February 1 press conference.
Canadians took his words seriously as many pledged to take action by supporting local and national manufacturers and companies and cancelling their trips to the US.
It appears that Americans in Bellingham noticed the lack of friendly faces from BC because they took to their local subreddit to express how much they miss their neighbours up north.
One Bellingham Redditor even penned a heartfelt “love letter” to Canadians.
“The distinct lack of Canadians in traffic on Meridian going to and fro ye olde Costco and TJs (Trader Joe’s) and elsewhere has me bummed out. And it could totally be related to the snowy roads, which I understand are worse to the north, but the thought of our neighbors being rightfully pissed over our government actively threatening their economy has me pretty bummed out,” they wrote.
“Anyway, you’re always welcome in my tiny corner of the USA. Even if the TJs is so so crowded. Borders be damned, you’re a part of this place too,” they concluded.
Oh, Canada (a superfluous love letter to our neighbors) 🍁
byu/imaginarylindsay inBellingham
One Canadian replied to the post, thanking the US Redditor for the kind words but added that many folks in Canada feel upset and let down by the American administration.
“We are a little angry [right now] (sorry). One of the fallouts from this and other issues is our dollar has devalued making trips to Bellingham not as worthwhile economically,” they explained.
One person who identified themselves as a “Canadian Bellingham enjoyer” said the lack of Canucks across the border wasn’t due to this weekend’s snowy roads.
The Bellingham Trader Joe’s is often a favourite spot for BC shoppers. (Colleen Michaels/Shutterstock)
“…It’s the desire to diversify from reliance on America, the feeling of betrayal and also the fear of what could happen next down there,” they wrote.
“I’m sure we will be back—I hope I will be—but for now, I think I speak for all Canadians when I say America is on a timeout, and it’s not personal.”
Another Bellingham Redditor chimed in, stating that they have always “marvelled” at Canada, particularly BC, as “[their] peaceful, humble neighbor, and enjoyed my childhood trips to Whistler, Victoria, and Nanaimo.”
“Your city is the best in the world, and I’m sorry my country sucks. Please take me back, but this time please take me for good,” they said.
One Bellingham local posted their own note to their fellow Pacific North Westers in BC.
“Up here we share more than a border, Trader Joe’s, and Timbits. Many of us are literal family, and many more are meaningful friends,” reads their post.
The Redditor reminisced that just four years ago, during the pandemic, British Columbians and Washingtonians came together, pitching tents to meet up at Peace Arch Park.
They also acknowledged that while the Bellingham subreddit often enjoys giving British Columbians a “ribbing” — usually about Metro Vancouver shoppers taking over their Trader Joe’s locations — they have serious love for their friends up north.
“Cascadia is a geographic, geological and regionalized local economy — we share closer values with BC than we do with Texas. You’ll obviously now be buying Canadian, but when you can’t get everything you need, cross the border and buy Bellingham local,” they said.
JamesChen/Shutterstock
While the proposed US tariffs on Canada were supposed to already be in effect as per Trump’s previous timeline, the President changed his tune on Monday, saying the economic measures would be put on hold for 30 days following a call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
If the US still chooses to impose the tariffs, the Canadian federal government plans to respond with 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of US goods.
Are you a Metro Vancouverite who’s stopped heading to Washington State because of the tariffs? Let us know in the comments, or shoot us an email at vancouver@dailyhive.com.