'Point Roberts should be part of Canada': B.C. residents weigh in amid cross-border tensions
A Point Roberts resident recently shared a plea for help amidst the ongoing cross-border tensions between Canada and the United States, and British Columbians have some thoughts about his proposal.
Former Vancouver city councillor and current U.S. resident Brian Calder told Daily Hive that he believes it is time to give the small American “pene-enclave” to Canada.
The message comes at a time when the number of Canadians travelling to the U.S. continues to drop dramatically.
Josef Hanus/Shutterstock
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New data released this week by Statistics Canada revealed a decline in travel between the countries, both by land and air.
In August, the number of Canadian residents’ return trips to the United States dropped 29.7 per cent year over year, while visits to Canada by U.S. residents dipped by 1.4 per cent.
The border crossings numbers are similar in British Columbia, where the Whatcom Council of Governments’ 2025 Changes in Border Volume data shows that in September 2025, the volume of southbound vehicles from B.C. to Washington state decreased by 40 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.
Whatcom Council of Governments
Caldar shared that he feels that now is the right time for Point Roberts to join Canada.
“Point Roberts is governed by Whatcom County, W.A., some 50 miles and two international borders away from us,” said Calder. “We have no local government, and it shows.
“We obtain far more support from the City of Delta, Metro Vancouver, and British Columbia than we do from Whatcom County and Washington state governance. Canada supplies our potable water, electrical power, septic waste treatment, and assists in fire protection when needed.”
“Important to a lot of Canadians”
Daily Hive readers had a lot to say in response to the idea.
“Point Roberts is important to a lot of Canadians as it is a beautiful area with lots of memories,” said DC*. “For the sake of the people and the economics of the area, Point Roberts should be part of Canada.”
“My heart goes out to the folks living there,” added FH. “Especially those trying to run a business. It should definitely be given over to Canada! It’s a ghost town at the moment.”
A Point Roberts parcel service that served Canadians for over two decades was forced to close recently due to the ongoing tariff war between Canada and the U.S.
“I have to be loyal to Canada”
Other readers pointed out that they were avoiding travel across the border due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state.
“I will not step foot in America for many, many years to come,” said J. “Point Roberts is a lovely community, and I have wanted to support [them], but I have to be loyal to Canada.”
“Tariffs may be hurting them, but the main reason we won’t go is the 51 State crap,” added ML.
It is highly unlikely that Trump would allow the land to be given to Canada. Maybe he would take an equal-sized chunk from the northernmost tip of B.C. and join it to Alaska as a trade.”
“Trade Alberta for it”
The possibility of a land trade was a recurring theme among respondents.
“Yes, should definitely be Canadian,” said VKC. “I’d like to see us trade Alberta for it.”
“If all residents of Point Roberts obtained Canadian citizenship or immigrant status, I would have no issue with Canada annexing Point Roberts,” replied RB. “Perhaps we could trade Quebec for Point Roberts.”
Calder points to the United States’ transfer of the town of Rio Rico from Texas to Mexico in the 1970s as a precedent that could be followed.
He added that granting Point Roberts to Canada would help preserve the nature and ambience of the community in perpetuity.
Point Roberts waterfront (Shutterstock)
“Canadian and Point Roberts’ residents are homogeneous. Half of our current residents hold dual citizenship and have family members living and working in each country.
“Due to the geographic isolation from the rest of the U.S. and our limited resources, most residents depend more on Canada than on the US for their day-to-day living and survival.”
While Point Roberts remains in economic uncertainty due to the effects of the pandemic and the decline in Canadian visitors, one British Columbian shared a message to his American neighbours.
“In my mind, yes, we should own that little part of Washington state,” said DR. It would make complete sense to me.
“I wish Point Roberts all the luck in the world in becoming Canadian.”
Do you agree that Point Roberts should become part of British Columbia? Are you cancelling travel to Washington state or elsewhere in the U.S.? Let us know in the comments or get in touch at vancouver@dailyhive.com.
*Initials were used to protect identities