FOLLOW ON

Advertisement

Point Roberts gaining support for exemption from B.C. border restrictions

Michele Brunoro CTV News Vancouver Journalist

@ctv_michele Contact

Share:

Text:

VANCOUVER -- The small community of Point Roberts, Wash., is getting some support in its push for an exemption to B.C. border restrictions.

Several American lawmakers are backing the Point Roberts fire chief, who wants residents from his community allowed to travel directly through Canada to the Peace Arch Border so they can get into other parts of the U.S. The drive is about 45 minutes long.

Point Roberts is geographically separated from the rest of the U.S. with water on three sides and the Canadian border to the north. There is no ferry system and travel by car requires going through B.C.

“My community is suffering disproportionately because of a lack of freedom of travel and freedom of movement,” fire chief Christopher Carleton told CTV News Vancouver.

Point Roberts, a community with about 1,000 residents, would normally be buzzing with tourists this time of year, many of them Canadian. Carleton says the border shutdown means businesses are suffering and people need to be able to shop and visit family and friends in other parts of the U.S. during the pandemic.

“There’s definitely a brewing humanitarian crisis for mental health here in my community,” he said.

The chief says he now has the support of two Washington state senators as well as two members of congress who are lobbying for a change to the rules.

But B.C. Premier John Horgan questions how travellers would be monitored if an exemption was allowed.

“This is a very sticky issue and one that I’ve discussed with the federal government and I’ll leave it in their hands to manage. The borders are not our responsibility,” the premier said.

The fire chief says that while individuals should be held accountable, an entire community shouldn’t suffer on the chance someone breaks the rules.

He says there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Point Roberts.

Related Stories

Share:

DON'T MISS

WATCH: Nebraska building wiped out in seconds by tornado

Guinness World Record: Bakers make 140-metre baguette

WATCH: Gaggle of geese cross the Trans-Canada Highway

Vancouver Top Stories

3 Indian nationals accused of murdering Hardeep Singh Nijjar facing court in B.C.

Closing arguments underway for accused in Richmond restaurant murder

Canucks enter second round as underdogs against Edmonton Oilers

Vancouver high school teacher pleads guilty to sexual assault

Vancouver says rezoning applications for Broadway Plan 'significantly increased'

'It's a huge loss': Owner of flower shop damaged in alleged drunk driving crash speaks out

More From CTV News Vancouver

Discover Singapore's beauty with Air Canada's new direct flights from Vancouver International Airport

'Under siege' Deep Cove reducing visitor parking for the summer

Historic church in Vancouver for sale for $10M

Watch More From CTV News

Nijjar murder suspects to appear in court

Flower shop in ruins after car crash

Canucks enters next playoff series as underdog

Stranger tries luring 11-year-old

B.C. awaiting decriminalization decision

Pushback to Vancouver’s Broadway Plan

Editor's Picks

Eviction for landlord's use was legitimate, despite owners' partial move, B.C. court rules

Shrewd investment or frivolous spending? Economic benefits of Vancouver World Cup games in question

B.C. police are rarely charged for killing or harming civilians. A watchdog wants prosecutors' choices reviewed.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Police investigating shooting outside of Drake's Bridle Path mansion: source

There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway

'It looked so legit': Ontario man pays $7,700 for luxury villa found on Booking.com, but the listing was fake

The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars

Israeli forces seize Rafah border crossing in Gaza, putting ceasefire talks on knife's edge

Canadian cadets rock mullets and place second at U.S. military competition

Advertisement

Most-Read

'I was frozen': Student describes alleged sexual assaults at Vancouver school

Teacher at Vancouver school charged with sexual assault: documents

Teacher involved in sexual assault investigation at Vancouver school was also teaching golf

'I couldn't breathe': Nanaimo woman left bruised, bloody after RCMP wellness check

MOST-WATCHED

Use of this Website assumes acceptance of Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy | Accessibility

© 2023All rights reserved.

Back to top