Nestled just below Vancouver and encircled by sea and border, Point Roberts, Washington, is facing an economic storm it may not survive. A five-square-mile town born of a cartographic quirk in the 1846 Oregon Treaty, it’s a uniquely American community with a distinctly Canadian heartbeat — and it’s now caught in a political crossfire.
Once bustling with Canadian shoppers and summer residents, the town has seen a steep 30% decline in visitors, directly tied to U.S. tariffs and rising diplomatic tensions. The town’s grocery store, International Marketplace, has cut deliveries and hours. Owner Ali Hayton reports a devastating slump in business, describing the situation as “hanging on by a thread.”
Border friction has proven more toxic than any economic downturn in recent memory. Business owners like Tamra Hansen, who runs the Saltwater Cafe and Pier restaurant, say losses have eclipsed even the darkest days of COVID-19. “This is worse,” she said, adding that 90% of her clientele is Canadian.
The pain is spreading. The iconic Point to Point Parcel store shuttered for good in April. Even quirky local landmarks, like the Rubber Duck Museum, are relocating to Canada due to triple-priced goods and vanishing foot traffic.
With no financial relief in sight and footfall continuing to decline, community leaders are pleading with lawmakers for intervention. “Point Roberts needs a humanitarian solution,” urged resident Brian Calder, who’s even selling bumper stickers declaring solidarity with Canada.
But hope persists. Hayton is pushing through with optimism, bolstering exchange rates and staging promotions. “We believe in our town,” she said. “But we can’t do it alone.”