A fence installed between the towns of Delta, Canada, and Point Robertsin the United States, is criticized on both sides of the border.
The fence, which extends less than thirty meters on the Canadian side, cuts off access to the American enclave of Point Roberts. Until last week, a concrete border a few tens of centimeters high served as the official boundary.
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The concrete border, painted yellow, previously served to demarcate the two countries.
Photo : - / Ben Nelms
The Delta Police Department confirms the fence was installed for public safety reasons following an incident in which a senior citizen lost his life. In November 2023, a man residing in Tsawwassen, on the Canadian side, got lost while out for a walk. He would have crossed the border towards Point Roberts inadvertently, and was found dead a few days later on the American side.
This incident highlighted the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent such issues from recurring in the future
says the Delta Police Department.
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Point Roberts is a remote enclave in Washington State.
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A surprise
Delta Mayor George Harvie understands the fence was installed at the request of the Delta Police Department. The Delta City Council was not surveyed.
On the other side of the fence, the former president of the Chamber of Commerce of Point Roberts, Brian Calderis unequivocal: They didn’t consult anyone.
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Brian Calder laments that loved ones living on both sides of the border can no longer gather near Monument Park.
Photo : - / Benoît Ferradini
Symbolic, at the wrong time
For me, it’s a symbol
says Daniel Boisvert, councilor for the City of Delta. He learned about the fence after a local newspaper reported on it.
I don’t feel very comfortable with the idea of putting up a barrier, a fence or a wall, whatever you call it, of putting an obstacle between two friends.
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The timing is also a bit unfortunate
says the advisor, while American President Donald Trump has launched his vast anti-immigration offensive.
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Delta City Councilor Daniel Boisvert plans to present a motion to council to request that the fence be removed.
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The population of Point Roberts was 1,249 people as of the 2022 U.S. Census.
I do not believe that the illegal immigration problems that the United States faces arise here, Point Roberts. It’s a very small community
says Daniel Boisvert.
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The location surrounding Monument Park, very close to the fence, was used extensively when the border was blocked during the COVID-19 pandemic, with residents who are dual citizens or relatives on both sides of the border. (Archive photo)
Photo : - / Ben Nelms
It violates my indigenous rights
Gabor Meszaros is part of the Mohawk First Nation of Kahnawake, Quebec. He divides his time between Canada and Point Robertswhere he was on Wednesday.
[Cette clôture] violates my rights as an indigenous person to freely cross the border between Canada and the United States
he insists.
There has been no consultation with the First Nations parties who live here. There is no representation of their parties or of the indigenous peoples who live here on unceded territories.
-/CBC contacted the Tsawwassen First Nation, but a spokesperson said the nation is not commenting on the matter at this time.
Delta Mayor George Harvie has asked the City Manager to present a report to council at the next council meeting.
With information from Benoît Ferradini
