The return of the PCR test requirement for short border trips is prompting a sense of dread in Point Roberts.
Brian Calder is president of the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce and says the requirement for negative PCR tests for returning Canadians is the last thing his community needs.
“It’d be devastating for us,” he says, adding, especially given how integrated his community is with Canada.
“We are unique … and we’re totally dependent — 90 per cent — dependent on Canadian activity coming here. Seventy-five per cent of our properties are owned by Canadian,” Calder explains. “You cut that off — you’ve cut us off right at the neck.”
For those with property in Point Roberts, crossing the border to pick up a package, buy cheap gas or do a little shopping isn’t going to want to pay hundreds of dollars to get tested for a day trip Calder says.
Since testing in Point Roberts is also only available Wednesday and Sunday, he says this change will make it “impossible” for US-Canadian residents “unless they stay here for three or four days.”
“People aren’t going to do it. And I wouldn’t blame them at all. I wouldn’t do it either. And so it’s just paralyzed point Roberts economically.”
Calder points out many businesses are now operated directly by owners given there hasn’t been enough cash coming into have staff, such is the level of economic strain.
“20 months [into the pandemic], staff are gone, many of them have moved right out of here, because there’s no work.”
Last month, the PCR requirement for trips under 72 hours was lifted. However it reinstates Tuesday.
– With files from Nikitha Martins and Robyn Crawford