Bellingham residents worry as fewer B.C. visitors affect local businesses

Residents of Bellingham, Wash., are voicing concern about the economic impact of fewer visitors from B.C. and elsewhere in Canada as relations between the two countries remain strained.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada would match new U.S. tariffs dollar for dollar and provide $7.5 billion in new and enhanced support for Canadian workers and businesses. The Department of Finance said proposed U.S. terms were not in Canada’s interest.

According to Cascade Gateway data cited in the report, travel from B.C. to Washington has dropped sharply in recent years, though recent months have shown a slight increase. A Bellingham online discussion noted that Canadian visitors are also customers, commuters, relatives and friends; the Port of Bellingham says U.S.-Canada crossings in the area can reach 38,000 vehicles a day.

Online commenters said smaller businesses in Bellingham, Whatcom County and nearby Sumas may be feeling the effects more acutely than large retailers. Some Canadian readers said they still visit the U.S., but less often and with less spending, while citing both political concerns and the weak Canadian dollar.