LETTER: Border crossing is ‘deeply personal’ for White Rock residents
Published 7:00 am Friday, February 20, 2026
Editor,
Re: “Why are Canadians still shopping in the U.S.?” (Letter to editor, Peace Arch News)
Living in White Rock, where the border is part of our everyday landscape, conversations about cross-border visits are never purely political – they are personal and practical.
While I respect those who have chosen not to cross into the U.S., there are valid reasons why some of us still occasionally do.
Certain items are simply not grown, produced, or readily available in Canada. In addition, with the high cost of living, it makes economic sense for families to seek more affordable options when they exist. This is not about disloyalty, but about managing household realities.
For my family, the connection to the U.S. is deeply personal. We have family and friends there. Crossing the border is part of maintaining those relationships. Over the years, we have also developed friendships and connections with people in nearby Washington communities.
Research shows that border towns bear the greatest harm from reduced cross-border activity, while the broader national impact on policy is minimal. When federal tensions are high, these communities often face severe challenges and social strain which can threaten our long history of friendship and openness.
I respect those who choose differently. But respect should go both ways. For many of us, occasional cross-border visits reflect practical needs, family ties, and longstanding community connections.
Martin H. Fisher, White Rock