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Staying the course

During this time of ambiguity and transition, I want to reinforce that Vancouver is committed to the course for the future that we plotted before the recent change of federal administrations, built around the core policy themes of climate, equity and community safety. We are also developing plans to overcome any potential hurdles the future may present. As the current administration continues to make changes to programs, grants and policies, we are working with our legislative delegation to continue advocating for Vancouver’s needs. The City is also looking for signs or indicators of what is to come and how it might impact the work we do to serve you, the community.

We are grateful that you continue to share your top priorities for the City through multiple channels such as emails, phone calls, community forums, surveys and more. Your input is essential, and we appreciate you letting us know that your key priorities include safety, homelessness, economic opportunity, improving livability and affordable housing. We continue to prioritize and invest in the issues you identified as critical.

It is also important to remember in times of conflicting priorities between levels of government, City Council sets our policy vision, a vision that’s informed in part by community input. That remains unchanged. Until the City Council says that they want Vancouver to change direction, we will continue down this path. To that end, I want to reaffirm Vancouver’s steadfast commitment to advancing its work in addressing climate change, equity and inclusion, and keeping Vancouver safe.

For example, looking to the near future and as we have done in recent years, the City will continue to acknowledge and uphold International Transgender Day of Visibility later this month, Arbor Day in April, Small Business Month in May, and Pride Month and Juneteenth in June.

City projects and programs that are also underway to help ensure the achievement of our values-based goals will continue. Such City initiatives include:

These represent only a small fraction of the City’s initiatives designed to support the vision of both the community and City Council. You helped us map a positive and promising course for Vancouver’s future, and you have my word that we’re doing all in our power to keep us on that path.

British Columbians aren’t visiting Washington state very much these days.

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The number of people crossing the border into Washington in March fell by nearly half compared to the same period last year, according to data collected by the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Washington state’s Department of Transportation.

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Just over 121,000 vehicles with B.C. plates crossed the border in March, compared with 216,000 in March 2024.

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Crossings in February were down by nearly a third compared to last year.

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Sunrise

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U.S. President Donald Trump first announced tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods in February and then-prime minister Justin Trudeau urged Canadians to spend domestically in response.

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“Now is the time to choose Canada. … It might mean changing your summer vacation plans to stay here in Canada and explore the many national and provincial parks, historical sites and tourist destinations our great country has to offer,” Trudeau said at the time.

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A Flourish chart

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David Blandford, executive director of State of Washington Tourism, said in an email that he is hearing reports of Canadian travellers changing their plans “due to the current political situation.”

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“As our top international market, Canadian visitors play a vital role in our tourism economy,” Blandford said.

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“We want to emphasize that Washington remains a welcoming destination for all travellers from Canada,” he said, noting the strong relationship between B.C. and Washington.

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Canada is the largest source of international visitors to the U.S., according to the U.S. Travel Association, which warned in February that a 10 per cent reduction in Canadian travel to the U.S. could mean $2.1 billion in lost spending and 14,000 job losses.

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With over 2.3 million B.C. cars crossing the border into Washington state each year in 2023 and 2024, a lengthy travel boycott could severely impact tourism in the state.

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Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund said in February that her office had received many messages from British Columbians stating they had cancelled upcoming vacations and changed their shopping habits.

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“It’s regrettable,” the mayor said at the time. “Regardless of what’s coming out of the other Washington, I know this Washington — and Bellingham in particular — feels an incredible closeness, and values our connections and connectedness to each other.

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“I hope we can continue to maintain close ties. I want to reach out and affirm our connections and say how much we value our neighbours to the north.”

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The current exchange rate is likely contributing to the drop in Canadians heading to the U.S., too. On Monday it cost $1.44 to buy $1 US, according to the Bank of Canada.

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