30 metre-long B.C. fence along stretch of U.S. border sparks international investigation
An unguarded, black chain-link fence has been erected along the U.S.-Canada border in B.C., sparking an international investigation and potentially violating a centuries-old treaty. The fence, which stretches roughly 30 metres, was installed at the end of English Bluff Road in Tsawwassen, a community within the Metro Vancouver suburb of Delta, B.C., on January 16. This section of the border adjoins a park in the Washington state community of Point Roberts.
The International Boundary Commission, responsible for regulating construction near the Canada-U.S. border, confirmed that they did not authorize the fence and are currently conducting an investigation into the matter. The Delta Police Department recommended the fence be built following a tragic incident in 2023 where a Tsawwassen senior went for a walk and accidentally crossed into the U.S., leading to his untimely death in Point Roberts.
Monument Park in Point Roberts has historically been a meeting place for Canadians and Americans, where they could gather for picnics without going through border patrol. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the park became a popular spot for cross-border gatherings while the official borders were closed.
The Treaty of Ghent, signed in 1814 to end the War of 1812, stipulates that no structures should be built close to either side of the border. U.S. immigration lawyer Len Saunders interprets this to mean that the fence in Delta violates the treaty. The fence is located just inches away from a sign prohibiting construction or trees within 10 feet of the international boundary.
Benjamin Hoy, a history professor specializing in the Canada-U.S. border, emphasizes the significance of treaties like the Treaty of Ghent in defining the border. He notes that local solutions often clash with international agreements when dealing with border communities.
Delta Mayor George Harvie expressed surprise at the fence’s installation, stating that neither he nor the council were aware of the decision. A motion to take down the fence will be presented to council, with an expectation of unanimous or majority support. The council plans to notify the International Boundary Commission of their actions and conduct an investigation to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The Canada Border Services Agency has confirmed that they were not involved in the installation of the fence and have referred inquiries to Delta police. While the area previously had no fence, border patrol cameras monitored the region. Other parts of the border are marked by private property fences or low barriers to prevent unauthorized crossings.
Overall, the unauthorized fence in Delta has raised concerns about treaty violations and jurisdictional overreach, prompting swift action to address the issue and ensure compliance with international agreements governing the Canada-U.S. border.
