Contested B.C. fence along U.S. border has been taken down, police say
Social Sharing
An unauthorized fence that sparked an international investigation after it was erected in B.C. along the U.S.-Canada border has been taken down, according to police.
The Delta Police Department, which recommended the fence be put up after a B.C. senior inadvertently crossed into the U.S. and died in 2023, said it was taken down Thursday morning after a meeting between the police chief and city manager concluded that the barrier "should be removed immediately."
"Considerations for other options in the future to mitigate the risks identified in the assessment will be explored," the department said in a statement.
Delta residents were not happy about the unguarded, black chain-link fence that was put up earlier this month, a project that the mayor and city council said they were not consulted on beforehand.
On Wednesday, the International Boundary Commission, a bi-national organization responsible for regulating construction close to the Canada-U.S. border, confirmed to CBC News that it did not authorize the fence and was investigating the matter.
CBC has reached out to the commission asking how the removal of the fence impacts the investigation.
Delta councillor Daniel Boisvert, one of the loudest opponents of the fence, said he's happy to see the fence go, saying he did not like what it represented.
"I felt that this type of fence, barrier, wall (whatever you want to call it) did not symbolize the trust that our two countries have shared for decades," he said in a statement Thursday.
Fence not authorized
Immigration and history experts said the fence likely violated a historic policy meant to keep the Canada-U.S. border vista clear from coast to coast, with one immigration lawyer claiming the fence was in violation of the treaty that ended the War of 1812 between the U.S. and Britain — when Canada was still a British colony.
The fence in Delta was mere inches away from a sign that says "no construction or trees" within 10 feet or three metres of the international boundary.
The fence, roughly 30 metres long, was put up at the end of English Bluff Road in Tsawwassen, a community within the Metro Vancouver suburb of Delta, B.C. That side of the border adjoins a park in the Washington state community of Point Roberts.
The Delta Police Department recommended the fence be built to prevent people from unintentionally crossing into the U.S. following a 2023 incident in which a Tsawwassen senior went for a walk and didn't return home. He was found dead a few days later in Point Roberts after inadvertently crossing into the U.S.
Monument Park in Point Roberts, which has grassy space that extends across the border into Canada, is a place where Canadians and Americans have historically been able to meet for picnics without going through border patrol. It became a particularly popular meeting place during the COVID-19 pandemic when the borders were officially closed.
While there was previously no fence along this part of the border, there were and still are border patrol cameras that monitor the area. Many other parts of the short border are marked by a variety of private property fences or, as Harvie described, low barriers that prevent cars from crossing over.
WATCH | This short stretch of border fencing may be violating an old war treaty:
Why this B.C. fence along the U.S. border may be violating the War of 1812 treaty
15 hours ago
Duration 2:03
A small fence built along the Canada-U.S. border in Delta, B.C., may be violating a long-standing treaty from 1814. The fence was put up earlier this month as a safety precaution, but as Jon Hernandez reports, it has sparked an international investigation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cision Canada
2 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Electricity sector urges federal government to adopt national plan to meet rising power demand
Electricity Alliance of Canada, an electricity industry coalition, outlines five priorities to secure clean, reliable energy and support Canada's economic future OTTAWA, ON, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - Canada's electricity sector is calling on the newly elected federal government to develop a bold and immediate plan when it comes to electricity in Canada. This is urgently needed to meet growing demand, secure the country's economic future and become an energy superpower. Last week, the federal government introduced the One Canadian Economy Act, which highlighted the need for building projects in the national interest. There is no greater national interest project than building Canada's electricity grid. The electricity sector finds itself at a pivotal juncture. With climate change accelerating, global energy dynamics shifting, electricity demand increasing and potential U.S. tariffs looming, Canada cannot afford to lose its strategic energy advantage. Canadians expect affordable, reliable and secure power—and the electricity industry is committed to delivering it. Canada's economy was built on dependable power. Today, more than 60 per cent of electricity is generated from hydroelectric sources, with nuclear, wind, solar, and energy storage playing growing and essential roles. Yet current electricity production—around 630 terawatt-hours annually—will not meet future needs. As industries electrify, manufacturing returns, and the economy becomes more digital, pressure on electricity systems will grow significantly. To meet this growing demand, substantial investments in electricity generation, transmission and distribution are essential—not only to keep the lights on, but to create jobs and secure long-term prosperity. The electricity sector is urging the new federal government to act on five urgent priorities: Streamline project approvals and clarify investment incentives The One Canadian Economy Act promises to accelerate project approvals. This is desperately needed. Slow and uncertain approval processes hinder investment and delay critical projects. The industry needs an efficient, 'one project, one review' process for major electricity projects and a finalized version of the Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits. On carbon pricing, a flexible approach should support environmental outcomes while ensuring regional fairness and global competitiveness. Partner meaningfully with Indigenous communities The proposed act also promotes the need for Indigenous voices to be heard. Indigenous partnership in clean energy projects is vital to Canada's future, and Indigenous voices must be heard when it comes to energy decisions. The federal government should also expand tools like the Canada Infrastructure Bank and the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program to ensure Indigenous partners can participate fully and on their own terms, supporting reconciliation. Build interprovincial energy corridors Canada must turn long-standing conversations about interprovincial grid connections into action. The federal government, provinces, Crown corporations and utilities must collaborate to support energy trade, infrastructure development and labour mobility in regulated occupations. Secure electricity supply chains Global supply chains are facing disruption from tariffs, regulation and trade tensions. The federal government must help manage these risks and ensure the resilience of supply chains critical to electricity infrastructure. Invest in workforce development The future grid requires a skilled, well-trained workforce. Continued federal investment in long-term training programs will help produce the tradespeople and engineers needed to support reliable, clean and resilient electricity systems. Affordable, reliable and clean electricity is a strategic Canadian advantage. The sector has already increased supply while reducing emissions, and is prepared to do even more. The One Canadian Economy Act indicates it's time to focus on "nation-building" projects. Building up the electricity sector—generation, transmission and distribution—not only represents a project in the national interest; it enables all other national interest projects. The electricity sector is ready to get to work on a strong, resilient system to meet growing demand and protect Canada's economic future. Canada needs a bold electricity plan—now. This statement was jointly issued by: Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association Francis Bradley, President and CEO, Electricity Canada Michelle Branigan, CEO, Electricity Human Resources Canada George Christidis, President and CEO, Canadian Nuclear Association Elisa Obermann, Executive Director, Marine Renewables Canada Lorena Patterson, President and CEO, WaterPower Canada About Electricity Alliance Canada Electricity Alliance Canada is a coalition of six industry associations promoting the power of electrification to lead the way to a sustainable energy future. Our mandate is to enable, promote and advocate for the increased use of electricity throughout the Canadian economy to help achieve Canada's net-zero emissions target.
Calgary Herald
2 hours ago
- Calgary Herald
'Incredibly important': U.S.-Canada relationship a focus at the Global Energy Show
Canada's push to become an 'energy superpower' and the recently precarious trade relationship with the U.S. were discussed at the Global Energy Show. Article content Among the events on the first day, Peter Mansbridge hosted several executives for a panel on U.S.-Canada relations and North America's energy future. Article content Cenovus Energy president and CEO Jon McKenzie; Lisa Baiton, president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers; Rona Ambrose, deputy chair of TD Securities; and Clay Sell, CEO of X-energy, all addressed the exhibition crowd on Tuesday. Article content Article content Article content Ambrose said it's an opportunity, adding that the 'silver lining' of the tension between the U.S. and Canada is that it has resulted in Canadian unity that hasn't been seen in 'a long time.' Article content She also noted that it has created a general consensus around the importance of energy, with more Canadians being engaged on the issue. Article content Baiton described the current situation as a 'monumental shift' in Canada's current relationship with the U.S. and said the events of the past few months have 'fundamentally and likely permanently changed our long-standing partnership.' Article content However, having traded oil and gas with the U.S. for about 150 years, Baiton argued that the highly integrated supply chain means the U.S. will always remain a major destination for Canadian energy. Article content Article content 'Well over 90 per cent of our oil experts go to the U.S., and today, about 99 per cent of natural gas goes to the U.S.,' said Baiton. Article content Sell, who is from the U.S., echoed Baiton's sentiment of how intertwined the two countries' energy systems are. Article content 'For over a century, we had a great trading relationship before the North American Free Trade Agreement,' said Sell, adding that 'challenges' in U.S. President Donald Trump's first term were addressed in the U.S.-Canada-Mexico agreement. Article content In terms of Canada diversifying its energy customers, Sell said it's wise. Article content 'Security through diversity, I think that's a wise choice, as the US is also seeking to increase its energy security through diversity,' he said. 'But fundamentally, I don't think anything can really change the core of the U.S.-Canada relationship.'
3 hours ago
The man behind 50 years of ferrying West Coast Trail hikers
Headlines Latest News Podcasts (new window) the West Coast Trail legend who's celebrating his 50th season ferrying hikers across the Nitinat Narrows. Photo: CBC Meet Carl Edgar – the West Coast Trail legend who's celebrating his 50th season ferrying hikers across the Nitinat Narrows. Not only does he ferry hikers, he and his family run the famous Nitinat Crabshack, serving up seafood for hungry hikers for many years. Début du widget Widget. Passer le widget ? Fin du widget Widget. Retourner au début du widget ? CBC News Beginning of list of 13 items. Skip list? The man behind 50 years of ferrying West Coast Trail hikers Robert Miller, billionaire accused of sex crimes, unfit to stand trial, judge rules Canada, allies sanctioning 2 Israeli ministers over Gaza comments F-35 program facing skyrocketing costs, pilot shortage and infrastructure deficit: AG report Fewer Americans are visiting Canada. Ad campaigns assure them they're welcome here This Palestinian boy lost his eye to an unexploded bomb. Thousands of tonnes of explosives may remain in Gaza She came to Canada for university, but she'd never been accepted. The scam cost her $7K Dentists praise Canadian Dental Care program, but also express concern over influx of new patients Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman invited to G7 summit in Alberta: sources They fled their home countries to report from the safety of the U.S. Now, they fear they're in danger Defence targets E.M.'s credibility, judge questions 'consent videos' shown at world juniors sex assault trial As new U.S. travel ban arrives, some Canadian dual nationals are worried Quebec floats cutting services for non-permanent residents End of list of 13 items. Back to beginning of list? 81-year-old has late-stage Parkinson's disease. 1 hour ago Courts and Crime Several countries freeze assets, impose travel bans on Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. AG Karen Hogan's report also says contracts awarded to GCStrategies didn't deliver value for money. Quebec TV ad features a local hotel clerk warmly hugging an American tourist. Unexploded ordnances pose a significant risk for kids in Gaza.
