Point Roberts visits remain exempt from Canada’s PCR test requirement

Editor’s note: On Dec 20, 2021, a Government of Canada Order in Council that provides an exemption for fully-vaccinated Canadians from COVID-19 testing when returning from Point Roberts was renewed. Canadians only require proof of vaccination and completion of the ArriveCAN app to return home from the community.

This article has been updated to reflect that information.

The return of the PCR test requirement for short border trips prompted a sense of dread in Point Roberts.

Brian Calder, president of the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce, was worried the requirement for negative PCR tests for returning Canadians would be “devastating,” given how integrated his community is with Canada.

“We are unique … and we’re totally dependent — 90 per cent — dependent on Canadian activity coming here. Seventy-five per cent of our properties are owned by Canadian,” Calder explained.

However, just days after the federal government announced Canadians will once again be subject to PCR testing to return to Canada for short trips, an Order in Council providing an exception for the community was renewed.

Fully-vaccinated Canadians returning from a short trip to Point Roberts only need to provide proof of vaccination and complete the ArriveCAN app.

The news came as a relief to those who own property in the small U.S. community, as well as those who cross into Point Roberts to pick up packages, buy cheap gas, or do a little shopping.

– With files from Nikitha Martins and Robyn Crawford