Community of Point Roberts struggling as tourists are slow to return
Summer is in full swing with clogged hiking trails, packed ferries, and the smells of backyard barbeques.
But while many of you might be visiting tourist towns in the Cascades or near a Puget Sound Island, one Washington tourist town has been struggling: Point Roberts, our favorite local exclave.
It’s a peninsula, surrounded by water on three sides, and its fourth side borders Canada. Summers are usually the high points for Canadian tourists who flock to "The Point’s" beaches, or maybe they just want the cheaper gas.
But since the pandemic closed down the border, traffic and tourism has struggled to rebound.
A lot’s been written about Point Roberts and its predicament. Soundside producer Alec Cowan wanted to know how locals see the situation. He took a trip across the border and back to see how this isolated town is dealing with the dip – and all the stories about its decline.
Guests:
- Brian Calder, president of the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce
- Neil King, co-owner of Kora's Corner in Point Roberts
- Emma Jones, Point Roberts local
- Rick Hoole, Point Roberts local with the Bald Eagle Golf Club
- Tracy Evans, Point Roberts local with the Bald Eagle Golf Club
- Dave Duncan, manager at the International Market in Point Roberts
Related Links:
- KUOW - After two years of isolation, Point Roberts is open for business — sort of
- KUOW - Ferry service boosted to U.S. exclave of Point Roberts, which is cut off by Canada
Guests:
- Brian Calder, president of the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce
- Neil King, co-owner of Kora's Corner in Point Roberts
- Emma Jones, Point Roberts local
- Rick Hoole, Point Roberts local with the Bald Eagle Golf Club
- Tracy Evans, Point Roberts local with the Bald Eagle Golf Club
- Dave Duncan, manager at the International Market in Point Roberts
Related Links:
- KUOW - After two years of isolation, Point Roberts is open for business — sort of
- KUOW - Ferry service boosted to U.S. exclave of Point Roberts, which is cut off by Canada
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Diana Opong
Reporter & Host
Diana Opong is a general assignment reporter at KUOW, committed to illuminating impactful stories throughout the Pacific Northwest. Her journalistic lens spans between environmental phenomena like invasive green crabs to transformative milestones in ballet. Rooted in curiosity, Diana's approach to reporting blends meticulous research with collaborative storytelling, ensuring her work resonates deeply with audiences. She has also showcased her expertise as a freelance host for NPR's Life Kit and as a spot news reporter for NPR News, consistently delivering insightful narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
More stories from Diana Opong » -
Alec Cowan
Producer, Soundside
Alec Cowan is a producer for Soundside. His interests have brought many eclectic stories to the program, and his segments gravitate toward history, technology, arts and culture, and the environment. He's proud to be KUOW's unofficial "boat guy."
More stories from Alec Cowan »
