Langley, Bellingham plant tree to commemorate cross-border relationship

Elected officials from Bellingham, Wash., were in Langley Friday, with the two cities partnering to plant a tree in the Canadian city to symbolize unity between the two countries.

The ceremonial tree, planted in downtown Langley City, celebrates more than 100 years of peace and friendship across the U.S.-Canada border.

Amid the trade war with the United States, many British Columbians have stopped travelling south of the border, and the shift has had a major economic impact on American cities that rely on Canadian tourism.

Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund says her city has felt the effects.

“It’s not the same when we’re not together, and that’s what we really miss more than anything else right now,” Lund said.

While she is calling for Canadians to visit her city, it is unlikely that British Columbians will answer that call. The latest data from Statistics Canada highlights a 40 per cent drop in Canadian cross-border travel between February and April of this year.

Lund says she understands the halt in Canadians crossing the border, and says she is frustrated with her own government.

In the meantime, she says the tree-planting in Langley will serve to affirm the relationship.

“When people are ready, we’re ready,” she said.

“We’re here with open arms, ready to welcome our neighbours from the North back.”