US community Point Roberts exempt from Canadian water restrictions

Metro Vancouver remains under Stage 3 water restrictions, but Point Roberts, a small U.S. exclave that receives its water supply from Canada, is exempt. The community, located in Washington state, relies on a 50-year agreement signed in 1987 with the Greater Vancouver Water District (GVWD).

Under this contract, Point Roberts receives 700,000 imperial gallons of water daily for an annual fee of approximately $800,000 Canadian dollars. This rate is the same as what Canadian customers pay, but the contract is denominated in Canadian currency. Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West has voiced strong opinions about the arrangement, stating that local residents should be prioritized.

"From where I sit, we should be taking care of our residents. I’m not really interested in providing our water to the U.S. We have to ensure we’re looking after the people who are paying the bills in our region, full stop," West said. Metro Vancouver noted that Point Roberts' water usage in May constituted only 0.07 percent of the region's daily consumption. As Point Roberts is not a member of the GVWD, it is not subject to the conservation plan's restrictions.

The community of about 1,100 people has faced economic challenges since the start of a trade war with Canada, relying heavily on commerce with British Columbia. The decline in Canadian visitors has led to business closures, prompting efforts to attract shoppers with special exchange rates.

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From where I sit, we should be taking care of our residents. I’m not really interested in providing our water to the U.S. We have to ensure we’re looking after the people who are paying the bills in our region, full stop.