Letter to the Editor - December

The Editor: I would like to thank all those who came out for the fire department’s Haunted House. It was our first since the pandemic and was a great event. We met our goal of providing some increased heart rates to adults and children! 

Thank you everyone for helping make it a great day. 

Christopher Carleton, fire chief Point Roberts

The Editor:

I found Brian Calder’s Letter to The Editor in the November issue of the All Point Bulletin very interesting. It prompted me to write in. Brian’s letter was regarding the use of, or lack thereof, commercial businesses along Gulf Road. Brian has common sense and experience to back up his comments and concerns.

I attended a planning meeting about 16 years ago. I listened as the conversation centered on commercial enterprises along Gulf Road and how to rejuvenate and create more commercial businesses. The conversation shifted to perhaps creating a commercial zone at the north end of Marine Drive close to the border

. I waited until everyone spoke, then put in my two bits’ worth. For starters, I pointed out that a tourist crossing the border into Point Roberts would find it hard to drive south on Tyee Drive, turn right on Gulf Road heading west then turn right on Marine Drive and head back north near the border for any commercial business. Secondly, I suggested that if Kiniski’s Reef Tavern was sold, the new owner would most likely build four to six condo units. Thirdly, any tourist driving south on Tyee Drive who gets close to Gulf Road and sees the open ocean and the masts of the sail boats to the south would want to continue on that path.

I ended my observations with a proposal that the planning committee consider looking into creating a small commercial hub near the marina. A place where you could park your car, walk around, have a meal from one of a few small restaurants, a pub or check out some craft stores. It would have been a perfect location for the Point Roberts Museum/Historical Center, a realty office and general information center to let people know about the golf course, the parks, and other things to do at the Point. A gathering place with an amazing ambience.

I get it that this is no easy proposal, but it should have been considered for a long-term plan that would put a whole new spin on what is truly needed for long term economic stability. I have seen and experienced small towns and places that have scattered or commercial ventures in the wrong locations. No fault to those people who came after the fact, but it never works as well as it could have.

I struggle sometimes with people that have no vision of how things should or could be to make a better place or situation for everyone. My therapist tells me to let it go. Lol.

Rod Harman Point Roberts

(A Canadian summer cottage owner)

The Editor and the United Nations:

Why haven’t you deployed a peace-keeping force? It’s long overdue.  Campbell McClusky

Point Roberts