The Editor:
I am writing to express my growing concern regarding the noticeable decline in the maintenance and upkeep of Blaine Marine Park in recent weeks. As a frequent visitor and resident of Blaine, I have always appreciated the park as a valuable community space. However, the current condition of the park has drastically changed and, frankly, it looks neglected.
Garbage bins are frequently overflowing, and litter is becoming increasingly common. Furthermore, it has been concerning to observe a significant decrease in the presence of park staff in recent weeks. This lack of visible personnel likely contributes to the overall decline in maintenance.
It has come to my attention that there have been recent changes in park staff, and while I understand transitions can be challenging, the impact on the park’s condition is undeniable. It appears that essential maintenance tasks are not being carried out with the same diligence as before.
This decline in upkeep not only detracts from the park’s aesthetic appeal but also diminishes its value as a recreational space for families, individuals and the community as a whole. A well-maintained park contributes significantly to our town’s quality of life.
I urge the city council and the relevant departments to address these issues promptly. I hope that the necessary resources and attention will be directed towards ensuring that Blaine Marine Park is restored to its previous standard of care. Perhaps a review of the current staffing and their responsibilities is warranted to ensure the park receives that attention it deserves.
Elena Bautista
Blaine
The Editor:
As a U.S. citizen living in Englehart, Ontario, far from the Peace Arch, I still feel the ripple effects of tariffs that threaten the unity symbolized by this 1921 monument connecting Washington and British Columbia. Its inscriptions, “Children of a Common Mother” and “Brethren Dwelling Together in Unity,” call for shared prosperity, yet tariffs harm trade and communities on both sides.
Washington’s economy, heavily reliant on cross-border trade, is suffering. Farmers face soaring equipment costs, manufacturers struggle to export and small businesses grapple with rising prices and shrinking sales. These disruptions cut jobs, slow growth and raise costs for Washington families, hitting the most vulnerable hardest. In Canada, businesses and consumers face similar struggles, with tariffs blocking access to U.S. markets and inflating prices, affecting even distant towns like Englehart.
Expat tax policies worsen the strain. As a U.S. citizen in Canada, I face complex tax burdens that hit cross-border families hard, clashing with the Peace Arch’s spirit of cooperation. These policies, combined with tariffs, create economic hardship for border and non-border communities alike.
From Englehart, I see how these policies hurt people far beyond Washington’s border. Higher costs and fewer opportunities don’t stop at the 49th parallel – they affect us all. I want to make things better for everyone, whether in the U.S. or Canada. We need policies that lift both sides, fostering trade and fairness.
Our leaders must act to reduce tariffs and reform expat taxes, ensuring prosperity for Washington, Ontario and beyond. The Peace Arch stands for partnership, not division. Let’s honor it with solutions that strengthen our shared future, for every community, regardless of which side of the border they call home.
Gabriel Morrow
Englehart, ON
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