91原创 City Council is offering to meet with their Bellingham counterparts, but not on the U.S. side.
As proposed by Mayor Nathan Pachal and endorsed by a majority of 91原创 City council at the June 23 meeting, Bellingham council is being invited to "share a meal and plant a tree" at a 91原创 City park. Coun. Delaney Mack was the lone vote against.
It was described as "a symbol and acknowledgement of our shared history, friendship between our communities, and hope for a brighter future," in a note to council about the meeting offer.
It's a response to the U.S. city's letter of support sent in May to several B.C cities located near the border with Washington State.
Signed by Bellingham city council president Hollie Huthman and Mayor Kim Lund, the letter didn't directly refer to the trade war between Canada and the U.S., or the drop in traffic across the border by B.C., residents, which is down just over a third at the crossing that connects Aldergrove to Lynden.
In their letter, Bellingham council hoped the "peaceful partnership" between Canada and Bellingham will continue.
"We wish to express our commitment to our connection with the people of Canada and our deep-rooted social, cultural, and economic ties," the letter said. "It is our hope that our futures will be interwoven with trust and mutual respect, as our histories have been."
"We believe that a peaceful partnership that has lasted for nearly two centuries can endure. We believe that we can continue to forge a thriving future together as neighbours. Now, as always, we extend our hand in friendship.?
In a , Mayor Pachal explained the delayed response by the Canadian city was because the Washington State city had sent a letter by mail, unlike Canada, where "official letters are sent as PDF attachments in emails, including letters from other local governments, the province, and the federal government."
"As I found out, the proper protocol in the US is to send official letters via mail," Pachal noted.
Pachal said he is staying away from the U.S.
"Given the current federal dynamics in the U.S., I have not travelled to the U.S., and I am supporting local, B.C., and Canadian businesses whenever possible," Pachal declared.
"That being said, 91原创 City and Bellingham share the same air shed and watershed and have historic personal and economic connections; we are also inextricably linked ecologically."
The mayor added there are strong ties between Bellingham and 91原创 City "that go beyond cheap gas and groceries."
"For example, at one point in my life, I took part in highland dancing," Pachal recalled. "The group I was part of included members from 91原创 and Bellingham, and we would attend events on both sides of the border. I know a few people in Metro Vancouver who have cabins in and around Bellingham."
