As traffic between Canada and the US continues to decline, the Town of Sidney has voted to keep the American flag flying in its seasonal displays, choosing to emphasize goodwill over political tension.
According to new data from Statistics Canada, Canadian-resident return trips from the United States by automobile fell sharply in April, down 35.2% compared to the same time last year. Air travel from the US to Canada dropped 5.5%, and US-resident trips by car were down 10.7%.
The slowdown isn’t just reflected in statistics. Ferry operators are adjusting their schedules to match reduced demand. Clipper Navigation announced they’re cutting its sailings between Victoria and Seattle in half this summer.
The company will also lay off 20 staff members in Seattle and reduce hours for employees in Victoria. Clipper cited financial strain and ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the US as the reason for the cuts.
Meanwhile, Black Ball Ferry Line has announced it will delay ramping up its full summer schedule for the MV Coho.
The company had planned to offer four daily sailings beginning June 12th but will now stick with just three until June 25th.
That means evening departures from Port Angeles and early morning sailings from Victoria are cancelled during that period. Black Ball says ferry traffic is down 14% this year, with fewer Canadians making the trip across the border.
While fewer Americans are visiting and fewer Canadians are heading south, Sidney is standing by its long-standing tradition. This week, councillors voted to keep the American flag in place at two seasonal flag displays located at Beacon Wharf and Seaport Park.
The displays, which run from May to October, also feature the Union Jack, the BC provincial flag, and the Town of Sidney flag.
Some residents had called for the American flag to be removed, citing concerns over recent US political actions, including annexation threats and new trade tariffs. However, the Sidney Business Improvement Area, which represents local businesses, urged council to keep the flag in place.
The organization said American visitors continue to play a vital role in supporting the town’s tourism economy.
