Border Neighbors: Cross-Border Relationships Between the USA and Canada
Do people who live right on the border between the USA and Canada visit each other like neighbors in any other area? Yes, they do. In regions where the border is more integrated into the local community, such as in parts of the Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest, residents frequently cross the border for shopping, cultural events, and social gatherings.
Integrated Border Communities
In these areas, cross-border relationships are often longstanding and familial. For example, residents might celebrate holidays together, attend each other's events, or participate in cross-border sports leagues. These communities have built a sense of neighborliness that transcends national boundaries.
Challenges and Regulations
While the relationships are strong, certain factors can complicate cross-border interactions. Border regulations, customs checks, and visa requirements can sometimes pose challenges, especially during times of heightened security or health concerns. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions and border closures have made it difficult for residents to visit each other freely.
Personal Experiences
Take, for example, the story of a colleague who lived on Wellesley Island in New York and worked in Kingston, Ontario. Despite the international boundary, their interactions were very much like those between neighbors in their local community.
My Current Situation
Currently, looking out my window from an island in northern Minnesota, the nearby shore in Canada is just a stone's throw away. However, due to travel restrictions caused by the pandemic, I haven't been able to visit Canada in several years. Positive developments are on the horizon, as travel restrictions are expected to ease for vaccinated individuals in the next two weeks. However, I am hesitant to undergo a test just to enable the trip.
Community Traditions
A personal anecdote from a friend who has family in Northwest Ontario illustrates the close ties between border residents. Traditionally, people frequently crossed the border to visit friends and family, and there has been a long history of dating and marriage between people from my hometown and the nearly identical Canadian town across the border. Canadians often frequented US stores and restaurants, showcasing a stronger integration of the two cultures.
Rural Areas vs. Coastal Areas
The nature of cross-border relationships can vary significantly based on the region. On the Pacific coast of British Columbia, there was a lot of cross-border traffic before the pandemic. Students would travel daily between Washington and universities in BC, highlighting the seamless integration of the two societies.
On the eastern end of the province, which borders Montana, the story is quite different. Despite being only a short drive from the border, few residents had ever crossed into BC. This disparity in cross-border interactions can be attributed to various factors, including cultural, economic, and geographic differences.
Overall, while there are challenges, many border residents cultivate a strong sense of neighborly relationship across the international boundary. Despite the complications posed by regulations and travel restrictions, these communities have found ways to foster strong relationships and maintain a sense of closeness despite the physical separation.