The Port of Bellingham has released an economic development strategy for Point Roberts, designed to address the community’s unique challenges, including geographic isolation, a shortage of skilled labor, and inadequate infrastructure.

Point Roberts is located at the southern tip of British Columbia’s Tsawwassen peninsula; this point of land extends south of the Canadian border and is included as part of Whatcom County in Washington State. The Port of Bellingham’s mission is to support sustainable economic development throughout Whatcom County. That said, the Port has secured a planning grant from the WA State Dept. of Commerce Community Economic Revitalization Board to hire a professional consulting firm to work with the Port and Point Robert residents, business owners, and regional partners to develop economic strategies.

Map of Point Roberts showing marina location, streets, and park locations.

The marina at Point Roberts is privately owned and has been underutilized and has struggled with a slowdown in tourism. Point Roberts currently has limited internet service and the area’s septic infrastructure is an obstacle to development, requiring large areas of land. The Port of Bellingham’s Economic Development Strategy includes:

  1. Acquisition of Point Roberts Marina to support marine trades, tourism, and commercial and residential development.
  2. Broadband infrastructure expansion to support business development and remote work opportunities.
  3. Centralized Sewer System to increase housing options and support economic growth.
  4. Establish a “Resilience Hub” to support social services, small businesses, and emergency readiness.
  5. Economic and Environmental sustainability efforts for natural assets such as Lighthouse Marine Park, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, RV park infrastructure, and public spaces for art in support of local artists.

You can read the full report, “Point Roberts Economic Development Strategy,” HERE. Bellingham Port Staff will be making a presentation to the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee on October 16 at 7 pm. at the Point Roberts Community Center. Next steps will be to work with the residents of Point Roberts and other stakeholders to determine economic development priorities and funding resources.

Header Photo: Lorena Landon
Point Roberts Map: Park Dept.