Can an artificially imposed boundary really contribute much in defining attitudes?

When it comes to the Boundary Bay crossing separating Point Roberts from Tsawwassen it appears the 49th parallel marker presents a great divide when considering how to approach the prospect of development.

Case in point is the proposed addition of 110 homes to the grounds of the Point Roberts Golf & Country Club—the dream of owner Kenji Nose, a Vancouver businessman and yacht designer.

He envisions the picturesque golf course being home to plenty of Canadian buyers who want that rustic home away from home.

He also believes the development will help push the small community more towards a vacation destination status as momentum from the establishment of new homes spurs other development in the commercial and retail sectors.

How do local residents feel about it?

In general, there doesn’t seem to be an all out protest to stop Nose’s plan. At least not yet.

One Point Roberts environmental group, while steadfastly committed to protecting the local flora and fauna, understands it is better to work with the developer to have the best outcome than dig their collective heels in and oppose even the slightest notion of development in the way naysayers do here north of the border.

They are more than ready to set their hair on fire whenever a new project is suggested for Tsawwassen—remember the uproar over the synthetic turf field at Winskill Park?

True, no one wants to intentionally ruin the fine nature of Tsawwassen with massive blocks of homes and new ribbons of asphalt lined with cars.

But can we find a middle ground on the subject of where this community should go in the coming decades? Or are locals fine with future school closures, and a stagnant commercial sector?

The lesson from this comparison of communities?

While it’s fine to be a “green” watchdog, perhaps an attitude that starts with having an open mind is the preferable way to go.

Development is coming to this corner of the world—it’s just happening over the line.