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61-468: The monument and the surrounding land is part of Peace Arch Park . Within the park is Peace Arch Border Crossing , a major border crossing between Interstate 5 and British Columbia Highway 99 . The Peace Arch has the flags of United States and Canada mounted on its crown, and two inscriptions on both sides of its frieze . The inscription on the U.S. side of the Peace Arch reads "Children of

122-663: A billboard sign, surrounded by a mass of twisted metal rods. On the Canadian side, a new Port of Entry building was constructed by the Canada Border Services Agency . It was officially opened by Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan on August 20, 2009. It was built partly to reduce delays for travelers coming to the 2010 Winter Olympics which were held in Vancouver and Whistler February 12–28, 2010. International border intrigue has always been

183-673: A Blaine address for mail from the U.S. Several mail service companies have opened branches in Blaine, targeting Canadian residents looking to avoid cross-border shipping costs. The local industry grew during the rise of e-commerce in the early 2000s and the city set up a sales tax that earns $ 1.7 million in annual revenue. Blaine had a small airport , which was popular with light aircraft owners for its low fuel prices and because it had less fog than other nearby airports. The runway measured 2,539 by 40 feet (774 m × 12 m). The Blaine city government operated automated fuel pumps. In

244-645: A borderline climate between mediterranean ( Csb ) and maritime ( Cfb ), which provides fairly mild weather from the rest of the Pacific Northwest . With annual precipitation of about 40 inches (1,000 mm) and its milder location, Blaine enjoys more sunny days and a milder climate than neighboring communities. Blaine is home to two main West Coast ports of entry between the United States and Canada. The Peace Arch Border Crossing , which

305-583: A common mother" (referring to the two nations' common origin from the British Empire ), and the words on the Canadian side read "Brethren dwelling together in unity" ( Psalm 133:1 ). Within the arch, each side has an iron gate mounted on either side of the border with an inscription above each gate: the one on the east side read "May these gates never be closed", while on the west side read "1814 Open One Hundred Years 1914". The surrounding park, Peace Arch Park , consists of Peace Arch Provincial Park on

366-421: A household in the city was $ 36,900, and the median income for a family was $ 45,056. Males had a median income of $ 36,381 versus $ 23,561 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 20,333. About 10.2% of families and 15.5% of the population were below the poverty line , including 16.6% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over. The Blaine School District has five public schools that serves

427-403: A lumber and shingle mill, a hotel (largest in the state at the time), the first public wharf, and donated large public tracts of land. Nathan Cornish and family moved to Blaine in 1889. He became mayor in 1901; his platform was "twelve miles of wooden sidewalk". His daughter, Nellie Cornish , having failed to open a successful piano teaching business in Blaine, moved to Seattle, where she founded

488-506: A male householder with no wife present, and 35.3% were non-families. 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.85. The median age in the city was 44.3 years. 21.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22% were from 25 to 44; 30.1% were from 45 to 64; and 19.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of

549-474: A part of Blaine's ambiance. Smuggling became an underground industry in 1919 with the passage of the Volstead Act banning liquor sale and use in the United States. Rum-running and border jumping thrived along Blaine's shared coastline with British Columbia , due in part to the area's largest whiskey still being located on Texada Island , which is located in the northern Strait of Georgia offshore from

610-549: A place of bi-national mingling and also hosts wedding ceremonies. In 2006, a local group called the Blaine Peace Alliance unsuccessfully solicited City Council support to formalize a sister-city relationship with Pugwash, Nova Scotia , where promotion of world peace had been an ongoing effort for 50 years. Because Pugwash affiliated itself with the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs ,

671-551: A playground for children. Visitors are allowed to explore both sides of the Canada–United States border inside the park, but are warned not to cross the boundary of the park to enter the adjacent country without being cleared to enter by the respective customs authority, as violators are subject to prosecution. Although no known cameras are in the park itself, United States Border Patrol agents in cars, on bikes, and on foot inside and steerable cameras on poles outside watch

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732-700: Is a city in Whatcom County , Washington , United States. The city's northern boundary is the Canada–U.S. border ; the Peace Arch international monument straddles the border of both countries. It is the fourth largest incorporated city within the Bellingham Metropolitan Area . The population was 5,884 at the 2020 census . Since Blaine is located right on the border with Canada, it is the northernmost city on Interstate 5 . The area

793-582: Is an international park consisting of Peace Arch Historical State Park in Washington, United States and Peace Arch Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada . The park straddles the international boundary between the two countries at the extreme western end of the main contiguous section of the two countries' land border, between Blaine, Washington , United States, and Surrey, British Columbia , Canada, where it reaches Semiahmoo Bay of

854-623: Is built on the exact U.S.– Canada boundary, where Interstate 5 on the U.S. side of the border becomes Highway 99 on the Canadian side, in the grass median between the northbound and southbound lanes. The park is located at the Peace Arch Border Crossing (also known as the Blaine–Douglas Border Crossing), where Highway 99 in British Columbia and Interstate 5 in Washington State meet. It

915-576: Is located within Peace Arch State Park in Blaine and is occasionally used as a focal point for peaceful demonstrations and debate, such as the annual setting of crosses for each American killed so far in the Iraq War. But most of the people who visit or pass by the park each year remember it for its beauty and peaceful shoreline setting (although the beach is not officially accessible from the park). The Interstate 5 freeway extends from

976-539: Is now known as the Peace Arch Border Crossing long predated the 1921 construction of the Peace Arch. In 1914 Samuel Hill , lawyer for the Great Northern Railway , organized an international fundraising campaign to build the Arch. American architect Harvey Wiley Corbett donated his talents to design the Arch. International volunteers began constructing in 1920. It was dedicated on September 6, 1921, and

1037-560: Is one of the busiest border crossings between Canada and the United States, and the busiest such crossing west of Detroit . The park's northern portion is about 9 hectares (22 acres) and is managed by the British Columbia Ministry of Environment. The southern portion is about 20 acres (8.1 ha) and is managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission . About 500,000 people visit

1098-466: Is the northern terminus of I-5 and southern terminus of B.C. provincial Highway 99 , serves as the primary passenger vehicle port of entry. The Pacific Highway Border Crossing , approximately one mile to the east, serves as the primary point of entry for heavy truck traffic, and thus is also known as the Truck Crossing. The latter is reached via Washington State Route 543 which departs I-5 on

1159-527: The COVID-19 pandemic , the Canada–United States border was shut down for non-essential travel on March 21, 2020. Initially, the parks on both sides of the border continued to open, allowing visitors from both sides of the border to gather at the park. However, as the number of park visitors continued to increase, the Canadian side of the park was ordered to close on June 18, 2020. On November 8, 2021,

1220-626: The Cambodian campaign during the Vietnam War on May 9, 1970. The Arch was added to the Canadian Register of Historic Places in 1939, and to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1996. On February 9, 2010, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay visited the north side of the Peace Arch, while Premier Gordon Campbell and Governor Christine Gregoire addressed a crowd of several hundred people. In response to

1281-562: The Cherry Point Refinery . The city is also served by Whatcom Transportation Authority buses that connect it to Ferndale and Bellingham . The Great Northern Railway opened a passenger and freight depot serving Blaine in 1909, shortly after completing construction of its waterfront railroad. Amtrak 's Pacific International began serving the station in 1972 and operated daily trains that stopped there until 1981. Passengers were initially required to disembark from

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1342-516: The Cornish College of the Arts in 1914, which still exists today. On May 9, 1970, approximately 450 Canadian protestors demonstrating against the Cambodian campaign of the Vietnam War crossed the border and conducted a "symbolic invasion" of Blaine. Several buildings' windows were smashed, flags were torn down, and the Peace Arch was vandalized before police officers and vigilantes pushed

1403-582: The Salish Sea on the continent's Pacific Coast . The park's central feature is the Peace Arch ( French : Arche de la Paix ). Construction of the 20.5-meter (67 ft) tall arch was headed by American lawyer Sam Hill and dedicated in September 1921. The Peace Arch commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Ghent in 1814 and symbolizes a long history of peace between the two nations. The monument

1464-589: The Treaty of Ghent and the Rush-Bagot agreement ending the War of 1812 , which "provided for peaceful resolution of U.S.—British disputes and an unguarded U.S./Canadian border." The United States side was established as a state park in 1931. The Canadian side was established as a provincial park on November 7, 1939. The Peace Arch has the flags of United States and Canada mounted on its crown, and two inscriptions on both sides of its frieze . The inscription on

1525-476: The US Border Patrol employs hundreds of federal law enforcement officers and support staff in the community. Blaine also has a number of manufacturing companies, including Nature's Path cereal and Totally Chocolate . The Port of Bellingham operates a large marina in Blaine, serving a variety of pleasure craft and fishing vessels. As Vancouver, British Columbia is just north of Blaine, across

1586-619: The 1920s", declared the December 27, 1964 issue of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer . As of the 2020 census , there were 5,884 people, 2,459 households in the city. As of the 2010 census , there were 4,684 people, 1,994 households, and 1,291 families residing in the city. The population density was 832.0 inhabitants per square mile (321.2/km ). There were 2,346 housing units at an average density of 416.7 units per square mile (160.9 units/km ). The racial makeup of

1647-530: The 1921 construction of the Peace Arch. In 1914 Samuel Hill , lawyer for the Great Northern Railway , organized an international fundraising campaign to build the Peace Arch. American architect Harvey Wiley Corbett donated his talents to design the Arch. International volunteers began constructing in 1920. It was dedicated on September 6, 1921, and was considered one of the first earthquake-resistant structures built in North America. It commemorates

1708-469: The American side of the park and return to Canada, Canada Border Services Agency required anyone crossing the international border to report to CBSA to avoid potential penalties or charges. In an interview with CBC News , an immigration attorney from Washington state cited that the 1814 Treaty of Ghent prevents the erection of a barrier on the boundary, as it stipulates that such an action would cause

1769-444: The Canadian side and Peace Arch State Park on the American side of the border. About 500,000 people visit the Peace Arch each year. The monument and surrounding park is considered an international park. As such, visitors do not require either a passport or visa to pass through their applicable border crossing so long as they stay within the boundaries of the park and leave the park into the country from which they entered. Because of

1830-670: The Council ruled such a connection would be "political". Shortly thereafter, the Alliance disbanded. Since 1937, an annual celebration known as "Hands Across the Border" has been held at the park, sponsored by the International Peace Arch Association. Hundreds of Scouts from the U.S. and Canada are in attendance and the highways and Ports of Entry on both sides of the border are closed for several hours for

1891-431: The Peace Arch each year. The monument and surrounding park is considered an international park. As such, visitors do not require either a passport or visa to pass through their applicable border crossing so long as they stay within the boundaries of the park and leave the park into the country from which they entered the park. Border inspection services at what is now known as the Peace Arch Border Crossing long predated

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1952-483: The Peace Arch monument, the border crossing between Surrey and Blaine is popularly known as the " Peace Arch Border Crossing ". In Canada, the crossing is officially named Douglas after Sir James Douglas , the first governor of the Colony of British Columbia . It is one of the busiest border crossings between Canada and the United States, and the busiest such crossing west of Detroit . Border inspection services at what

2013-457: The U.S. In the 1990s, smuggling again reached a zenith with exports of high grade marijuana from neighboring British Columbia, and corresponding flow of cocaine and handguns from the United States into Canada. As the production of ' BC Bud ' grew across British Columbia , a sometimes dangerous game of cat and mouse played out along Blaine's border with Canada. Smugglers used every technique, from backpacks to helicopter aerial drops to bring tons of

2074-429: The U.S. side of the Peace Arch reads "Children of a common mother" (referring to the two nations' common origin from the British Empire ), and the words on the Canadian side read "Brethren dwelling together in unity" ( Psalm 133:1 ). Within the arch, each side has an iron gate mounted on either side of the border with an inscription above each gate: the one on the east side read "May these gates never be closed", while on

2135-535: The U.S./Mexico border at San Diego, northward to Canada, and terminates in Blaine at the city's northern border . The country's only pedestrian crosswalk to cross an Interstate freeway exists in Peace Arch State Park, the Washington portion of the binational Peace Arch Park . The Canadian side of the park, designated as Peace Arch Provincial Park, is in Douglas , the Canadian port-of-entry and part of

2196-677: The US-Canada border and where several prime-time television series are recorded, several dozen US actors/actresses have rented houses in Blaine and commute to Vancouver rather than rent houses and apartments in Vancouver, which is much more expensive. Included series are: Once Upon A Time , Beauty and the Beast , Supernatural and Nikita . For similar reasons, a significant number of Americans who work for companies in Vancouver are living in Blaine. The United States Consulate in Vancouver has

2257-500: The annual program was re-established in 2015. Much of Blaine's economy is based on cross-border Canadian trade. The eastern side of the city accommodates a number of import/export warehouses, freight and courier services and gas stations serving long-haul cargo trucks. The Customs and Border Protection branch of the Department of Homeland Security operates two border inspection stations in Blaine. The Blaine Sector Headquarters of

2318-517: The border reopened to non-essential travel for Canadians who received a COVID-19 vaccine . Despite the closure of the Canadian side of the park, and to get around mandatory Canadian public health and quarantine requirements, some visitors on the Canadian side continued to cross the border by directly accessing Peace Arch Historical State Park from 0 Avenue in Surrey. Although the U.S. Customs and Border Protection allowed Canadian visitors to enter

2379-631: The border to Blaine to attend school. Blaine is at the north end of Interstate 5 (I-5), the main north–south freeway in the West Coast states . The freeway terminates at the Peace Arch Border Crossing and has a spur route, State Route 543 , that serves the Pacific Highway Border Crossing to the east; commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses are required to use the eastern crossing. Another state highway, State Route 548 , travels south from Blaine to Birch Bay and

2440-416: The city as well as adjacent unincorporated communities, including Birch Bay and Point Roberts . The largest share of school services is consolidated on a campus in central Blaine, which has facilities for approximately 2,100 students, including Blaine High School , Blaine Middle School, and Blaine Elementary School. Students from the small nearby exclave of Point Roberts above 3rd grade are bused through

2501-778: The city of Powell River, British Columbia . This continued until Prohibition was repealed in 1933 (coincidentally, the US Congressional law which re-legalized alcohol is named the Blaine Act ). In subsequent decades, the situation was reversed due to restrictive drinking and entertainment laws in British Columbia, notably a ban on Sunday drinking, which led to Blaine and its sister border towns of Point Roberts and Sumas booming with taverns and adult entertainment of various kinds. Those days are long gone and now Blaine's retail sector consists of goods such as gasoline, dairy products and clothing outlets, as these goods are cheaper in

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2562-481: The city of Surrey, British Columbia . The Peace Arch monument , located in the park, symbolizes lasting peace and amity between the U.S. and Canada. One innovative feature that has never been abrogated even during the days since 9/11 is that people entering the park from either side may have the unique experience of strolling to the opposite park's boundary amid flowers, ponds, and works of art, without having to go through customs facilities. The park has been described as

2623-592: The city was 49.1% male and 50.9% female. As of the 2000 census , there were 3,770 people, 1,496 households, and 1,036 families residing in the city. The population density was 680.4 people per square mile (262.7 people/km ). There were 1,737 housing units at an average density of 313.5 units per square mile (121.0 units/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 87.72% White , 1.19% African American , 1.14% Native American , 4.19% Asian , 0.66% Pacific Islander , 1.33% from other races , and 3.77% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.35% of

2684-445: The city was 86.5% White , 1.4% African American , 0.9% Native American , 5.1% Asian , 1.3% Pacific Islander , 0.7% from other races , and 4.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.0% of the population. There were 1,994 households, of which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.5% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.2% had

2745-548: The continent have discovered the area's high content of migratory birds and waterfowl: Blaine's Drayton Harbor, Semiahmoo Spit and Boundary Bay are ranked as Important Birding Areas by the Audubon Society . The Cains are the most notable family in Blaine's short history, credited with its founding and achievements. At one time owning most of present-day Blaine, the Cain brothers erected the biggest store north of Seattle,

2806-401: The entire US-Canada boundary governed by the treaty to revert to its pre-treaty status. Peace Arch Park is one of the most common locations reported to have served for 2020–21 border weddings. Unlike other border crossings where weddings were held, Peace Arch allowed both sides to meet in the same location with no separation. Recreational activities include walking and picnicking as well as

2867-413: The event. There is a procession of Troops and world flags through the Peace Arch, signifying Scout unity around the world. Speeches are made by honored Scouts from Washington and British Columbia, and State, Provincial and local dignitaries attend. On February 28, 2013, after 90 years, the event's former organizers announced that "Hands Across the Border" had been cancelled. However, following public support

2928-669: The lumber was transported from its wharves and docks to help rebuild San Francisco following the 1906 fire there. The forests were soon logged but Blaine's fishing industry remained strong into the second half of the 20th century. Into the 1970s Blaine was home to hundreds of commercial purse seiners and gillnetters plying the waters offshore of British Columbia, between Washington state and southeast Alaska. Blaine's two large marinas are still home to hundreds of recreational sailboats and yachts. Nature lovers have always appreciated Blaine's coastal location, its accessible bike and walking trails, and view of mountains and water. Birdwatchers across

2989-472: The marijuana crop into the U.S., while a growing phalanx of local, state, provincial and federal law enforcement from both sides of the border sought ways to stem the tide. Following the terrorist attacks of 2001 , the addition of hundreds of federal agents and millions of dollars in enforcement technology have pushed much of the smuggling activity into the rugged interior of Washington. The International Peace Arch, dedicated September 6, 1921, by Samuel Hill ,

3050-477: The northernmost point of the north-south U.S. Interstate 5 and next to Drayton Harbor and Boundary Bay (the southward extension of Boundary Bay is officially named and often referred to as Semiahmoo Bay ). Blaine lies between the mountains east of Vancouver , the flatlands of Skagit County, Washington , the North Cascades (including Mount Baker ), and the south end of Vancouver Island . Blaine has

3111-547: The park. The International Peace Arch Association (IPAA) (formerly the United States Canada Peace Anniversary Association) is a nonprofit association dedicated to the heritage and preservation of the international monument. The association hosts park events and activities including the annual International Sculpture Exhibition, which highlights the work of American and Canadian artists. Blaine, Washington Blaine

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3172-442: The population. There were 1,496 households, out of which 32.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.9% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.7% were non-families. 25.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size

3233-635: The protestors back to the Canadian side of the border. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 8.43 square miles (21.83 km ), of which, 5.63 square miles (14.58 km ) is land and 2.80 square miles (7.25 km ) is water. Blaine's motto is "Where America Begins": the community is also known as "The Gateway to the Pacific Northwest", and the "Peace Arch City". All these phrases are commentaries on Blaine's unique locale. It lies at

3294-471: The south side of Blaine and connects at the border to B.C.'s Highway 15 (Surrey's 176th Street ) and then to the Trans-Canada Highway . Construction of a new Land Port of Entry (LPOE) was completed by the U.S. General Services Administration in 2011. A large public art installation entitled "Non-Sign II" was erected near the crossing booths. The art piece is a "blank space" in the shape of

3355-620: The spring of 2006 the city government removed several tall trees south of the runway as a safety precaution. Then in 2007, the City Council voted to close the airport before the end of 2008. The airport was officially closed on December 31, 2008. The land upon which the airport rests is adjacent to a shopping center and light industrial park. The area is now zoned for mixed use development, including light industrial manufacturing and commercial. The city's population has been exaggerated at times: "Population now 1,735 as against peak of 14,000 in

3416-562: The unsuccessful Republican presidential candidate. The city has a "turn-of-the-century" theme, marked by remodeled buildings and signs resembling designs that existed during the late 19th century and early 20th century. The world's largest salmon cannery was operated by the Alaska Packers' Association for decades in Blaine; the cannery site has been converted to a waterfront destination resort on Semiahmoo Spit . Several saw mills once operated on Blaine's waterfront, and much of

3477-591: The west side read "1814 Open One Hundred Years 1914". The Peace Arch Park has been the site of various international events and protests. In 1952, African-American singer and activist Paul Robeson , banned from international travel during the Red Scares , performed several concerts at the site. He sang from a flatbed truck on the American side to an audience in Canada. The Peace Arch was vandalized with paint and other damage by Canadian protestors demonstrating against

3538-401: Was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.96. In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 26.5% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 25.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.2 males. The median income for

3599-426: Was considered one of the first earthquake-resistant structures built in North America. The Peace Arch Park has been the site of various international events and protests. In 1952, African-American singer and activist Paul Robeson , banned from international travel during the Red Scares , performed several concerts at the site. He sang from a flatbed truck on the American side to an audience in Canada. The Peace Arch

3660-423: Was first settled in the mid-19th century by pioneers who established the town as a seaport for the west coast logging and fishing industries, and as a jumping off point for prospectors heading to British Columbia 's gold fields. Blaine was officially incorporated on May 20, 1890, and was named after James G. Blaine (1830−1893), who was a U.S. senator from the state of Maine , Secretary of State , and, in 1884 ,

3721-418: Was vandalized with paint and other damage by Canadian protestors demonstrating against the Cambodian campaign during the Vietnam War on May 9, 1970. On February 9, 2010, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay visited the north side of the Peace Arch, while Premier Gordon Campbell and Governor Christine Gregoire addressed a crowd of several hundred people. Peace Arch Park Peace Arch Park

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