British ColumbiaA group of up to 100 boats is expected to head north from Orcas Island, one of Washington state’s San Juan islands, while another group sails south from Salt Spring Island, meeting near the international border. Flotillas planned for Hands Across the Water gathering in Salish SeaCBC News · Posted: Sep 19, 2025 8:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: 2 hours agoThe view from Hope Hill on Salt Spring Island. (Maryse Zeidler/CBC)Flotillas from islands on either side of the Canada-U.S. border will meet half way today as part of a celebration of the friendship between the two countries amid ongoing political tensions. A group of up to 100 boats is expected to head north from Orcas Island, a San Juan islands in Washington state, about 60 kilometres south of Vancouver, B.C., while another group sails south from Salt Spring Island, meeting near the international border. It’s part of an inaugural gathering called Hands Across the Water, which is described by organizers as a recognition of islander spirit and late-season local vitality. Hands Across the Water came about when Lyle MacWilliam, former MLA and author, was visiting a couple of friends on Orcas Island. The conversation quickly turned to the relationship between Canada and the U.S. “It worried us all,” MacWilliam told CBC’s On The Island. “We thought, what the heck can we do to turn the tide in this respect?”He credits his friend, Orcas Island resident Ross Newport, with the initiative. “He had heard many conversations on Orcas Island about, frankly, how embarrassed the locals were about how Canada was being treated,” MacWilliam said. “Ross thought, well, you know, if people feel that way on Orcas Island, why don’t we have a flotilla — boats going north … to meet our friends in Canada?”Residents of Orcas Island and Salt Spring Island will meet for a ceremonial hand-shake on Friday, Sept. 19. (Google Maps)Justin Paulsen, a San Juan County council member who represents Orcas Island, threw his support at the idea right away. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened and enacted tariffs against Canada, and threatened to make Canada the 51st state since before he even took office this year. That prompted Canadians to launch a movement to support the Canadian economy, which has decreased travel and spending south of the border. Hands Across the Water will take place Friday, Sept. 19 through Sunday, Sept. 21. (Hands Across the Water)Paulsen figured Hands Across the Water would be a good reminder that, while there may be a border now, Orcas Island and Salt Spring Island have had a relationship for generations. “We share a lot,” he said. “Thousands of years before there was a border, people very, very freely transferred across the border and trade and families lived in our various islands.”Gary Holman, Salt Spring Island director for the Capital Regional District, said the two islands are facing similar challenges in terms of housing and climate change, and encouraging people from both sides of the border to connect is a “good opportunity.”It’s also good for business on Salt Spring Island, he points out, as the event continues through the weekend on the B.C. land mass.MacWilliam said the Canadian and U.S. coast guards have been informed of the gathering, and the Canadian Coast Guard will accompany the local flotilla to ensure safety.The flotillas are scheduled to meet in Welbury Bay for a symbolic handshake on Friday, Sept. 19, at 3:30 p.m. PT. An opening ceremony in Salt Spring Island’s Centennial Park will follow at 5:30 p.m.With files from On The Island
Cross-border handshake planned to affirm Canadian, American friendship amid political tensions
