This summer, Burlington, Vermont's iconic Church Street Marketplace will be renamed 'Canada Street/Rue Canada' as a symbolic gesture to strengthen ties with Canada amidst declining cross-border traffic due to Trump administration policies. Unanimously approved by the Burlington City Council, the resolution aims to counteract the negative impact on tourism—approximately 750,000 Canadian visitors contribute around $150 million to Vermont's economy annually. Councilor McKnight emphasizes that the street renaming reflects Burlington's commitment to connection over conflict, reinforcing cultural relationships and economic benefits.
McKnight said the move was a direct response to policies enacted by the Trump administration that are harming relations between Vermont and Canada.
These big declines, they aren't just data points, they're a very clear sign that the Trump administration's damaging political rhetoric and inhumane immigration policies have discouraged travel and hurt the goodwill between our two countries.
This is a 'symbolic and lighthearted gesture,' it still sends the clear message that Burlington is 'about connection, not conflict,' McKnight said.
About 5% of Vermont's visitors are from Canada, which amounts to about 750,000 visitors annually that contribute approximately $150 million to the Vermont economy.
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