At his marina in Sackets Harbor, New York, Mayor Alex Morgia gazes out at the water on a cloudy Wednesday afternoon, describing the captivating beauty of the sunsets even on overcast days. He emphasizes the unique charm of the sun peeking through the clouds, creating a stunning display of colors over Lake Ontario, which has recently become a focal point of contention between the United States and Canada.
Located on Lake Ontario’s eastern shore, Sackets Harbor is approximately a 40-minute drive from the Canadian border, entangled in a dispute over tariffs and President Donald Trump’s decision to rename the lake as “Lake America.” Mayor Morgia acknowledges the harbor’s mention in Trump’s executive order and highlights the village’s historical significance, having been a battleground during the War of 1812.
Expressing concerns shared by residents and officials in upstate New York, Morgia questions the potential repercussions of the escalating tensions on the close ties between the U.S. and Canada. Corey Fram, overseeing tourism development in the Thousand Islands region, voices apprehensions about the declining Canadian spending and border crossings impacting the local economy.
Meanwhile, Anthony Adamczyk, managing the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, notes a significant decrease in traffic volume from Canada, resulting in a substantial toll revenue loss. Fram anticipates a lasting impact on tourism from Canada due to ongoing crises affecting border crossings, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and past incidents like the 9/11 attacks.
Residents in Ogdensburg and Sackets Harbor, residing in counties favoring Trump in previous elections, are divided over the trade dispute and tariffs. While some perceive Trump’s actions as rectifying trade imbalances, others, like Carol and Gary Davis, express disappointment over rising costs and unmet promises.
Republican lawmaker Scott Gray, representing the affected areas, emphasizes the importance of maintaining economic exchanges between the U.S. and Canada without causing harm to residents. He advocates for fair trade deals while condemning actions leading to animosity. Mayor Morgia echoes sentiments of support for Canadians, hoping for a change in government dynamics to ease tensions between the neighboring nations.