At his marina in Sackets Harbor, New York, Mayor Alex Morgia gazes out at the water on a cloudy Wednesday afternoon, describing the picturesque scenes he often witnesses, even on overcast days.
Morgia appreciates the beauty of the sunsets over Lake Ontario, especially when the sun peeks through the clouds, creating a stunning display of colors. Located on the eastern shore of the lake, Sackets Harbor is approximately a 40-minute drive from the Canadian border, now embroiled in a dispute between the United States and Canada over tariffs and President Donald Trump’s decision to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.”
Pointing out that the harbor was mentioned in Trump’s executive order, Morgia notes the historical significance of Sackets Harbor, which was a battleground during the War of 1812. Cannonballs from that era are still occasionally found in residents’ yards, repurposed as doorstops.
While Morgia downplays the support for renaming the lake, he and other residents and officials near the border in upstate New York express concerns about the escalating tensions jeopardizing the close ties with Canada.
Corey Fram, the director of the Thousand Islands Regional Tourism Development Corporation, worries about the impact of declining Canadian spending and border crossings on the New York side of the Thousand Islands Bridge. He emphasizes the emotional toll felt by border communities due to the ongoing trade disputes between the two nations.
In Ogdensburg, Anthony Adamczyk, the executive director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, highlights the significant decrease in traffic volume and toll revenue from Canada at the local border crossing. This decline has raised concerns about the long-term effects on tourism and economic ties between the two countries.
Residents in Ogdensburg and Sackets Harbor, residing in counties that strongly supported Trump in previous elections, express mixed sentiments about the trade war. While some believe in Trump’s tactics to level the economic playing field, others feel the consequences in their daily lives, such as increased costs for groceries and fuel.
Republican Assemblyman Scott Gray, representing Ogdensburg and Sackets Harbor, acknowledges the concerns of residents and emphasizes the importance of balancing trade policies without causing harm to the local communities. He hopes for fair trade deals that maintain positive relations between the U.S. and Canada, criticizing actions from both sides that contribute to animosity and friction.
As tensions persist, Morgia questions when the U.S. government will ease its stance towards Canada. He empathizes with Canadian calls for Americans to pressure their leaders to de-escalate the situation, anticipating potential changes after the upcoming midterm elections.
