At his marina in Sackets Harbor, New York, Mayor Alex Morgia admires the scenic view on a cloudy Wednesday afternoon, highlighting the beauty of the sunsets over Lake Ontario even on overcast days. Situated about a 40-minute drive from the Canadian border, Sackets Harbor has recently become 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.”
Morgia points out that the harbor was specifically referenced in Trump’s executive order. Notably, Sackets Harbor has a historical significance, having been a battleground during the War of 1812.
Expressing concern over the potential impact of the ongoing trade tensions, Morgia and other residents in upstate New York fear that strained relations between the two countries could harm their communities and the strong ties with Canada.
Further north, Corey Fram, the director of the Thousand Islands Regional Tourism Development Corporation, worries about the decline in Canadian spending and border crossings post-Trump’s re-election, affecting the local economy on both sides of the border.
In Ogdensburg, Anthony Adamczyk, the executive director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, notes a significant decrease in traffic volume from Canada in 2025 compared to the previous year, leading to a decline in toll revenue.
Residents in these border communities remain divided over Trump’s tactics, with some supporting his efforts to address trade imbalances, while others express concerns about rising costs and economic uncertainties. Republican lawmaker Scott Gray emphasizes the need for fair trade deals without creating animosity between the two nations.
Despite the challenges faced by border communities, there is a shared hope for improved relations and a resolution to the ongoing trade disputes, with a focus on maintaining economic ties and fostering mutual understanding between the United States and Canada.
