On a cloudy Wednesday afternoon at his marina in Sackets Harbor, New York, Mayor Alex Morgia gazes at the water and describes the stunning scenery he often witnesses, even on overcast days.
Morgia appreciates the beauty of the sunsets over Lake Ontario, emphasizing that even on cloudy days, the sun peeking through creates a spectacular display of colors beneath the clouds.
Situated about a 40-minute drive from the Canadian border on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario, Sackets Harbor finds itself embroiled in a dispute between the United States and Canada over tariffs and President Donald Trump’s decision to rename Lake Ontario to “Lake America.”
Notably, the harbor was referenced in Trump’s executive order, adding to the tensions surrounding the area. Sackets Harbor, known for its historical significance in the War of 1812, has a long history of being a focal point in U.S.-Canada relations.
Mayor Morgia, while downplaying the support for renaming the lake, expresses concerns shared by other residents and officials in upstate New York about the potential negative impact on the close ties between the U.S. and Canada.
Concerns are echoed by Corey Fram, the director of the Thousand Islands Regional Tourism Development Corporation, who notes a decline in Canadian spending and border crossings since Trump’s reelection. This decline has had adverse effects on the local economy, particularly in border communities like Sackets Harbor and Ogdensburg.
Anthony Adamczyk, the executive director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, highlights a significant decrease in traffic volume from Canada, resulting in substantial toll revenue losses. The ongoing trade tensions between the two countries have further exacerbated the economic challenges faced by these border communities.
Residents in Ogdensburg and Sackets Harbor are divided in their opinions on Trump’s trade tactics. While some, like Greg Barr and Jim Rupert, support Trump’s efforts to level the economic playing field, others, such as Carol and Gary Davis, are critical of the impact on their daily lives, particularly in terms of increased costs of living.
Local Republican lawmaker Scott Gray emphasizes the need to balance trade policies that benefit both countries without causing harm to residents along the border. He acknowledges the challenges posed by tariffs and urges for fair trade negotiations to resolve key issues like access to the Canadian dairy market.
In conclusion, the ongoing trade tensions and disputes over Lake Ontario’s name have put residents and officials in these border communities in a complex and challenging position, with uncertainties about the future of U.S.-Canada relations and the impact on local economies.