At his marina in Sackets Harbor, New York, on a cloudy Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Alex Morgia gazes out at the water and describes the stunning beauty he often witnesses, even on a gloomy day.
Morgia emphasizes the unique charm of the sunsets over Lake Ontario, particularly when the sun peeks through the clouds, creating a colorful spectacle on the underside of the overcast sky.
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario, Sackets Harbor is approximately a 40-minute drive from the Canadian border. The town has found itself entangled in a dispute between the United States and Canada over tariffs and President Donald Trump’s decision to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.”
The historical significance of Sackets Harbor is notable, having been the site of two major battles during the War of 1812. Mayor Morgia mentions that residents often discover cannonballs in their yards, some of which are repurposed as doorstops.
Despite downplaying the support for renaming the lake, Morgia and other residents near the U.S.-Canada border in upstate New York express concerns about the escalating tensions potentially damaging the close ties between the two countries.
Corey Fram, the director of the Thousand Islands Regional Tourism Development Corporation, located north of Sackets Harbor, worries about the impact of decreased Canadian spending and border crossings on the economy of the region.
Anthony Adamczyk, executive director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, reports a significant decline in traffic volume from Canada, leading to a substantial decrease in toll revenue for the bridge.
Residents in border communities like Ogdensburg and Sackets Harbor appear divided over Trump’s tactics in the ongoing trade dispute with Canada. While some believe the tariffs are necessary for fair trade practices, others express discontent over the economic repercussions and rising costs of goods.
Scott Gray, a Republican assemblyman representing Ogdensburg and Sackets Harbor, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced trade relationship with Canada without causing harm to local residents. He hopes for amicable negotiations to resolve key issues like access to the Canadian dairy market.
The strained relations between the U.S. and Canada have left residents in these border communities grappling with uncertainties about the future, with concerns ranging from economic impacts to the preservation of longstanding ties between the neighboring nations.