At his marina in Sackets Harbor, New York, Mayor Alex Morgia gazes out at the water on a cloudy Wednesday afternoon, describing the picturesque scenery he often witnesses, especially during sunsets. Morgia emphasizes the beauty of the sun peeking through the clouds, creating a colorful display over Lake Ontario.
Sackets Harbor, situated on the eastern shore of the lake near the Canadian border, has 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.”
Mayor Morgia mentions that the harbor was specifically referenced in Trump’s executive order. Notably, Sackets Harbor has historical significance as a location where two significant battles took place during the War of 1812.
Despite downplaying the support for renaming the lake, Mayor Morgia, along with other residents and officials in upstate New York near the border, expresses concerns about the escalating tensions potentially damaging the close ties between the two countries and negatively impacting their communities.
Moving north to the Thousand Islands Bridge, Corey Fram, the director of the Thousand Islands Regional Tourism Development Corporation, worries about the economic impact of declining Canadian spending and border crossings following Trump’s re-election. Fram emphasizes the emotional toll on border communities, where residents feel the repercussions of the trade disputes more acutely.
In a similar vein, Anthony Adamczyk, the executive director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, notes a significant decline in traffic volume and toll revenue at the border crossing, indicating a challenging economic situation for the region.
Residents of Ogdensburg and Sackets Harbor find themselves divided over Trump’s trade tactics. While some, like Greg Barr and Jim Rupert, support Trump’s efforts to rebalance trade agreements, others like Carol and Gary Davis express disappointment over rising costs and unmet promises.
Local Republican lawmaker Scott Gray acknowledges residents’ concerns and stresses the importance of maintaining trade relationships without causing harm to the communities. Gray highlights the need for fair trade deals and decries actions from both the White House and Canadian officials that contribute to animosity between the two countries.
Mayor Morgia, contemplating the ongoing tensions, questions when the U.S. government will ease its stance towards Canada, expressing solidarity with Canadians who seek American support in urging leaders to de-escalate the situation.