At his marina in Sackets Harbor, New York, Mayor Alex Morgia gazes out at the water on a cloudy Wednesday afternoon and describes the stunning beauty he often witnesses, even on overcast days.
Morgia admires the unique sunsets where the sun peeks through the clouds, creating a cascade of colors along the underside. He emphasizes the year-round sunsets over Lake Ontario, located on the eastern shore of Sackets Harbor, approximately a 40-minute drive from the Canadian border.
The small village of Sackets Harbor finds 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 harbor was even mentioned in Trump’s executive order, adding to the tension.
Sackets Harbor has a historical significance as it was the site of two major battles during the War of 1812. Mayor Morgia mentions that residents often find cannonballs in their yards, sometimes using them as doorstops.
While Morgia downplays the support for renaming the lake, he, along with other residents and officials in upstate New York near the border, expresses concerns over the escalating conflict potentially straining the close ties between the US and Canada.
About thirty minutes north of Sackets Harbor, Corey Fram, the director of the Thousand Islands Regional Tourism Development Corporation, worries about the impact of the ongoing situation. He notes a decline in Canadian spending and border crossings since Trump’s reelection.
Fram emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong economic relationship between the two countries, as the current situation negatively affects border communities. He hopes for a resolution that benefits both sides without disrupting the local economy.
In Ogdensburg, Anthony Adamczyk, the executive director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, highlights a significant decrease in traffic volume and toll revenue from Canadian visitors. The decline in traffic has impacted the local economy, with toll revenue decreasing by 35% in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Residents in Ogdensburg and Sackets Harbor, located within St. Lawrence County and Jefferson County, respectively, express mixed opinions on Trump’s tactics and the trade dispute. While some believe in the effectiveness of the tariffs to balance trade, others criticize the impact on their daily lives, including increased prices and economic uncertainty.
Local Republican lawmaker Scott Gray acknowledges residents’ concerns and emphasizes the need to balance trade policies to benefit both countries without creating animosity. He hopes for fair trade deals that do not harm the close economic ties between the US and Canada.
As the tensions persist, Mayor Morgia reflects on the need for Americans to urge their leaders to ease the strain on Canadian relations. He anticipates potential changes after the midterm elections in November, emphasizing the importance of holding leaders accountable.