On a cloudy Wednesday afternoon at his marina in Sackets Harbor, New York, Mayor Alex Morgia gazes out towards the water and vividly describes the beauty he often witnesses, even on an overcast day.
Morgia mentions how the sunsets can be particularly stunning when the sun peeks through underneath the clouds, creating a cascade of colors. He emphasizes that they have year-round sunsets over Lake Ontario, clarifying that it’s not a vague statement.
Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario, Sackets Harbor, a short drive from the Canadian border, has found itself in the middle of a dispute between the United States and Canada. This conflict stems from tariffs and U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.”
Notably, the harbor was referenced in Trump’s executive order. This isn’t the first time the village has been embroiled in disputes between the two nations, as it was a significant battleground during the War of 1812, with residents still discovering cannonballs in their yards.
Despite downplaying Trump’s support for renaming the lake, Morgia, like other residents and officials in upstate New York near the border, worries about the deteriorating relations between the U.S. and Canada and the potential negative impact on their communities.
Moving north to the Thousand Islands Bridge over the St. Lawrence River, Corey Fram, director of the Thousand Islands Regional Tourism Development Corporation, expresses concerns about the declining Canadian spending and border crossings since Trump’s re-election. This decline has had a significant impact on the local economy and community.
Residents like Anthony Adamczyk in Ogdensburg, New York, are facing similar challenges due to the decrease in Canadian traffic at the border. The traffic volume dropped by 23% in 2025 compared to the previous year, leading to a substantial loss in toll revenue for the local bridge.
Fram worries that the long-term effects of these border disputes could permanently reduce the number of Canadian tourists visiting the area, echoing past crises that caused lasting declines in cross-border travel.
The ongoing trade disputes and name controversy over Lake Ontario have left residents divided in Ogdensburg and Sackets Harbor, situated in Jefferson County, a region that has strongly supported Trump in recent elections.
Local perspectives vary, with some residents believing that Trump’s tariffs are necessary to level the playing field, while others feel the economic impact directly and question the effectiveness of his tactics. The Republican lawmaker, Scott Gray, emphasizes the need to balance trade policies without harming the local economy or fostering animosity between countries.
Overall, the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Canada are causing concern among residents in border communities like Sackets Harbor and Ogdensburg, with hopes for a resolution that preserves economic ties and mutual respect between the two nations.
