Upstate New York border towns worry Canada-U.S. tensions will leave lasting damage
Upstate New York border communities fear Canada trade tensions will hurt tourism Falling visitor traffic and local sales could linger as officials seek relief
Border communities in upstate New York are worrying that the worsening trade dispute between Canada and the United States could cause longterm harm. Residents and local officials in towns such as Sackets Harbor and Ogdensburg say Canadian visitors have already dropped off, hurting tourism and local businesses.
The concerns come as President Donald Trump has pushed tariffs and moved to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America,” an action that has angered many on both sides of the border. In Sackets Harbor, Mayor Alex Morgia said the town depends on Canadian ties, while tourism director Corey Fram said fewer Canadian visitors have meant weaker economic activity and lower border traffic.
In Ogdensburg, officials said crossings from Canada fell sharply in 2025, with traffic down 23 percent year over year and toll revenue also declining. Some residents support Trump’s approach on trade, but others say the rhetoric and retaliatory measures are making crossborder relations harder to repair.