Upstate New York Border Towns Fear Lasting Damage as Canada Traffic Falls 23%
Updated
Updated · CBC Sports · Sep 5
Upstate New York Border Towns Fear Lasting Damage as Canada Traffic Falls 23%
3 articles · Updated · CBC Sports · Sep 5
Summary
Sackets Harbor, Ogdensburg and other upstate New York border communities say the U.S.-Canada tariff fight and Trump’s renaming of Lake Ontario are driving a rupture that may outlast the dispute itself.
At Ogdensburg’s bridge, 2025 traffic fell 23% from 2024—about 136,000 fewer vehicles—while toll revenue dropped 35%, or roughly $536,000, after Canadian crossings weakened and never recovered.
Tourism officials say the loss is economic and social: Canadian spending has slumped since Trump’s re-election, and past shocks such as 9/11 and COVID-19 suggest border travel often fails to return to prior levels.
Residents remain split, with some backing Trump’s tariff tactics as a way to level trade terms, while others cite higher grocery costs and regret their vote.
Republican assemblyman Scott Gray said tariffs can be disruptive and urged both countries to pursue a fair deal without deepening animosity, reflecting fears that once-close cross-border ties are being permanently damaged.