In the year following Donald Trump’s second presidential term inauguration, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of Canadian visitors crossing the border into Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Tom Stephenson from Heyden, located north of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, has observed a 23.8% drop in Canadian visitors at the international bridge. He noted a decrease in cars with Ontario license plates in parking lots, expressing disappointment in the reduced interaction between neighbors.
Damon Lieurance, a business owner in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, has also noticed fewer Ontario license plates in town. While major retailers’ parking lots remain busy, there has been a shift in the ratio of Canadian to Michigan license plates. Lieurance mentioned an increase in Canadian travelers at the airport compared to the previous year, emphasizing the importance of better relations with Canada for enhanced business opportunities.
As a Trump supporter and elected commissioner in Chippewa County, Damon Lieurance highlighted the challenges faced by the Sault border community, attributing the decline in Canadian visitors to both COVID-19 repercussions and strained relations due to Trump’s policies. Despite this, veterinarian Jeff LaHuis remains optimistic, believing that the enduring alliance between the United States and Canada will prevail despite temporary disagreements.
Local businesses in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, have experienced a prolonged decrease in Canadian customers, with factors such as tightened border restrictions post-9/11 and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating the situation. Ray Bauer, owner of the Soo Brewing Company, acknowledged the changing consumer habits and economic impacts, expressing skepticism about potential policy shifts under the current administration to alleviate the challenges faced by border town businesses.
