In the year following Donald Trump’s second inauguration as U.S. President, there has been a noticeable decline in Canadian visitors crossing into Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., according to observations made by residents and business owners in the area. Tom Stephenson, a Heyden resident, who frequently crosses the border, has noted a significant 23.8% drop in Canadian visitors using the international bridge. Stephenson expressed disappointment in the reduced presence of Ontario license plates, which he used to see frequently in parking lots. Damon Lieurance, a business owner in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., also acknowledged a change in the ratio of Canadian to Michigan license plates in the area but noted that Canadian travelers are gradually returning, albeit not yet to pre-pandemic levels.
Lieurance, a Trump supporter and Republican, believes that strained relations between the U.S. and Canada, exacerbated by Trump’s tariffs and annexation comments, have contributed to the decline in cross-border traffic. Despite this, Veterinarian Jeff LaHuis remains optimistic, stating that historical alliances between the United States and Canada will endure any current tensions. Other local businesses, such as the Soo Brewing Company, attribute the decrease in Canadian visitors to changing habits over the years, border restrictions post-9/11, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ray Bauer, the owner of the Soo Brewing Company, expressed skepticism about a potential softening of border policies under the current administration, emphasizing the need for adaptability in the face of evolving circumstances.