BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG -- Ogdensburg community members and leaders are working to show appreciation to their Canadian neighbors.

Recently Mayor Michael Tooley visited Prescott Mayor Gauri Shankar in an attempt to solidify long-existing bonds between the communities that share the St. Lawrence River.

Tooley told Ogdensburg residents that regardless of national rhetoric he wanted the neighboring community to know they are appreciated and welcomed.

He said that Mayor Shankar shared the sentiment, noting that Prescott and Ogdensburg have long been tied together as citizens from both communities frequently enjoy visiting their neighbors.

In April Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority noted that bridge traffic had declined steeply in the wake of proposed tariffs and comments made by President Donald Trump, which some Canadians found offensive.

Despite the national climate though, Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority has worked to maintain good working relationships with its neighbors.

This week the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority (OBPA) installed a new sign at the U.S. approach to the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge reading, “Welcome Canadian Neighbors – We’re Glad You’re Here.” 

The sign replaces an outdated electronic display and officials say it serves "as a warm, visible reminder of the long-standing friendship between the North Country and communities across the river in Eastern Ontario." 

“This is a small gesture with a big message,” said OBPA Executive Director Steve Lawrence. “At a time when cross-border relations are strained, we want Canadians to know they’re still welcome here, always.” The OBPA is also exploring similar signage at the Ogdensburg International Airport and other facilities to ensure a consistent and friendly message to Canadian travelers. OBPA encourages local businesses, communities, and tourism partners to echo this message in their own spaces.

In addition to those efforts a rally has been planned at Ogdensburg City Hall for July 5.

Organized by North Country Neighbors for Civic Engagement and North Country NY Indivisible, the rally has been dubbed "Elbows Up."

The rally will begin at city hall and will include speakers. Then participants will head to Morissette Park to wave to Canadian friends on the Prescott Heritage Trail in front of Fort Wellington.

At a recent city council meeting Mayor Tooley assured Canadians that Ogdensburg is open for business.

"While the relationship between our federal governments appears currently strained, I strongly believe that the friendship between our friends in southern Ontario and New York’s North Country will remain strong and survive this current challenge."