Town of Plattsburgh applauds border crossing increase

PLATTSBURGH | Canadian border crossings increased by 5 percent in December 2025, marking a welcome shift after several months of double-digit declines. Town officials are optimistic that this positive trend will continue into 2026, providing renewed momentum for cross-border travel and regional economic activity. Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Chuck Kostyk said the increase is an encouraging sign and a strong finish to what had been a challenging year for cross-border traffic. "This growth is welcome news for our community and local businesses that rely on strong connections with Canada," Supervisor Kostyk said. "It shows that collaborative efforts to strengthen cross-border relationships are making a difference." Supervisor Kostyk thanked Garry Douglas and the North Country Chamber of Commerce for their leadership on the "We Know Canadians" campaign, which has helped reinforce regional ties and promote the North Country as a welcoming destination for Canadian visitors. He also urged federal partners to carefully consider how national policies impact North Country businesses and the long-standing economic and cultural relationships shared with Canada. In addition, Supervisor Kostyk noted the importance of continued support from Assemblyman Cashman in his role as Chair of the Task Force on New York–Canada Relations. "The North Country's relationship with Canada is vital to our economy and our identity," Kostyk said. "Ongoing advocacy and cooperation at all levels of government remain essential." Assemblyman Michael S. Cashman said, "It is encouraging to see the recent increase of visitors from Canada to New York State, and we certainly welcome the return of our Canadian friends and family. "It still remains to be seen whether this bump in border crossings marks a return to normalcy with our Neighbors to the North, or if it was a temporary increase due to the holiday season. We cannot ignore the fact that there is still volatility in the landscape. The issue of nonsensical tariffs remains prominent, and the bluster surrounding tariffs only serves to move us backwards. However, I applaud the North Country Chamber of Commerce for their efforts to reinforce the importance of our historic partnership with Canada, and I look forward to continuing this partnership through my work as the Chair of the Task Force on New York-Canada Relations."

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Town of Plattsburgh applauds border crossing increase

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