Cornwall mayor, Akwesasne chief frustrated by increasing tolls on U.S.-Canada bridge

Increased tolls are coming to the Seaway International Bridge, much to the discontent of those living near Cornwall, Ont., and in the border-spanning Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne.

The crossing is an important connection between upstate New York and the Ottawa-Montreal region, and is jointly run by the Canadian and U.S. governments.

The Seaway International Bridge Corporation (SIBC), which operates the bridge, said on its website rising operating costs have outpaced revenues, and the $1 toll increase is needed to ensure the "continued safety and efficient operation of the bridge."

Last April, the SIBC increased the cost for regular passenger vehicles by 50 cents.

Those who rely on the bridge day-to-day want the SIBC to reconsider the latest increase.

"This decision, set to take effect on April 1, 2025, places an added burden on our people, impacting daily life, economic opportunities, and access to essential services," said the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne in a news release.

"It is a step backward that disregards the challenges faced by our community and runs counter to the principles of reconciliation."

Akwesasne is unique in that it sprawls over 10,000 hectares of land in Quebec, Ontario and New York.

Its residents are dual citizens of Canada and the U.S., and although the territory crosses international borders, they tend to view themselves as a single community.

One span of the Seaway International Bridge connects Akwesasne to New York, and the other connects it to Cornwall.

"By increasing toll fees yet again — and without consulting Akwesasronon — SIBC has imposed yet another financial strain on our people and created further barriers to the community's growth and prosperity," the council said.

'We don't take this decision lightly,' bridge co-owner says

Alexandre Gauthier, director of communications for Federal Bridge Corporation which co-owns the bridge, said about 70 per cent of people crossing the bridge don't pay tolls because Akwesasne community members are entitled to free passage across the bridge system.

But Gauthier acknowledged that the increase is a controversial decision. He said conversations, including with the community's Grand Chief, preceded the decision to raise tolls.

"We don't take this decision lightly, at all," Gauthier said. "We understand how it impacts the community."

Cornwall Mayor Justin Towndale said increases further serve to isolate Akwesasne and create more barriers to economic opportunities, daily activities and essential services.

"This increase, combined with the 2024 increase, represents a 46% increase over the past two years for those travelling in passenger vehicles," Towndale said in a statement.

"It will now cost the average person $10.50 for a round trip between our two communities. This will have a serious impact."

He urged the Federal Bridge Corporation and its subsidiary, the SIBC, to engage in meaningful dialogue with those who will be most affected by the change.

In a follow-up interview, Towndale said he'd like to see the toll booth moved to the foot of the U.S. crossing and that it makes little sense for it to divide two parts of Canada.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne called the bridge more than just a crossing but an essential lifeline, with families, businesses, service providers and community members relying on the bridge for work.

"We value strong partnerships with our neighbours and stakeholders, but decisions like this undermine those relationships," read a statement attributed to Grand Chief Leonard Lazore.

"Consultation and collaboration must be a priority moving forward."