Ritchie to Join Canadian Officials, Local Leaders to Call for Changes that Would Ease Boating Regulations, Boost Tourism

State Senator Patty Ritchie will join Canadian lawmakers and local leaders Friday to show her support for legislation that would ease laws for boaters entering Canadian waters, a change that would boost tourism, especially in communities along the St. Lawrence River.

Under legislation introduced by Senator Bob Runciman (Ontario – Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes), American boaters would no longer have to report to Canadian customs when passing through Canadian waters, as long as they do not disembark, anchor, moor, make contact with another vessel or import goods.  The measure would also exempt Canadian boaters from reporting to Customs when they return from American to Canadian waters, as long as they meet these same conditions.

Senator Ritchie will be joined at the press conference by Senator Runciman, Member of Parliament Gord Brown—who recently introduced similar legislation in the House of Commons—City of Ogdensburg Mayor Wayne Ashley and local tourism stakeholders. Friday’s press conference will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Dobisky Visitors’ Center, located at 100 Riverside Avenue in Ogdensburg. 

Members of the media with questions regarding the press conference are encouraged to contact Senator Ritchie’s Director of Communications, Sarah Compo, at (315) 782-3418 or compo@nysenate.gov.