Many community leaders within Lambton County highlighted concerns about the trade war with the United States Thursday.
The ongoing tariff situation has many local leaders concerned as they spoke about the topic at the third annual State of Lambton Business Breakfast.
It was hosted by the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce at the Brigden Fairgrounds.
Village of Point Edward Mayor Bev Hand said all municipalities are worried.
She said the hope is the impact is not too severe but the situation is confusing.
"We have a fire truck on order from Florida and we have no idea if there will be tariff impacts and that's a question that is coming up from residents," Hand said. "The truck was ordered almost two years ago now. A delivery of one is almost two years away, so hopefully we can get past this trade battle and not incur any extra costs."
City of Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley said there needs to be an establishment of what is needed to work together.
He said since the tariffs were implemented, the relationship with the United States is strained.
"We as individuals, all of these people here we'll do our best to work with our counterparts across the border but the climate has changed, our relationship is breaking down," Bradley said. "Usually it doesn't work about getting back together and I do not see us turning back and getting back to that relationship we had with the longest undefended border, the free flow of traffic and goods and the respect."
Enniskillen Township Mayor and Lambton County Warden Kevin Marriott said there is a lot of uncertainty.
He said wheat is the most exported crop from the community into the United States.
"We still don't know if or when tariffs take effect how it will be affected," Marriott said. " However if it is going to be a 25 per cent it will pretty much close the door on wheat exports."
Warwick Township Mayor Todd Case echoed the uncertainty when it comes to the tariffs.
He said during their budget the township included a safety net for the tariffs.
"If this potentially does happen that we're at least somewhat ready for it," Case said. "To be completely ready for it is impossible because none of us know from day-to-day, minute-to-minute, second-to-second what this gentleman is going to do."
Case also said it is important for the communities to work together.
"We have to work closely with our federal government, our provincial government and our business partners. I honestly believe if we do that we will survive this, we'll get through it and hopefully we will come off better on the other side," he said.
Other topics that were discussed were agriculture, housing and a variety of infrastructure projects.
In 2024, housing updates lead the discussion during the second annual event.