Canton’s Reliance on SLU Students
Canton, NY, a small village nestled in the northern Adirondacks, heavily relies on the presence of St. Lawrence University students for its economy and social life. The students of SLU fill the local businesses, providing a stream of customers to the restaurants and shops. But when students leave for breaks and holidays, the village becomes a ghost town.
The towns dynamic changes significantly during the off-season, which occurs during the summer months and the long-awaited winter break ahead of us. With fewer students around, Canton experiences a noticeable drop in foot traffic, leaving many businesses to adjust to a decrease in sales. But just how much does Canton truly rely on SLU students for business?
“About 5-10% of revenue comes from SLU students for my business,” says Clark Maine, owner of Nature Storehouse and SLU alum. Maine acknowledges that while students many not have disposable income in abundance, their presence still plays an important role in keeping the business afloat. However, the shift when they leave for breaks can be challenging. “It is definitely quieter and there is not as much partying but also we don’t see as much business here,” Maine observes. He adds that the change is drastic, but it is out of his control.
Maine also sees firsthand the transformation the town goes through when students are gone. “We will have different clientele, and we see our deli sales are less, and grocery sales are high.” He makes it clear that students do have an impact on his business coming in for quick snacks or healthier food options. Maine is also considering ways to adapt his business to better meet the needs of students and the wider town community. “St. Lawrence students come from places that have a lot of healthy options,” he notes. “We have that here, but we want to make it more appealing to all students,” with plans to expand, possibly adding a coffee shop.
The economic impact of St. Lawrence University on the town of Canton is not just evident in local businesses but also recognized by town leadership. “I think it’s a great relationship,” says Micheal Dalton, the Mayor of Canton. He emphasizes that much of the villages social life and economy are shaped by the presence of SLU. “Our village and town, in many ways, is defined by the colleges that are here,” he says. According to Mayor Dalton, the student body plays a central role in sustaining local businesses, which have adapted to the coming and going of students. He also notes how much has changed throughout the years. “They do depend on the students being here but so much has changed over the years with the internet and shopping online,” he notes. “So, the Bricks and Mortar stores are a little bit different now,” adds Dalton.
As much as Canton relies on the student population, Mayor Dalton also sees importance in the quiet periods when students leave. “It’s like the seasons changing,” he says. “We like to see the students come and we like to see the students go,” he adds. Yet, he acknowledges that without SLU, the town would face many challenges. “It would be devastating,” he says. “St. Lawrence has done a great job at providing what is needed, and the residents have adapted to the changes.” The balance between the university’s existence and the town’s rhythm is the key to Canton’s lifestyle.