President Donald Trump’s executive order instructing federal agencies to rename Lake Ontario as ‘Lake America’ has sparked discussions about geographic names across borders, especially those tied to his name. This order highlights the deep political and trade tensions between the United States and Canada.
Canada’s Approach to Renaming Geographic Features
In Canada, the process of renaming geographic features is governed by provincial and territorial naming authorities along with the Geographical Names Board of Canada. While the federal government maintains the Canadian Geographical Names Database, decisions to change names of lakes, mountains, islands, and other features typically involve consultations with local communities, Indigenous groups, and various stakeholders.
Namesakes of Trump Across Canada
Canada hosts several geographic features bearing the Trump name, scattered throughout Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador. These include lakes, islands, and waterways, many of which were named long before Trump’s political career. For instance, the Trump Islands in Newfoundland and Labrador were named in the 19th century, before supporting a small mining and fishing community in the 20th century.
The Trump Lake in Ontario is joined by East Trump Lake, West Trump Lake, and Trump Creek. Locally, however, municipal street names such as Ottawa’s Trump Avenue fall under city jurisdiction, allowing for name changes through municipal processes.
The Story Behind Canadian Trump-Named Locations
Official records trace several features named Trump back decades before Trump’s presidency. The Trump Islands and other names were added to government databases in the mid-20th century, when they were updated. Yet, Trump Avenue in Ottawa was named approximately 25 years ago, reflecting a New York City theme prominent in the neighborhood.
Ottawa’s Efforts to Rename Trump Avenue
Ottawa Councilor Riley Brockington intends to work with residents to rename Trump Avenue, viewing its current name as embarrassing amidst political turmoil with the United States. A previous renaming attempt in 2021 saw a divided community vote, prompting a renewed push for a new name. Suggestions include ‘Taco Avenue,’ a reference to an anti-Trump acronym popularized after the president’s tariff threats.
Other potential names like ‘Pelosi Avenue’ and ‘Obama Avenue’ emerged amid ongoing disputes regarding Trump’s policies and actions.
Reaction to Trump’s Renaming of Lake Ontario
Trump ordered the renaming of Lake Ontario to ‘Lake America,’ describing the lake’s significance in American history, commerce, and national security. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney officially rejected this change, citing the lake’s historical and Indigenous roots. Known as ‘Ontario’, derived from the Wendat word ‘Ontari’io’, the lake’s name carries cultural importance.
While Trump’s proposal holds within the U.S. federal framework, Canada, international groups, and private entities remain unaffected, adhering to the longstanding name.
The tensions over geographic names reflect larger diplomatic challenges between Canada and the United States; however, most locations with the Trump name in Canada have longstanding historical roots unrelated to the current political climate.