The mayor of Kingston, Ontario, expressed amusement in response to Donald Trump’s decision to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America. Mayor Bryan Paterson described the move as “silly” and “utterly ridiculous,” echoing the sentiments of many Canadians who criticized the executive order signed by Trump.
Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that the name “Ontario” has historical significance, originating from the Wendat word Ontari’io, meaning “the lake is beautiful, the lake is big.” Carney highlighted that the name predates both the Confederation of Canada and the Declaration of Independence of the United States.
Grand Chief Pierre Picard of the Wendat Nation condemned the renaming, expressing outrage and viewing it as an attempt to erase the nation’s history. The community of Kingston, deeply connected to Lake Ontario, dismissed the episode as a “joke,” emphasizing the lake’s integral role in the city’s identity.
Rochester, New York, the largest U.S. city on Lake Ontario, affirmed its commitment to using the lake’s original name and denounced Trump’s renaming. The city council underlined the cultural legacy and Indigenous history associated with Lake Ontario.
Mayor Paterson indicated that the council’s response to Trump’s action is one of indifference, considering it not worth engaging with the “silliness.” The community’s unity and resolve have been strengthened by the trade war with the U.S., with symbols like a large Canadian flag at city hall reinforcing solidarity.
Paterson emphasized the importance of friendship and relationships between border communities, stressing that these values will endure beyond any political changes. The community remains unwavering in its connection to Lake Ontario and its commitment to preserving its heritage.