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 also weighed in, stating that the name “Ontario” originates from the Wendat word Ontari’io, meaning “the lake is beautiful, the lake is big.” Carney emphasized the lake’s long history, dating back over 400 years, and dismissed any notion of changing its name for Canadians.
Grand Chief Pierre Picard of the Wendat Nation expressed outrage at the renaming, viewing it as an attempt to erase the nation’s history. The community of Kingston, deeply connected to Lake Ontario, affirmed its commitment to the original name, emphasizing the lake’s significance to the city’s identity.
On the American side, Rochester, New York, the largest city on Lake Ontario, affirmed its dedication to using the lake’s original name and denounced the renaming as an attempt to erase Indigenous history. The city council unanimously declared its intention to continue honoring the cultural legacy of Lake Ontario.
Mayor Paterson highlighted the community’s united response to Trump’s actions, emphasizing the importance of friendship and mutual respect between border communities. He dismissed any notion of coveting land or changing names for territorial claims, emphasizing the enduring bonds of unity and goodwill beyond political antics.
