Kingston’s Mayor, Bryan Paterson, expressed amusement and disbelief at Donald Trump’s decision to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America. Paterson, along with many Canadians, found the move to be absurd and simply laughed it off. Prime Minister Mark Carney also rejected the name change, emphasizing the historical significance of the lake’s original name, rooted in the Wendat word Ontari’io, meaning “the lake is beautiful, the lake is big.”
Carney highlighted that Lake Ontario’s name has been in use for over 400 years, predating significant events in both Canadian and American history. The Wendat Nation, represented by Grand Chief Pierre Picard, condemned the renaming as an attempt to erase their cultural heritage.
In Kingston, where the lake holds deep significance as a central feature of the city, residents are dismissing the renaming as a joke. Paterson emphasized the community’s strong connection to Lake Ontario, which has been a part of Kingston’s history and identity for centuries.
Across the border in Rochester, New York, city council members unanimously rejected the name change and reaffirmed their commitment to using the original name, Lake Ontario, citing respect for Indigenous history.
Paterson and other council members in Kingston have chosen not to engage with Trump’s decision, viewing it as frivolous and not worthy of a response. The mayor emphasized that the community’s unity and resolve have only been strengthened by the ongoing trade tensions with the U.S.
Despite the provocative actions, Paterson reiterated the importance of maintaining strong relationships with neighboring communities and emphasized that the bonds of friendship will endure long after the current political climate.