Geographical Names and Recent Developments
President Donald Trump’s directive to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America” has sparked interest in geographical names across the U.S.-Canada border. Notably, this involves locations carrying Trump’s surname. This executive order has led to discussions in Ottawa about renaming Trump Avenue. Suggested new names include “Taco Avenue,” reflecting ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada.
Renaming Process for Canadian Landmarks
In Canada, geographic names are approved by provincial and territorial naming authorities, along with the Geographical Names Board of Canada. Although the Canadian Geographical Names Database is maintained by the federal government, most renaming decisions originate from local authorities. Consultations often involve communities, Indigenous groups, and stakeholders.
Trump-Named Features in Canada
Records reveal numerous Canadian landmarks with the Trump name, such as lakes, islands, and waterways in Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador. These are largely unrelated to Donald Trump, with most pre-dating his political career. The Trump Islands in Newfoundland, named in the 19th century, once housed a small mining and fishing community.
Other features include Trump Lake in Ontario, and East Trump Lake, West Trump Lake, and Trump Creek, also in Ontario. While geographical names are handled federally, municipal street names like Ottawa’s Trump Avenue are governed locally.
Historical Context and Naming Decisions
Most Canadian geographic features named “Trump” were established before Trump’s political career or his birth. For example, the Trump Islands were named in the 19th century. Trump Lake and Trump Creek received their names in 1954, while East and West Trump Lake were named in 1973. Conversely, Trump Avenue in Ottawa was named about 25 years ago within a New York City-themed neighborhood.
Controversies and Community Response
Following Trump’s executive order, Ottawa Councilor Riley Brockington intends to work with residents on renaming Trump Avenue after local elections. Describing the street name as an embarrassment, he noted the city’s council is considering alternatives like “Taco Avenue” and others referring to political figures.
Trump’s Reason for Renaming Lake Ontario
Trump’s executive order tasks the Interior Department and U.S. Board on Geographic Names with renaming Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” The order emphasizes the lake’s historical and commercial significance to the U.S., especially in shipping and energy sectors. The change solely affects federal communications, sparing Canada and private entities from this new designation.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized the order, noting “Ontario” derives from a Wendat word meaning “the lake is beautiful, the lake is big.” Canada plans to retain the original name, with Carney highlighting contributions by both nations to the Great Lakes.
The discussion on geographical names amid U.S.-Canada tensions highlights historical naming decisions, many of which vastly predate current political figures.