Changes in Geographic Names in North America Involving Trump’s Name

Executive Order on Lake Ontario

President Donald Trump’s executive order has stirred discussions around landmark and geographic names across North America. The order directed federal agencies to rename Lake Ontario as ‘Lake America.’ This decision highlights various geographic names connected to Trump’s name on both sides of the border.

Canada Considers Renaming Trump Landmarks

Following the executive order, Ottawa officials are considering renaming Trump Avenue, a residential street named after the president. The proposed new name is ‘Taco Avenue,’ a playful reference amid U.S.-Canada trade tensions.

Renaming Procedures for Canadian Landmarks

Geographic names in Canada are typically approved by provincial and territorial authorities, along with the Geographical Names Board of Canada. While the federal government manages the Canadian Geographical Names Database, most name changes are initiated by provincial or territorial bodies, often involving consultations with local communities and Indigenous groups.

Trump Named Features in Canada

Canadian records identify several geographic features named after Trump. These include lakes, islands, and waterways, primarily in Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador. These names generally predate Trump’s political career.

The Trump Islands in Notre Dame Bay off Newfoundland’s coast are among these features. These islands were once home to a small mining and fishing community and are now visited for their serene environment.

Other bodies of water in Ontario carry the Trump name, such as Trump Lake, East Trump Lake, West Trump Lake, and Trump Creek.

Ottawa’s Trump Avenue: Considerations for Renaming

The process to rename Ottawa’s Trump Avenue involves local governance. Municipal street names can be changed through city procedures.

Ottawa City Council is considering new names for the street following a motion by Councilor Riley Brockington. Brockington has cited the current name as an embarrassment. The community had previously attempted to rename it in 2021. However, the vote from households on the street was split.

Suggestions for renaming include Pelosi Avenue, Obama Avenue, and more. The reference to ‘Taco Avenue’ stems from an acronym popular online, reflecting criticism of Trump’s trade threats.

Reasoning Behind Trump’s Rename of Lake Ontario

Trump’s order to rename Lake Ontario aims to reflect its significance to American commerce and history. The lake is noted for its contributions to shipping and energy production. Trump argues that the U.S. has played a significant role in protecting the Great Lakes.

The name change affects only U.S. federal agencies. Trump cannot force Canada or international entities to adopt ‘Lake America.’ Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has rejected the name change, emphasizing its historical roots in the Wendat word ‘Ontari’io.’

This move mirrors Trump’s attempt to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the ‘Gulf of America,’ highlighting ongoing rebranding efforts by executive action.

Canadian Response to the Name Change

Prime Minister Mark Carney reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to the original name, citing historical significance to both Canada and the U.S. This stance underscores the importance of preserving names rooted in heritage, unaffected by political maneuvers.

Canadian officials stress that most Trump-named landmarks in Canada have existed long before Trump’s presidency, reflecting a broader naming tradition independent of modern political influences.