Mark Carney’s Playful Push for Lake Ontario Awareness

A new fundraising effort takes inspiration from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s mention of the word “hydronym” to promote awareness and environmental protection for Lake Ontario.

London, Ont., clothing brand Branded By Collins has launched T-shirts featuring the slogan, “My hydronyms are Lake & Ontario.” A share of the sales proceeds will benefit Swim Drink Fish Canada, a national charity based in Toronto that connects people with the lake while working to keep it safe and clean.

“This is an opportunity where for the first time in a generation, we’re seeing people talk about Lake Ontario and take pride in it,” said Gregary Ford, the charity’s vice-president and waterkeeper.

The campaign was inspired after U. S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order proposing to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America during a time when both countries were exchanging social media jabs over trade discussions that fell apart last month.

Carney reacted to Trump’s naming suggestion with a social media post that included, “We know that America is changing. Their trading relationships, their foreign policies, their national monuments, their hydronyms. Canadians also know that naming reality means calling it Lake Ontario – then, now and always.”

Hydronym refers to a proper name for a body of water. The internet buzzed about Carney’s usage of the term. Many individuals, including Swim Drink Fish Canada’s Ford, who lives in Dundas in Hamilton at the lake’s western end, confessed they had to look up its definition.

“I did have to look it up just like everybody else, and I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that because I work in water,” he shared. “But it is a beautiful and wonderfully nerdy word that I think captured people’s attention regarding names and what they represent.”

Lake Ontario, which U. S. President Donald Trump declared ‘Lake America’ – is pictured from Toronto on Sunday. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)

Lake Ontario – one of the five Great Lakes – lies between Ontario and New York State. Its name derives from the Huron-Wendat term “oniatarí: io,” meaning “lake of shining waters.” The province was named after this lake when it was established in 1867.

Carney mentioned on social media that this name has been around for over 400 years and predates both Canada and the U. S.

Political leaders from both nations have criticized Trump’s executive order.

This past Saturday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford revealed a sign in Winona stating “Lake Ontario, now and always.” Several American politicians from both parties have also spoken out against the renaming.

‘We’re definitely proud Canadians’

Branded By Collins produced these T-shirts after public relations firm Curious Public approached managing partner Steve Ryall with the idea.

“Funny enough, I was riding my bicycle near Lake Ontario in Toronto when I got the call; so it was interesting timing,” Ryall recounted. “It’s fun to be part of something like this. We’re definitely proud Canadians; we’re excited to support this initiative.”

Steve Ryall, managing director of Branded By Collins, holds up one of the T-shirts created by the London company. (Submitted by Steve Ryall)

He mentioned most of his customers are Canadian so his business hasn’t been directly affected by U. S tariffs but noted many purchasers feel those impacts.

“Everybody’s affected by it somehow or another,” he explained. “So hopefully [the trade situation] resolves positively for everyone involved soon because it’s an important relationship on multiple levels.”

The initial “hydronym” campaign began with hats but quickly expanded into T-shirts, sweaters and hoodies available in black, red and white colors. Ten dollars from each item sold-ranging between $30 to $50-goes towards supporting non-profit efforts including real-time water quality data sharing along with advocacy for better protection measures for Lake Ontario.

Gregary Ford stated he collaborates closely with both the U. S Environmental Protection Agency as well as New York State’s Department of Environment Conservation. He acknowledged an executive order complicates daily operations since federal employees must refer to it as Lake America; however he expressed appreciation for support received from American colleagues.

However , Ford noted these tensions have sparked renewed Canadian pride , prompting more individuals interested learning about Indigenous origins connected lakes , and ways protect better outcomes.

“This obviously serves as deflection regarding ongoing negotiations trade discussions federal leaders borders , but also presents chance celebrate heritage water history Indigenous place naming ,”Ford added.

“People learn more not just terms like hydronyms , but concepts improving relationship backyard.”


Ford warned stressors impacting lakes include climate change invasion species microplastics others ; thus campaign seeks prompt action addressing issues.

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