The City Council of Ottawa unanimously decided on Wednesday to take President Donald Trump’s name off a residential street in the Canadian capital, in light of the ongoing trade tensions.
The proposal to change “Trump Avenue” in Central Park was introduced by River Ward councillor Riley Brockington on September 9 and quickly gained backing from other local leaders. “I’m not comfortable with anything named after Donald Trump, who has shown hostility towards Canada,” said Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe during a news conference following the vote.
This decision highlights the strained relations between Canada and the U. S., as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney faces off against the Trump Administration amid a trade conflict. Canada’s counter-tariffs went into effect on September 8, mirroring the economic pressure that came from the U. S. after talks broke down last month. Trump’s constant threats about annexing Canada and his habit of calling it the “51st state” have only added fuel to the fire.
The streets in Ottawa’s Central Park were named after New York City landmarks back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, at a time when Trump was mostly recognized for his business ventures rather than his political ambitions.
Brockington mentioned that there will be consultations with local residents next, where different names for “Trump Avenue” will be suggested before a final vote.
“I could go on about why I strongly believe it’s time to rename ‘Trump Avenue,’ but I don’t want to give any more attention to the person whose name is currently on those signs,” Brockington stated. “I think this represents a fresh start, and I want this process to be led by our community so they can choose and recommend what that new name should be.”
In response, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told TIME that changing the street name is just a “meaningless gesture,” adding that “these local governments should do right by their citizens, thank President Trump for defending their country, and strike a good deal for both Canadian and American citizens.”
TIME has reached out for comments from Ottawa’s City Council.
This decision follows President Trump’s recent attempts at controversial renaming efforts of his own.
In late August, he signed an Executive Order changing Lake Ontario-which borders Ontario in Canada and New York in the U. S.-to “Lake America.” This order applies only to federal references within the U. S. and doesn’t dictate how Canada or others refer to it. Many lawmakers from both countries have rejected this new name.
Thomas Juneau, who teaches public and international affairs at the University of Ottawa, remarked that renaming this street is “indicative of how Canadians feel.”
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Polling data consistently shows how unpopular Trump is among Canadians; his aggressive stance on trade issues has further fueled negative perceptions of him here,” he told TIME.
The most recent poll from Politico conducted between September 13-15 found that 83% of Canadians believed Trump’s tariffs against their country were unjustified while 71% supported Carney’s retaliatory measures. Another poll by Abacus Data conducted between September 4-9 indicated that 82% had an unfavorable view of Trump.
The ‘Trump Avenue’ sign stands seen in one of Ottawa’s suburbs on January 26, 2021. -Michel Comte–Getty Images
Carney reflects on military action risks amid annexation threats
The Canadian Prime Minister admitted during a recent interview that he had prepared over roughly twelve months for what he termed “extreme tail risk” regarding potential military actions ordered by Trump against Canada amidst repeated mentions about annexation desires.
“When you’re in these roles you have responsibility regarding extreme tail risk,” Carney explained to The New York Times. “That’s part of risk management-it’s not your base case but neglecting such preparations would be irresponsible.”
Juneau believes while “the likelihood of American military intervention against Canada remains extremely low,” just because Canada shouldn’t take Trump’s words literally doesn’t mean they shouldn’t regard them seriously either.”
In an April interview with TIME , Trump denied any trolling intent behind discussing annexation saying,“We’re taking care not only militarily but every aspect concerning their lives… We don’t need anything coming out from Canada-and my argument being-the only way this truly works well is if Canada becomes one state”.
Aggressively pushing back against such notions-similar sentiments echoed by other officials like Ontario Premier Doug Ford-Carney reiterated emphatically stating CANADA IS NOT FOR SALE! In June after reviving talk around possible Canadian annexations Ford merely asserted “Canada shall never become51st State!”
Even amid current strains however, CARNEY asserts having spoken frequently with TRUMP since previous negotiations collapsed last month without any clear resolution appearing imminent.
“TRUMP seeks actively choking our economy”, points out JUNEAU noting key trade sticking points surfaced through ongoing conversations according CARNEY related directly towards restricting CANADIAN trading capabilities abroad.
<h3 CANADA SEEKS INTERNATIONAL ALLIES TO REDUCE RELIANCE ON US
The United States accounted almost72.5 percent Canadian merchandise exports throughout2025 based upon annual reports which makes it largest trading partnerby substantial distance.
This deep integration extends beyond mere economics as both nations are intertwined defensively through NATO alliancesalongside NORAD-a joint defense mechanism focused collectively securing North American interestsacross territory.
<CANADA’S also engaged actively seeking diversify its Trade&Security partnerships lessening dependenceon US influence due heightened tensionsunder TRUMPS administration trying weaken position open more collaborations abroad.
“Utilizing weaponized interdependencies createdby US magnifies vulnerabilities uniquely faced CANADIAN market compared anyone else,”, emphasizes JUNEAU pointing urgency neededcarriedout work aheadfor CARNEY pursuing alternatives robustly.
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