The mayor of Kingston, Ont., says laughter is the only reaction Donald Trump will get from his community after the U. S. president’s decision to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America.
“The primary reaction is just laughter,” said Bryan Paterson, who was still shaking his head hours after the announcement. “I mean, it’s just so silly. It’s so utterly ridiculous.”
Paterson’s comments were part of a Canadian chorus criticizing the executive order Trump signed Thursday that he claimed renames the body of water between Ontario and New York “effective immediately.”
Among those speaking out on this side of the border was Prime Minister Mark Carney, who firmly stated that the name wouldn’t change for Canadians.
In a social media post, Carney mentioned that the lake’s name comes from “the Wendat word Ontari’io,” meaning “’the lake is beautiful, the lake is big.'”
He noted that this name has been in use for over 400 years, “predating both the Confederation of Canada and the Declaration of Independence of the United States.”
The Wendat Nation also expressed their views, with Grand Chief Pierre Picard stating in a release that its members are “outraged, appalled, shocked,” adding he sees this change as an attempt to “eradicate” their nation’s history.
WATCH | ‘Lake America’ latest shot at Canada amid trade war:
Trump renames Lake Ontario as ‘Lake America’ in latest shot at Canada
U. S. President Donald Trump raised tensions with Canada further with an executive order renaming Lake Ontario as ‘Lake America,’ but it’s uncertain how legally binding this order truly is. Trump also reiterated his intention to impose tariffs aimed at damaging Canada’s auto industry.
Paterson said that Lake Ontario runs “deep to the core” of what Kingston represents and its name won’t be changed “on a whim by someone sitting in the White House.”
The city developed and thrived at a key intersection of three waterways: the St. Lawrence River, what eventually became known as the Rideau Canal, and Lake Ontario.
People from Kingston are familiar with these waters. They swim in them, boat on them and live along their shores.
They’ve seen sunlight sparkle off its surface on clear days and observed waves and ice battering against its shoreline during winter storms.
A man takes pictures of waves on Lake Ontario during a wind warning at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour in Kingston, Ont., Jan. 5, 2022. (Lars Hagberg/The Canadian Press)
This is one reason Paterson mentioned people around town view this incident as simply a “joke.”
Kington’s Lake Ontario Park – one of the city’s prized spots – serves as a favorite gathering place for families and friends.
The mayor shared he’s already received inquiries about any plans for renaming it.
“I just laughed. I said, ‘That’s ridiculous. Of course we would never do that.’ It’s always going to be Lake Ontario Park because it’s always going to be Lake Ontario.”
Rochester, N. Y. city council denounces Lake America
Across the border, Rochester-the largest U. S. city on Lake Ontario-states it will keep using its original name for Great Lakes.
On Friday, Rochester’s city council unanimously signed a proclamation affirming they will continue referring to it as Lake Ontario in all official matters.
“No government entity … has right or ability erase centuries Indigenous history simply giving new nickname Great Lake whose cultural legacy will outlive us all,” wrote council proclamation.
Paterson mentioned everyone on council has faced questions regarding Trump’s recent action and how they plan to respond.
“The overwhelming sentiment is that it’s not worth even responding,” said Paterson. “It’s not worth wasting our time. The best thing we can possibly do is just ignore silliness.”
People take a photo at Lake Ontario Park in Kingston, Ont., on April 7, 2024.(Justin Tang/The Canadian Press)
A large Canadian flag has been hanging outside city hall since trade war with U. S. first began.
The mayor noted if anything, this “bluster.. craziness”has only reinforced community resolve sense unity along rest Canada.
When asked if he ever looked across border coveted neighbor’s land or thought about changing names claim it , Paterson chuckled saying “definitely no.”
“Being border community.. we understand value friendship relationships,”Paterson explained.“We know that’s going be there long after Donald Trump gone.”
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