With tensions rising from Donald Trump’s trade war against Canada, an Ottawa city councillor believes it’s time to change the name of a street that honors the U. S. president.
A previous attempt in 2021 to rename Trump Avenue in the Central Park area off Merivale Road did not succeed after consultations showed mixed feelings among residents.
The nays Ave. it: Ottawa’s Trump Avenue to keep its name
However, councillor Riley Brockington feels that now is the moment to correct what he calls an embarrassment, considering Trump’s ongoing threats to Canada’s sovereignty and economy.
“I’m embarrassed that there is a street in River Ward called Trump Avenue, and I’m embarrassed that in the nation’s capital we have Donald Trump honoured in this respect,” he said.
Brockington mentioned he will collaborate with residents of Trump Avenue to start the renaming process after the next election, expressing his determination for it to happen.
“I think the time has come when you look at the damage and carnage that the president has caused, including with our own country,” Brockington said. “We’re past the point of debating.”
The Central Park neighbourhood has several streets with New York City-themed names. (Francis Ferland/ )
NYC-themed street names
The Central Park neighbourhood features multiple streets named after New York City locations like Staten Way and Grammercy Park.
Brockington’s remarks were made during a discussion on a motion from Mayor Mark Sutcliffe aimed at supporting Ottawa businesses affected by tariffs imposed by Trump’s administration on $28 billion worth of Canadian exports.
When asked about renaming Trump Avenue, Sutcliffe noted it might create inconvenience for those living on that street who would need to update their driver’s licenses and inform everyone about their address change.
He emphasized that those residents should still be consulted but made his stance clear.
“If it were up to me, there would be nothing named after Donald Trump in Ottawa,” Sutcliffe said.
‘Take it right out of Ottawa’
A number of residents on Trump Avenue agreed now is an appropriate time for a change.
“Trump has had a lot of problems with Canada,” said Rana Usman. “He’s not something special [in] Canada, and he doesn’t deserve to have a street named after him.”
John Germano, who lives on the street, expressed his support for changing the name as well. Aug. 27, 2026 (Francis Ferland/ )
“It’s embarrassing for everyone,” John Germano said. “Anything related to this person, take it right out of Ottawa, bring it right back down or put a tariff on it and send it back.”
However, not all residents spoken to by CBC supported changing the name.
“The name ‘Trump’ fits well with the New York theme of Central Park,” said Doug Gimmer, adding that he thinks Brockington should focus on other issues instead of this one. p>
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