The mayor of Kingston, Ontario, expressed amusement in response to Donald Trump’s decision to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” Bryan Paterson, the mayor, described the move as “silly” and “utterly ridiculous,” echoing the sentiments of many Canadians. Prime Minister Mark Carney also rejected the name change, emphasizing the historical significance of the lake’s current title, originating from the Wendat word Ontari’io, meaning “the lake is beautiful, the lake is big.”

Carney highlighted that the name has stood for over 400 years, predating both the Confederation of Canada and the Declaration of Independence of the United States. Grand Chief Pierre Picard of the Wendat Nation expressed outrage and shock at the renaming, viewing it as an attempt to erase their heritage.

Kingston, a city deeply connected to Lake Ontario, has dismissed the renaming as a joke. The community, familiar with the lake’s beauty and power, stands firm in retaining its identity. Rochester, New York, the largest U.S. city on Lake Ontario, affirmed its commitment to using the original name, emphasizing the lake’s enduring cultural legacy.

Despite questions about responding to Trump’s action, Paterson and the council members chose to ignore the controversy, considering it unworthy of attention. The mayor emphasized the importance of unity and friendship, stating that relationships transcend political whims. The community’s resilience has only been strengthened by the external challenges, fostering a sense of solidarity that will outlast any temporary disputes.