Kingston’s Mayor Reacts with Laughter to Trump’s Lake America Renaming
The mayor of Kingston, Ont., expressed amusement at Donald Trump’s decision to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America, calling it absurd and laughable. Bryan Paterson, still incredulous after the announcement, stated that the primary reaction from his community was laughter, deeming the move utterly ridiculous.
Paterson’s sentiments echoed a widespread Canadian disapproval of the executive order signed by Trump, which purportedly changes the name of the body of water between Ontario and New York “effective immediately.” Prime Minister Mark Carney, among others, refuted the name change for Canadians, highlighting the lake’s historical roots in the Wendat word Ontari’io, meaning “the lake is beautiful, the lake is big.”
Carney emphasized the lake’s longstanding heritage, dating back over 400 years and predating the establishment of both Canada and the United States. Grand Chief Pierre Picard of the Wendat Nation condemned the renaming, expressing outrage and viewing it as an attempt to erase their cultural history.
In Kingston, the significance of Lake Ontario to the community was underscored by Paterson, who emphasized its integral role in the city’s identity. He dismissed the renaming as a joke, emphasizing that the name of the lake, a vital part of Kingston’s geography and heritage, would not be altered by a decree from the White House.
Paterson highlighted the city’s close relationship with the lake, a vital element in Kingston’s growth and prosperity. The mayor reiterated the community’s strong bond with Lake Ontario, symbolized by Kingston’s Lake Ontario Park, a cherished gathering place for residents.
Meanwhile, across the border in Rochester, N.Y., the city council rebuked the Lake America renaming, affirming their commitment to continue using the lake’s original name in all official capacities. The council emphasized the enduring cultural legacy of Lake Ontario and the impossibility of erasing centuries of Indigenous history with a mere nickname change.
In response to Trump’s directive, Paterson revealed that the prevailing sentiment among council members was to ignore the matter, dismissing it as unworthy of a response. The mayor emphasized that the community’s unity and resolve had been bolstered by the recent events, fostering a sense of solidarity not just in Kingston but across Canada.
Despite the provocations, Paterson asserted that Kingston’s values of friendship and cooperation with neighboring communities remained steadfast, transcending transient political whims. The mayor affirmed that the enduring relationships and unity within the community would outlast any temporary disruptions caused by external factors.
Ultimately, the community’s unwavering attachment to Lake Ontario and its heritage prevailed, with residents and leaders standing firm against attempts to alter the lake’s historic name.
