Donald Trump wants to rename Lake Ontario to “Lake America”.
Let’s answer the most burning and incredibly important question that this controversy has ignited on everyone’s mind…….
How exactly does someone name a lake in Ontario?
…..let alone RENAME one…..?
And WHO in the Ontario government is in charge of
…..LAKE NAMING?
Is there a VP of Lake Names armed with waterproof maps and boxes of worms?
Or can anyone simply point at a body of water, announce a new name, and hope Google Maps eventually agrees?
How Lakes Get Their Names
“Ontario” is indigenous in origin and is roughly 400 years old. It’s English translation is disputed but roughly speaking it translates to “Lake is big (beautiful)”.
Ontario lake names are handled by the Ontario Geographic Names Board within the Ministry of Natural Resources. Anyone may submit a proposed name or name change; the Board investigates its history, local and Indigenous usage, and community support before recommending approval to the minister.
Source: Ontario Geographic Names
How many lakes have you visited across Canada? If you intend to explore consider the evolution of Interprovincial relationships as an opportunity.
What Trump Said
On August 25, 2026, Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that the United States was giving “serious consideration” to changing the name of Lake Ontario to “Lake America” because he did not expect the United States to continue doing much business with Ontario.
Source: Truth Social post
On August 27, 2026, Trump signed an executive order directing the U.S. government to use “Lake America” on federal maps, documents and communications. The order does not change what Canada calls the lake.
This article doesn’t analyze the political ramifications between the US and Canada; although Canadians are giving the US Ambassador a hard time.
Sources: White House – Executive Order
Roll Call – August 26, 2026 Transcript
Roll Call – August 27, 2026 Remarks
Can a Lake’s Name Be Changed?
Yes, a lake can be renamed, but an application normally has to be reviewed by the appropriate geographic-naming authority. In Ontario, that process involves the Ontario Geographic Names Board and consultation with Indigenous communities, municipalities and other affected parties.
How Does This Affect Cottage Owners?
If you own a cottage and have suddenly decided that your lake deserves a more exciting name, start by contacting your local municipal councillor. They probably cannot rename it personally—despite possessing an official title and possibly a very impressive name tag.
But they can tell you where to submit the proposal and whether your neighbours must agree that it is truly an improvement.
But lake names are secondary to cottage owners who might be considering renovation costs given current tariff situations.
Political Pressure
Can the U.S. Government submit an application to the Ontario Geographic Names Board to rename the lake “Lake America”?
Technically, there is no law prohibiting the U.S. government (or any government) from asking to rename the lake. I would assume that the probability is low that the OGNB would agree.
US trade relations will affect our economy. Of course, if underground tectonic plates shift and Lake Ontario suddenly slips below the 49th parallel, I guess that would be a different story.
