Rochester Officials Reject Trump Bid to Rename Lake Ontario as Canada Trade Fight Escalates
Updated
Updated · 13WHAM-TV · Aug 25
Rochester Officials Reject Trump Bid to Rename Lake Ontario as Canada Trade Fight Escalates
1 articles · Updated · 13WHAM-TV · Aug 25
Summary
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans and Monroe County Executive Adam Bello dismissed Donald Trump’s proposal to rename Lake Ontario, with Bello saying the lake, Ontario Beach Park, the Genesee River and Erie Canal will keep their names.
Beachgoers in Rochester and visiting Canadians also derided the idea as pointless and provocative, while Ontario Beach Park committee chair Jim Farr said changing maps and official designations would be a major undertaking for little reason.
Farr noted “Ontario” is a Native American name meaning roughly “beautiful lake” or “beautiful water,” predating the Canadian province and undercutting the premise for a politically driven rename.
Visit Rochester said it remains focused on welcoming Canadian visitors, warning that trade uncertainty and escalating rhetoric could hurt tourism businesses, workers and cross-border goodwill.