On 26/8, the Ottawa City Council approved a plan to consider renaming Trump Avenue, a residential street in the Central Park neighborhood. The street has carried the name for about 25 years and is part of the area's New York-themed street names, alongside places like Staten Way, Madison Park, and Gotham Private. It was originally named after Trump when he was a real estate billionaire and a well-known reality television star in Manhattan.

However, with escalating trade tensions and Trump's continuous criticism of Canada, some local council members find the name embarrassing. They express a desire for nothing in Ottawa to bear the US President's name.

The council's vote took place just one day before Trump signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario to "Lake America". He had previously renamed the Gulf of Mexico to "Gulf America".

US President Donald Trump signs an executive order renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America at the White House on 27/8. Photo: Reuters

Ottawa City Council member Tim Tierney listed several proposed new names: Obama Avenue, Ontario Avenue, Canada Avenue, Beaver Avenue, Gulf of Mexico Avenue, Canada Goose Avenue, Pelosi Avenue, and Taco Avenue. Taco Avenue is a playful reference to the acronym "Trump Always Chickens Out". Another suggestion is Rosie O'Donnell Avenue, named after the comedian and long-time opponent of Trump, who relocated to Ireland after his re-election.

Tierney indicated that the street's renaming would not occur soon. It requires support from over 50% of residents, followed by a public consultation for the new name. These steps can only proceed after the municipal election, scheduled for late October.

This is not Ottawa's first attempt to rename Trump Avenue. In 2021, a survey of 62 households on the street showed 21 in favor, 21 opposed, and 20 abstaining. Tierney noted that opponents were not necessarily Trump supporters. He explained that some residents simply wished to avoid the hassle of changing their address.

While the issue appeared settled after the 2021 vote, Tierney told CNN that the controversy over Trump renaming Lake Ontario to "Lake America" reignited the debate. However, he also warned against letting the naming controversy overshadow the much larger tensions between the two nations.

"Right now, I think we need to focus on trade and tariffs; this naming issue is merely a distraction from those important matters," Tierney said. "Let's end this pointless naming game and get back to the negotiating table."

Canada features other place names with "Trump" in them, such as Lake Trump in northern Ontario, islands, and a stream. However, Tierney states that Trump Avenue is the only location specifically named after Donald Trump.

Hoang Lan (According to CNN, Reuters)