Ontario Premier Doug Ford has installed a large sign along the Canadian shoreline affirming the name of Lake Ontario following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement to rename the body of water “Lake America.” The installation, erected on Saturday, features the message “Lake Ontario / Now and Always” and stands over seven meters tall, roughly equivalent to a two-story building.

Trump’s declaration last week to change the lake’s name came amid increasing tensions between the United States and Canadian officials, particularly Ford. The Ontario Premier characterized Trump’s move as a response to Canada asserting its interests. “Long after President Trump is gone, it will still be called Lake Ontario,” Ford stated.

The dispute follows a series of critical remarks exchanged between the two leaders. Earlier this week, Ford criticized Trump’s tariff policies, suggesting that former U.S. President Ronald Reagan would have been “disgusted” by them. The escalating rhetoric underscores broader trade and diplomatic frictions between the neighboring countries.

Lake Ontario’s name has deep Indigenous origins, deriving from the Huron word “oniatarí:io,” meaning “lake of shining waters.” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the significance of these roots, rejecting Trump’s attempt to rename the lake and stressing that the current name predates the founding of both Canada and the United States. He noted that the former president does not have the authority to enforce such a change in Canada.

The sign installation and statements from Canadian leaders highlight the country’s determination to uphold its heritage and resist perceived provocations amid ongoing political disagreements with the United States.