A fresh fundraising initiative has emerged following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s mention of the term “hydronym,” aiming to promote awareness and conservation efforts for Lake Ontario. Branded By Collins, an apparel company based in London, Ont., has introduced T-shirts featuring the phrase, “My hydronyms are Lake & Ontario,” with a portion of the sales proceeds allocated to Swim Drink Fish Canada. This Toronto-based charity is dedicated to engaging people with the lake and safeguarding its cleanliness and safety.
Gregary Ford, the vice-president and waterkeeper of the charity, expressed enthusiasm about the growing interest and sense of pride surrounding Lake Ontario. The inspiration for the campaign stemmed from U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America during recent trade disputes between the two countries.
Carney swiftly responded to Trump’s renaming suggestion with a social media post emphasizing the historical significance of the name “Lake Ontario.” The term “hydronym” gained widespread attention online, with many, including Ford, admitting to looking up its meaning due to its novelty.
Lake Ontario, part of the Great Lakes system situated between Ontario and New York, derives its name from the Huron-Wendat term “oniatarí:io,” meaning “lake of shining waters.” The province of Ontario, established in 1867, took its name from this majestic body of water.
Political figures from both Canada and the U.S. have criticized Trump’s executive order regarding the lake’s renaming. In response, Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiled a sign in Winona reaffirming the name “Lake Ontario, now and always.”
The initiative for the “hydronym” campaign, initially featuring hats, has expanded to include T-shirts, sweaters, and hoodies in black, red, and white colors. A portion of the proceeds from each item sold goes to support Swim Drink Fish Canada’s advocacy efforts, including real-time water quality monitoring.
Despite challenges posed by the executive order, Ford collaborates closely with U.S. environmental agencies, emphasizing the importance of cross-border cooperation in protecting Lake Ontario. The heightened tensions have sparked a renewed sense of Canadian pride and a growing interest in the lake’s heritage, Indigenous connections, and conservation practices.
Ford highlighted the various threats facing Lake Ontario, such as climate change and pollution, underscoring the campaign’s role in mobilizing collective action for the lake’s preservation and well-being.
