A novel fundraising effort has emerged following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s mention of the term “hydronym,” aimed at promoting awareness and safeguarding Lake Ontario’s environment. Branded By Collins, an apparel business based in London, Ont., has introduced T-shirts featuring the slogan “My hydronyms are Lake & Ontario,” with a portion of the sales revenue directed to Swim Drink Fish Canada, a national charity in Toronto dedicated to connecting individuals to the lake and preserving its cleanliness.
Gregary Ford, the vice-president and waterkeeper of the charity, emphasized the significance of the campaign in sparking discussions about Lake Ontario and fostering pride in its beauty. The initiative was inspired by a recent incident where U.S. President Donald Trump proposed renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America, leading to a public exchange of remarks between the two nations regarding trade negotiations breakdown.
Carney swiftly responded to Trump’s suggestion through a social media post, underscoring the historical significance of the name “Lake Ontario,” which predates the existence of Canada and the U.S. as sovereign nations. The term “hydronym,” denoting a water body’s formal name, gained widespread attention following Carney’s use, prompting individuals like Ford to delve into its meaning despite their professional involvement in water-related matters.
Lake Ontario, part of the renowned Great Lakes system, lies between Ontario and New York, deriving its name from the Huron-Wendat term “oniatarí:io,” meaning “lake of shining waters.” The province of Ontario, established in 1867, drew its name from this majestic water body.
In response to the renaming controversy, political figures in both countries decried Trump’s executive order. Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiled a signage in Winona affirming the lake’s original name, garnering bipartisan support from U.S. politicians who disapproved of the proposed change.
The T-shirt campaign by Branded By Collins was initiated in collaboration with public relations agency Curious Public, reflecting the team’s pride in being Canadian and their eagerness to support the cause. While the company primarily serves Canadian clientele and remains unaffected by U.S. tariffs directly, the ongoing trade tensions have impacted consumers, highlighting the importance of resolving conflicts for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The campaign, initially featuring hats, has expanded to include a range of apparel such as T-shirts, sweaters, and hoodies in black, red, and white colors. A portion of the proceeds from each item sold contributes to Swim Drink Fish Canada’s initiatives aimed at promoting water quality monitoring and advocating for Lake Ontario’s welfare.
Ford emphasized the collaborative efforts with U.S. environmental agencies despite the challenges posed by the executive order, noting an increased interest in understanding the lake’s Indigenous heritage, interconnectedness with neighboring Great Lakes, and strategies for enhancing its protection. The campaign serves as a catalyst for raising awareness and fostering a sense of pride in Canada’s water legacy amidst ongoing discussions on trade and diplomatic relations.
Amidst environmental threats like climate change, invasive species, and microplastic pollution, the campaign seeks to inspire collective action in safeguarding Lake Ontario’s ecological health and preserving its heritage for future generations.