Several Canadian websites, including those for the federal government, featured maps on Sunday with Lake Ontario renamed as Lake America. This change followed Google Maps’ announcement to comply with a U.S. executive order. Google stated that the U.S. government’s geographic names database officially renamed the lake, affecting U.S. users. However, multiple Ontario and Canadian websites displayed Lake America on their maps.
Notably, Hydro One, LCBO, GO Transit, and the federal government websites all showcased Lake America on their maps. Hydro One acknowledged the error, attributing it to a third-party mapping service and working to rectify the issue promptly. Metrolinx, which oversees GO Transit, also acknowledged the problem and confirmed efforts to ensure the correct naming of Lake Ontario on their websites.
Google clarified that website developers embedding Google Maps can localize maps by selecting a specific region. This setting determines the display of place names, with Lake Ontario appearing when the region is set to Canada.
Tech analyst Carmi Levy explained that Canadian websites like Hydro One and LCBO likely use Google’s API for mapping, which defaults to Lake America due to the lack of location awareness. Levy emphasized the importance of developers setting their region to Canada for accurate map localization.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized the name change, asserting that Lake Ontario’s historical name should remain unchanged. The premier unveiled a sign in Winona affirming “Lake Ontario Now and Always.” Trump’s video renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America was met with opposition from Canadian officials, reinforcing the lake’s original name. The escalation in tensions between the U.S. and Canada stems from trade disputes, with retaliatory measures announced by both countries.
The issue underscores the need for digital sovereignty in Canada to prevent reliance on American companies for essential services. Levy highlighted the complexities of online mapping changes and emphasized the importance of clear regional settings for accurate map displays.