(2-23-26) Former Celina, Ohio resident Sam Houseworth has suggested to N.Y. Rep ClaudiaTenney that a name change for Lake Ontario is due…thanks to the USA wins over Canada (men’s and women’s) in hockey during the past Olympics.
Lake New York…
Here is Houseworth’s letter…
Dear Rep. Claudia Tenney,
Given that New York’s 24th District sits directly on Lake Ontario, I wanted to raise a proposal that reflects recent realities in U.S.–Canada relations — specifically in competitive outcomes.
At the most recent Winter Olympic Games, the United States defeated Canada in both men’s and women’s hockey, a sport that Canada itself treats as a defining national institution. These results were decisive and they came on the sport’s biggest stage.
Historically, naming conventions often reflect influence, leadership, and demonstrated dominance. By that standard, it is reasonable to ask whether continuing to use a Canadian provincial name for a lake that borders New York — and plays a significant role in New York’s economy, shipping, and recreation — still makes sense.
Accordingly, I propose that Congress formally consider renaming Lake Ontario to Lake New York for use in U.S. federal documentation.
This would:
• Reflect contemporary North American power dynamics
• Acknowledge New York’s direct stake in the lake
• Align naming with performance-based leadership
• And reaffirm American competitiveness in areas traditionally claimed by Canada
Thank you for considering a proposal rooted in recent evidence, civic pride, and New York’s rightful place on the map.
Respectfully,
Sam Houseworth
Who is…
Claudia L. Tenney (born February 4, 1961) is an American attorney and politician serving as the U.S. representative for New York’s 24th congressional district since 2023. Previously, she represented the 22nd district from 2017 to 2019 and from 2021 to 2023 and sat in the New York State Assembly from 2011 to 2016. She is a member of the Republican Party.
History
Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario, the smallest of the Great Lakes, was discovered by Samuel de Champlain and Etienne Brule in 1615. On early maps it appeared various as Lac St. Louis or Lake Frontenac, but the name Ontario was settled after around 1733. It means “high rocks near the water.”
The lake was the scene of naval engagements during the French and Indian Wars and again in 1813. It was always a major trade route, as early as the fur trade, and became part of the St. Lawrence Seaway, a joint project of Canada and the United States. Canada`s largest city, Toronto, is located on its north shore.
The first sailing ships on the Great Lakes were four built on Lake Ontario by LaSalle in 1678 or earlier, to provide transportation between Fort Frontenac and his post at the mouth of the Niagara.
Mercer County Outlook 