Ottawa to Remove 'Trump Avenue' Name; Residents to Pick Replacement

Ottawa City Council has voted unanimously to remove the name "Trump Avenue" from a residential street in the Central Park neighbourhood, council said Tuesday. The decision ends the use of the US president's name on the leafy street and launches a local process to choose a new name.

"I don't like the idea of anything that's named for Donald Trump, who's demonstrated hostility towards Canada, in our city," Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said, explaining the rationale behind the move.

The street, formerly known as Trump Avenue, sits in Central Park, a neighbourhood with several road names referencing New York. Residents of the street will form a local committee to recommend a replacement name; the change is expected to take effect next year. The street will retain its current name until the new name is formally adopted.

Context

The renaming has been presented by some councillors as a symbolic response to strained Canada–US relations under President Donald Trump. During his time in office Mr. Trump pursued an "America First" agenda that included tariffs affecting Canadian goods and outspoken criticisms of Canadian leaders. He has also made public comments about border issues, including an offhand reference to Lake Ontario as "Lake America," and has frequently sparred with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on social media.

Council members say the change is a local decision about what the city chooses to honour and is not intended to be an international provocation. The resident-led naming committee will consult neighbours and follow the city's naming guidelines before presenting options to council.

Next steps: Residents will form a committee to propose a new name. The proposal will be reviewed by city staff and returned to council for final approval. The new street name is expected to be in place next year.