Google's Lake Name Snafu Hits Canadian Websites

Canadian websites briefly displayed 'Lake America' despite Google's claim that the name change would only apply to US users. This anomaly occurred after Google Maps announced it had adopted the new name in accordance with an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump.

The issue affected several Canadian organizations, including Hydro One and GO Transit, which both use third-party mapping services. These services displayed 'Lake America' instead of the correct name 'Lake Ontario.'

Hydro One acknowledged the problem and stated that it was caused by an outside mapping provider. The utility apologized for the error and is working with its vendor to correct the issue.

The naming dispute comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Ottawa over trade. US President Trump signed an executive order directing the Interior Department to change the lake's name in the US geographic naming system, despite saying it was 'official, effective immediately.'