London, Ontario, apparel brand Branded By Collins quickly turned the word into a marketing slogan, printing T‑shirts that read “My hydronyms are Lake & Ontario.” A portion of every shirt sale is sent to Swim Drink Fish Canada, a charity that works to keep the lake clean.

The campaign also reminds people that “Lake Ontario” is not a recent invention. The name comes from the Huron‑Wendat word “oniatarí:io,” which means “lake of shining waters.”

Gregary Ford, vice‑president of Swim Drink Fish Canada, says the naming dispute has revived Canadian pride and sparked new interest in protecting the lake’s health. He notes that the lake faces stress from climate change, invasive species and micro‑plastics, and that the campaign helps raise both awareness and funds for its protection.