Trump buildings to retain name, despite political opposition

Over 53,000 sign petition to remove Trump name from Vancouver

With Vancouver set to unveil the new Trump International Hotel and Tower this year, Donald Trump’s comments during his bid to become the next president of the United States have struck a chord with Vancouverites.

The last straw was drawn when Trump stated in a Dec. 7 press release that he is “calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.” This prompted Brent Toderian, a former Vancouver City Planner, to tweet:

As #Trump calls to ban Muslims from entering the U.S, I seriously suggest that Vancouverites call on @TrumpVancouver to remove his name.

— Brent Toderian (@BrentToderian) December 8, 2015

Citizens have come together to demand that Trump’s name be removed from the building, signing a petition with over 50,000 signatures on Change.org. The City of Vancouver’s mayor, Gregor Robertson penned an open letter to Holborn Group, the developers of the project.

“Donald Trump’s hateful positions and commentary remind us all of much darker times in our world’s past,” Robertson told the media. “Vancouver is known throughout the world for our steadfast commitment to diversity, equality, and freedom from discrimination and hatred.”

Robertson has made his position clear to Holborn Group, stating that, “Trump’s name and brand have no more place on Vancouver’s skyline than his ignorant ideas have in the modern world. As Mayor, it is my hope that you and your company will work quickly to remove his brand and all it represents from your building.”

The City of Vancouver stands by this statement and calls for the immediate removal of the Trump name. Unfortunately for Holborn Group, it is not as simple as just changing a name.

Holborn Group and the Trump International Hotel and Tower Vancouver have entered into legally binding contracts with each purchaser. If they go ahead with a name change, every single purchaser thus far will legally be capable of rescinding on their contracts. Essentially, if the Trump name is removed, the building will need to be completely re-marketed, sold again, and each buyer who has purchased a home in the tower will be eligible to sue Holborn Group for breach of contract.

In speaking with the media department at Holborn Group, they maintain a statement released by CEO Joo Kim Tiah. Currently, they have no plans whatsoever to remove the Trump name from their development.