Commemorative flag raising and lighting displays Policy

About the policy

The City of Peterborough is developing a policy that will establish criteria for considering requests for commemorative flag raisings and lighting displays at City of Peterborough facilities.

The policy will establish a consistent protocol for the raising and displaying of commemorative flags and illumination displays at City facilities to bring public awareness to occasions and events. Flag raisings and illumination displays will:

• Reflect the cultural diversity of the community, promote inclusion, and foster a sense of belonging for all;
• Recognize the importance of significant dates and occasions, and acknowledge the contributions of local non-profit or charitable organizations or initiatives; and
• Support public awareness campaigns that promote health, safety, and wellbeing and encourage community participation and civic pride.

The Policy would be a Council-approved direction that would formalize the current practice.

Draft criteria for flag raisings

1. Are directly related to municipal programming or by way of a relevant funding or partnership agreement with the City; or
2. Correspond with commemorative or awareness periods as established by the Ontario Government or the Government of Canada as identified on the following provincial and federal websites:

• https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontarios-celebrations-and-commemorations
• https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/important-commemorative-days.html

Draft criteria for commemorative lighting displays at facilities

1. Are directly related to municipal programming or by way of a relevant funding or partnership agreement with the City; or
2. Correspond with commemorative or awareness periods as established by the Ontario Government or the Government of Canada as identified on the following provincial and federal websites (linked above); or
3. Recognize or bring awareness to the work of a non-profit or charitable organization or local initiative that promotes health, safety, and wellbeing or fosters cultural diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the City of Peterborough.

Ineligible requests

Under the draft criteria, the City would not approve a commemorative flag or illumination request that:

1. Espouses violence, racism, or hatred against any group or individual.
2. Promotes political parties, groups, or organizations.
3. Celebrates religious organizations or religious events, except as recognized through the awareness periods established by the Ontario Government or the Government of Canada.
4. Is for a commercial entity or in celebration of a for-profit event.

The draft criteria generally reflects the City’s current practice for considering flag raising and illumination requests. The request forms for flag raisings and commemorative illumination displays are available on the City website at peterborough.ca/CommemorativeEvents.