News

:

, ,

Loyalist Township to fly flags at half-mast on more days

Municipal building in background with two township workers working on grounds
The Odessa Municipal Office where Loyalist Township Council Meetings are held. Photo by Ted Evans
Ted Evans - CJAI - Stella • ON | 15-06-2023
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on pinterest
Share on email
Share on print

Loyalist Township council voted this week to fly flags at half mast for a longer list of days.

At the June 12 council meeting, the Community and Customer Services Department recommended the updates to the "Proclamation, Public Awareness and Flag Flying Policy"  to remain consistent with Government of Canada flag protocols and rules. The policy applies to flag flying etiquette and half-masting of flags at township properties.

The township policy originally did not include a long list of specific days listed by Heritage Canada when flags are to be lowered. Now, the township will be adding the following days:

  • April 28: Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace (Workers' Mourning Day)
  • June 23: National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism
  • Second Sunday in September: Firefighters’ National Memorial Day, unless half-masting occurs near the place where a memorial is being observed, then half-masting can occur according to the prescribed order of service
  • Last Sunday in September: Police and Peace Officers' National Memorial Day, unless half-masting occurs near the place where a memorial is being observed, then half-masting can occur according to the prescribed order of service
  • Sept. 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
  • Nov. 11: Remembrance Day, unless half-masting occurs at the National War Memorial or a place where remembrance is being observed, then half-masting can occur at 11 a.m. or according to the prescribed order of service
  • Dec. 6: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

These days will be added to the policy to provide clear direction to staff and allow for operational plans and schedules to include half-masting from sunrise to sunset on the listed days.

Deputy Mayor Nathan Townend noted that a flag at half-mast is an important symbol to uphold.

"Staff have done a great job in our communications in communicating out the reason for when a flag is at half-mast. Which I think we need to continue to do, so that the symbol continues to have practical meaning," said Townend.

Once a proclamation or public awareness campaign is approved, it will be posted on the township website. When flags are lowered, notice will be provided of the reason to all staff, council and posted on the township's website and social media accounts in accordance with the policy.

Listen to the story below: 

Download Audio