A new policy governing which flags will be permitted to fly outside of municipal buildings is set to be debated by Chatham-Kent Council.
The new flag policy will be introduced for possible approval at council’s meeting on Monday. Council will also be asked to approve spending $10,000 for the construction of a community flagpole outside of the Civic Centre in Chatham.
The flag policy was generated by CK administration after reviewing several other similar policies in other municipalities to ensure that any flags flown are displayed properly, and with dignity and respect for whom the flags are flown.
The municipality currently flies flags on its premises both on a permanent basis and at times on a temporary basis to mark special occasions.
The flags flown permanently, each on their own flagpole, at the Civic Centre include the national flag of Canada, the province of Ontario flag, and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent flag.
If the policy is approved, the community flagpole will be used to fly flags corresponding with relevant days of awareness, celebrations, importance, commemoration, or promotion that are recognized by the federal or provincial government.
Temporary flags would also be flown as a gesture of respect and friendship on the occasion of a visiting dignitary, and for community groups and organizations related to the municipality through relevant funding or partnership agreements.
The municipality will not fly the flag of a group or organization whose views are contrary to Chatham-Kent’s policies or by-laws, including but not limited to supporting hatred, violence, or racism. Flags will also not be flown for businesses or commercial enterprises.
In its report to council, administration also provides examples of flags that have been flown by the municipality in the past, but will not be flown under the new policy. These include the Bell Let’s Talk flag, Kent Federation of Agriculture – Local Food Week, Year of the Garden, Kin Canada, OFSAA Volleyball Tournament, and VON Week.
Administration was initially asked to develop the flag policy in April 2023, following a successful motion made by Councillor Marjorie Crew. The discussion on flags was initially prompted by Councillor Rhonda Jubenville, who submitted a failed motion to only fly government flags on municipal property.
