The city’s decisions on flags shouldn’t be left flying in the wind.
Mayor Nancy Cooper brought up this view at the city’s May 22 planning and development services meeting, noting that the city was recently approached by an organization wishing to fly its flag on one of the city’s flagpoles.
The request prompted the consideration of a number of questions, she said, such as flying flags at half mast.
“We should have a clear policy on that. When the firefighter was killed in Enderby, we had a discussion about that.”
Carl Bannister, the city’s chief administrative officer, prepared a short report for council, stating that staff don’t see the need to formalize the city’s decisions on flag flying.
“However, council may wish to consider a courtesy flag pole now or at some time in the future. In staff’s view, if this is pursued it should be limited to ethnic flags recognized by the Government of Canada and not include flags/banners for events, proclamations or other causes (political religious, etc.)… Permitting a courtesy flag would not constitute an endorsement from the city. A registry would need to be created to keep a formal record of which flags are to be flown and when,” he wrote.
He also stated that the three poles at Marine Park were removed because they were old and badly rusted, and it would cost about $2,100 to replace one 40-foot pole.
Currently three flags fly at city hall: the B.C. flag, the Canadian flag and the City of Salmon Arm flag.
Cooper said the Government of Canada recognizes flags from certain countries – peaceful countries or ones connected to Canada, a list the city could adopt.
Although the flag poles at Marine Park are down, she said the park would be an ideal place to fly other countries’ flags when requested.
Coun. Marg Kentel expressed her approval of having a policy.
“I couldn’t help but be 100 per cent behind what you’re talking about.”
She said she would want to stick with the list the federal government uses.
“I wouldn’t want to see us get into anything controversial…, we wouldn’t want ones by special interest groups. I totally back it.”
Cooper would like to see the Marine Park poles return.
“We have a lot of priorities but I’d like to see them back up.”
Coun. Alan Harrison said he’d like to see a policy prepared, including having the flying of flags at half-mast be at the mayor’s discretion. He agreed that Marine Peace Park would be an ideal place to fly requested flags.
Coun. Chad Eliason said he’s in favour of replacing the Marine Park poles, but only that.
“In my seven years (on council), I don’t think I’ve seen one country ask to be on a pole. Do we think it’s a good use of taxpayer dollars? The last one was a specific group. I would support the plan to replace the poles, but is the policy necessary?”
Coun. Debbie Cannon was also in favour of replacing the Marine Park poles, and suggested that the policy include the replacement of any tattered or ripped flags.
Council voted on having a flag policy prepared, with everyone present voting in favour except Eliason. Coun. Ken Jamieson was absent.
