Meaford, ON – Following today’s Council meeting, Council of the Municipality of Meaford has directed staff to remove the American flag currently flying from a Municipal flagpole at Market Square.
“The decision to remove the United States of America flag at this time is not a reflection of disrespect toward American people. It reflects Council’s concern with current trade actions by U.S. leadership and the impacts being felt by key local sectors, including agriculture and tourism,” said Mayor Ross Kentner.
The Municipality has received a number of requests from members of the public to remove the American flag from Municipal property. Staff brought the report and recommendation forward for Council’s consideration based on the current trade relationship between Canada and the United States of America, related impacts on Canadian businesses, and feedback received from residents.
Staff also reviewed the Municipality’s Flag Flying and Water Tower Lighting Policy and noted that the policy permits specified flags to be raised on municipal lands, but does not direct that they must be raised.
Staff will remove the American flag as directed by Council. Council will review the policy and revisit the continued flying of the United States of America flag on municipal lands within 2 years.
More information about the Municipality’s Flag Flying and Water Tower Lighting Policy is available at meaford.ca.
Media Contact
Holly Moroney
Manager, Communications & Customer Service
21 Trowbridge Street West, Meaford, Ontario, Canada, N4L 1A1