Draft Policy for Commemorative Flag and Light Displays

Peterborough, ON – A draft policy to establish criteria for considering requests for commemorative flag raisings and lighting displays at City of Peterborough facilities is posted for public review and comments until Thursday, February 12, 2026.

Commemorative flag raisings and lighting displays at City of Peterborough facilities are a couple of the ways that the City contributes to enhancing awareness and learning through observing internationally and nationally recognized days, weeks and months of significance.

Residents can review the draft policy and submit comments through connectptbo.ca/FlagRaisings. To arrange to pick up a printed copy, please email communications@peterborough.ca or call 705-742-7777 ext. 1785.

Comments on the draft policy will be reviewed and considered to inform the version of the draft policy that is presented during a City Council meeting for Council’s consideration.

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.

Under the draft criteria for commemorative flag raisings, the City would require that they:

• Are directly related to municipal programming or by way of a relevant funding or partnership agreement with the City; or
• 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

Under the draft criteria for commemorative light displays at City Hall and the Centennial Fountain, the City would require that they:

• Are directly related to municipal programming or by way of a relevant funding or partnership agreement with the City;
• 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
• Or, are to 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.

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

• Espouses violence, racism, or hatred against any group or individual.
• Promotes political parties, groups, or organizations.
• Celebrates religious organizations or religious events, except as recognized through the awareness periods established by the Ontario Government or the Government of Canada.
• 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 Policy would be a Council-approved direction that would formalize the current practice.

The request forms for flag raisings and commemorative illumination displays are available on the City website at peterborough.ca/CommemorativeEvents.

Official celebrations and observances are recognized by the City of Peterborough through a variety of acknowledgements, including:

• Official proclamations or awareness statements by the Mayor.
• Hosting flag raising ceremonies or events at City Hall.
• Featuring community events on the City’s online calendar or in its news posts on the City website.
• Promoting awareness and linking to resources on the City’s social media channels.
• Commemorative lighting displays at City Hall and seasonally at the Centennial Fountain in Little Lake.
• Various City facilities and services, including the Museum and Archives, Peterborough Public Library and the Art Gallery of Peterborough build programming and education around official celebrations and observances.

Community groups and organizations are invited to request flag raisings, proclamations and commemorative lighting displays.