Commemorative Events | City of Peterborough

Reflecting Diversity

We recognize and value the contributions of the diverse communities that make Peterborough a resilient and thriving place to live. In 2019, City Council voted unanimously for Peterborough to join the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities as an expression of our community’s values and goals related to diversity, equity and inclusion.

One way we contribute to enhancing awareness and learning is through observing internationally and nationally recognized days, weeks and months of significance.

Official celebrations and observances are recognized through a variety of acknowledgements, including:

Official proclamations or awareness statements by the Mayor of the City of Peterborough
Hosting flag raising ceremonies or events at City Hall
Featuring community events on the City’s online calendar or in our news posts
Promoting awareness and linking to resources on our 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.

Flags

The Mayor's Office coordinates requests for commemorative flag raising at City facilities, including City Hall. Requests must be received at least one week before the event and meet the criteria for commemorative flag and lighting requests outlined below.

Flag raising

There are no upcoming flag raisings in the schedule at this time.

Request a flag raising

Half-mast flags at City facilities

The act of Half-Masting is a strong visual statement that speaks to the community’s sense of loss or reflection. The City lowers its flag to half mast upon the death of certain dignitaries, officials or City employees as identified in City procedures; and on days of reflection or mourning that are declared or enshrined in legislation by the Province, the Government of Canada, or City Council. The Half-Masting of the National Flag and the Provincial Flag will be in accordance with the Government of Canada’s Rules for Half-Masting the National Flag of Canada and the Provincial Guidelines for Half-Masting flags, respectively.

Schedule for half-mast flags
Date	Occasion
January 5, 2026	Passing of former Alderman Paul Wilson
April 28, 2026	National Day of Mourning for those who have died, been injured or made ill in the workplace
May 5, 2026	Red Dress Day
September 14, 2026	Firefighters' National Memorial Day
September 28, 2026	Police and Peace Officers' National Memorial Day
September 30, 2026	National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
November 11, 2026	Remembrance Day
December 6, 2026	National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Commemorative lighting displays

Commemorative lighting displays at City Hall and the Centennial Fountain recognize important events and cultural celebrations in our community.

The City of Peterborough accepts requests for commemorative lighting at City Hall throughout the year, and seasonally for the Centennial Fountain (May to October) from organizations or individuals that meet our commemorative lighting criteria.

Requests for commemorative lighting displays must be submitted at least three weeks before the event. Requests are processed in the order in which they are received. Please review the criteria section below before submitting your application.

Promotion of Commemorative Lighting displays is the responsibility of the organization or individual(s) who submitted the request. The City publicly posts notice of the subject of Commemorative Lighting displays on its website. Coordination, promotion, and implementation of any related Commemorative Lighting ceremonies is the responsibility of the organization or individual(s) who submitted the Commemorative Lighting request. Requests for Commemorative Lighting displays can request that the light display be in place for up to one week.

Criteria for commemorative flag and lighting requests

The City will consider Commemorative Flags and Commemorative Lighting requests that satisfy the following criteria:

Have a connection with the City of Peterborough.
Are non-commercial, non-religious, and non-partisan in nature.*
Align with the City’s by-laws and policies.
Foster a sense of community or have made a significant impact within the community.
Demonstrate respect and acceptance for Peterborough residents.
Celebrate a non-profit or charitable organization’s events or awareness campaign.

The City of Peterborough will not approve any Commemorative Flag or Commemorative Lighting request that:

Espouses hatred, violence, racism, or offensive messages.
Promotes religious organizations or religious festivals or events.*
Represents a political party, political organization, or candidates for election.
Reflects an organization or group with activities that are contrary to the by-laws and policies of the City.

*The City will consider requests for holidays and commemorative or awareness days, weeks and months that are recognized through legislation by the Province of Ontario or the Government of Canada.

Application and review process

Before submitting a request, please review the criteria for commemorative flag and lighting requests above.

All requests will be reviewed by the City of Peterborough to ensure that they adhere to our commemorative lighting criteria and can be accommodated in the lighting schedule.

Requests must be submitted at least three weeks before the event. Requests are processed in the order in which they are received.

We will strive to respond to requests within five to seven business days.

Make a commemorative lighting request

Upcoming lighting displays

January 1: Happy New Year! white

January 17: Raoul Wallenberg Day white

January 21: Lincoln Alexander Day blue

International Holocaust Remembrance Day: January 27 white

National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia: January 29 green