City’s General Committee Recommends Council Remove Two Community Flag Poles Behind City Hall

Brockville – At the General Committee meeting held on Tuesday, January 20th, it was recommended that city council remove the two community flag poles over the tunnel behind city hall, with just the three remaining flying the Canadian, Ontario and city flags only.

At the November 25, 2025, Council meeting, staff were directed to review the policy at the direction of the General Committee and to prioritize public engagement efforts for a review of the city’s flag policy.

The review stems from last fall, when the Brockville Peace Collective, “a collective of Brockville citizens and organizations speaking up for equality, and seeking equal rights for all,” requested that the flag of Palestine be flown at Tunnel Bay from Nov. 27 through to Dec. 1, in belated recognition of the Nov. 15 anniversary of the Palestinian declaration of independence. That request led to a motion that fell to a tie vote at council.

Members then backed another motion to have staff review the flag policy and report back on recommendations in March, with public engagement being prioritized.

The two outside flag poles flew flags to recognize dates of importance to Brockville’s cultural communities and flags of local community groups.

Current Flag Policy!

The Brockville Peace Collective issued a press release on January 21st in response to the committee’s recommendation to council.

“The Brockville Peace Collective expresses profound disappointment in the motion put forward regarding the removal of the community flagpoles. These Community Flagpoles stood on either side of the Canadian, Ontario and Brockville flags. As per the current (2021) Brockville Flag Policy, the Community Flags are intended to celebrate Brockville’s diversity and honour those who have contributed to the life of the city. That policy shows Brockville’s willingness to be a space of welcome, cultural recognition, and shared humanity. Diversity is a cornerstone of vibrant and economically healthy communities,” said the press release.

The press release went on to say, “The new proposed motion from Tuesday’s General Council, would result in no community flags being flown at all, including the Ukrainian flag (which has been taken down), Leeds & Grenville Interval House, Pride, National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, and many more – effectively eliminating a public space for cultural recognition and community rather than expanding it.”

The Staff Report presented to council on Tuesday suggested numerous avenues to collect the community’s feedback on the flag policy. “However, the General Council chose to unilaterally bypass these recommendations. Instead, a motion was put forward to remove the Community Flagpoles, with potential policy review afterward,” said the Peace Collective.

“Hearing from the community after the decision has been made is not the same as including the public in shaping that decision. Councillors should be listening to all their constituents.”

The full press release can be found on their Facebook page.

The final vote will go to the full council next Tuesday, January 27th.