‘We’re a municipality, not an international body’: Brockville council moves to ban international flags from future community flag raisings
A lengthy debate over flags, civic recognition and the role of municipal government in such matters ended with Brockville councillors directing staff to draft a new flag-raising policy that could potentially allow some community-based flags to fly — but with the key exclusion of international flags from future displays.
The discussion unfolded during the regular meeting of Brockville City Council on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, after council reviewed a staff report regarding community flag raisings and the city’s existing flag protocol policy, particularly surrounding the 5 flagpole display at Tunnel Bay.
This has been a somewhat contentious topic repeatedly discussed within council chambers and the broader community in recent months, leading staff to request direction from council as they work towards creating a new engagement policy that will address the half masting of flags, proclamation requests,
illumination requests, and the like.
The discussion in council chambers highlighted significant differences in opinions among councillors over whether Brockville should continue raising any community flags at all, particularly after previous public pushback surrounding requests tied to international countries and conflicts. As it’s currently defined in Brockville, a community flag does include flags of other nations.
Several councillors expressed frustration with the position council has found itself in over recent the past term, arguing municipalities are increasingly being drawn into geopolitical debates that fall outside local government responsibilities.
Mayor Wren opened the discussion by sharing he has received a lot of correspondence to the mayor’s office on this issue, and he reported that around 95% of those who reached out were opposed to the flying of international flags, except under the circumstances of protocol when the city would have an official visit.
“So if we can’t separate this, I’m afraid I’m going to have to vote no to the entire package, because there’s too many elements mixed into one thing here,” stated Wren. “On principle, I cannot support flying international flags any longer. Mississauga, the city of Toronto, the city of Calgary and the Ontario legislature have all moved in this direction, and I support what they have done, but I do not support this omnibus motion as presented.”
A major point of conversation centred on whether a new policy that was left too open-ended would simply place council back into the position or handling disputes involving requests for international or politically charged flags.
“We have to kind of figure out what’s going to be, you know, harmful in the community and what’s going to offend people. I just don’t think that’s our job here as municipal councilors and I think we have a big enough job without weighing in on in these issues.” stated Chair Fullarton. “I just don’t think it’s our role as municipal councilors.”
Councillor Kalivas agreed, describing the entire situation as “disappointing,” and saying he believes council had reached a point where it may be easier to limit flag displays entirely. He suggested simply flying three flags only; the Canadian flag, the Ontario flag, and the Brockville flag.
“At the end of the day … we’re a municipality, and we’re not an international body,” he emphasized.
Councillor Lavergne, however, argued that there remains a strong public support for continuing to recognize local organizations and promote social causes through community flag raisings. “We’re here fighting over flag policy when there’s so much more things happening in the world,” Lavergne urged. “I didn’t say more important, I said so much more things.”
As debate continued into the evening, Wales ultimately withdrew his original motion and introduced a simplified version after hearing feedback from staff and fellow councillors.
The revised wording specifically clarified that the future policy would allow “non-international community flag raisings” to continue, a change in verbiage several councillors agreed was necessary to remove ambiguity.
The amended motion was ultimately changed to “that staff be directed to create a comprehensive flag raising and civic recognition policy that allows for non-international community flag raising to continue.”
The new motion also defines eligible community flags as those connected to local non-profit or charitable organizations established within Leeds and Grenville.
After the amended motion was read aloud for clarity, the vote was called to question. The new motion was carried forward, with Councillor Earle and Councillor Kalivas voting against it.
“I know this was difficult but the only way to get through these things is hash them out among ourselves,” said Chair Fullarton after the vote was carried. “Thank you for your patience and determination.”
Matt Wren was incorrect. A survey went out about the flags. I saw the results it was fairly even on both sides, with slightly more in support of community flags. However, it seems like the council did not even look at the surveys or read the comments. It did not take into consideration what the minority groups wanted. I am personally disappointed in this, as it is not a true representation of the city, and 95 percent against is not an accurate description and is definitely not the survey results.
Really, this points to racism in our city and the lack of understanding for minority communities. This issue only became an issue when the Palestinian flag was asked to be raised, even though the Ukrainian flag was up, and that is in a conflict zone. It’s interesting that no one complained about a European flag being up that was in a conflict zone, but then, when Palestine was asked to be raised, it became an issue. I see Islamophobia, anti-arab hate here. After all, Canada did recognize Palestine as a country. The group trying to raise it followed protocol.
To me, it points to our municipal government going backwards in inclusivity. They could have just let that flag raised for two days, and this issue would have been over, but instead, they exposed the latent inequality and racism in our city. Then again, maybe that’s a good thing because you cannot know that there is a problem unless it’s brought to light.
I respect Cameron and what he tried to do. I am grateful we at least have some people who want equality for all.
Also, why is the British flag still raised? It is not Canadian. To me, it points even further to an issue of racism and the fact that colonialism is still alive and well in Canada. If you are getting rid of all flags but the Canadian flag, the British flag should not be up there. Yet it is. Double standard and my mind point to where the city stands. Ie. With those in power, not everyone.