“One of the things that usually drives me to distraction when I walk out of (Town Hall) is when I see a tattered Canadian flag on this building,” said Mayor Scott Aitchison. “I think that’s completely inappropriate, it’s wrong, and it should never, ever, ever occur.”
Aitchison’s comment was in reference to a resolution he presented at the October 31 General Committee meeting, suggesting that the Canadian flag which flies on the Huntsville Civic Centre should be replaced monthly, instead of the current twice annually, with any flags that are still in good condition being stored for future presentations to citizens and visitors that the Mayor and/or Council wish to honour.
“If we were to replace it every month, there would likely never ever again be a tattered flag above the Town Hall,” said Aitchison. “We would have decent flags that we can then use to give away much the way the federal government does with flags that are flown above the Peace Tower. I thought that’s kind of a unique thing for a municipality—not every municipality has a clock tower for it to fly over—so I think it could be a really nice thing to honour people that we choose to honour.”
The cost of the initiative—$125 per flag or $1,500 per year, including HST—is to be included in the 2019 budget.
The first flag was presented to former councillor Det Schumacher, the longest-serving councillor Huntsville has ever had, at his final council meeting on November 28.
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Rob Millman says
Kudos, Mr. Mayor! This is an inexpensive way to show respect; firstly for our country, and secondly; for our most worthy citizens. Although Mr. Schumacher was an obvious (and uncontested choice), i humbly suggest the formation of an ad hoc Committee to develop criteria for future, possibly ambiguous selections.
Susan Magee says
A tattered Canadian flag is one of my pet peeves as well. Thank you Scott for ensuring this never happens again at our town hall. The hospital is another place that should adopt this resolution. I called them several months ago to mention their flag was not in tatters, but in shreds. They very responsibly changed it within hours. Nice to know someone is keeping an eye on these flags.
Donald Wilcox says
Mr. Mayor it is with pride the Comrades of Branch 63, Royal Canadian Legion in Collingwood love the fact that you care and if money is an issue talk to your local Legion they may offer some help. I know in Collingwood we would consider what we could do.
Here is a salute to you sir.
Jim Pattinson says
Mr Mayor
A very honorable gesture. The Canadian Flag represents our country and all citizens of Canada. This is why Canadians are so strong and respected World wide.
Great job
Brian Tapley says
A tattered flag is, or should be considered a disgrace in any country.
Good for the mayor to consider this!
One question, I use flags at my business too, but being a cheap old fellow, I use the ones from Canadian Tire and even these, the cheapest of flags, last between 6 and 8 months, sometimes a little longer so I have to wonder at changing the flag every single month? I know it is sort of nit picking but maybe 4 times a year would be more than adequate, especially with a quality flag.
I always feel a tiny bit better towards Walmart because they at least fly a large Canadian Flag at their store, even though they are a US company.
Home Depot, on the other hand, has two flag poles and flies nothing! I wonder why this is?