Council asked to take ‘unifying step’ with Franco Ontarian flag
Les Compagnons des francs loisirs is looking to Council to approve the addition of a fourth flag outside of city hall.
Right now, the Ontario, Canadian and city flags are flown permanently.
Nathalie Drolet, board president and Arnaud Claude, managing director are requesting the Franco-Ontarian flag be added.
“In this year of double celebration – the 50th anniversary of our flag and the 100th anniversary of our city, let’s take a bold and unifying step,” says Drolet. “Let us install the Franco-Ontarian flag permanently at Leger Square.”
She adds it unites generations of Franco-Ontarians and now stands as an official emblem for all Ontarians.
Claude was asked if Les Compagnons would contribute to the installation cost.
“Completely,” he says. “It has been put in the budget, and we will work with the city towards making sure financing is not an issue with the project.”
The Legislative Assembly of Ontario (OLA) states the Franco-Ontarian flag became an official provincial emblem with the passage of the Franco-Ontarian Flag Amendment Act, 2020.
“The green and white represent summer and winter in the province,” reads the OLA website. “The white trillium represents Ontario and the fleur de lys symbolizes the French speaking community.”
At the end of Tuesday’s meeting, councillor Sara Inch announced a notice of motion for a future meeting to explore the installation of the flag.
Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for July 8.
