As tensions with the United States continue to escalate with new tariffs on the horizon, Barrie city councillors are taking a stand.
On Wednesday night councillors passed a unanimous motion to erect a 150ft flag pole, which will soon proudly display the Canadian Flag. The massive pole is set to be constructed at the Emergency Services Campus on Fairview Rd.
“Many of you probably like I am are receiving lots of comments and suggestions from residents about how we could honour our country and proudly display our flag,” said Ward 8 Councillor Jim Harris, who brought the last minute motion to the floor.
“I’m seeing other municipalities as well taking meaningful actions to proudly display the Maple Leaf and I think this is an opportunity for us to do it and do it in a way that creates a long term legacy,” Harris continued.
Staff will immediately begin work to recruit a contractor to build the new pole at the campus, which is adjacent to Hwy. 400. Mayor Nuttall says its placement will send a strong signal to visitors who are Muskoka-bound in the summer months.
“That symbol is not just amazing for Canadians. It’s amazing for the amount of Americans that will be visiting Muskoka in the summertime, which is not a negative piece; it’s a positive piece,” Nuttall said. “
“There’s a reason they like to come here. It’s because they like our country as much as we do,” added Nuttall.
Councillors have directed staff to have the flag pole fully operational by Canada Day at the very latest.
As part of the motion, $250,000 has been set aside for the project, coming from the reinvestment reserve.
“I think it’s a well-intended effort and a really important symbol of our country and our sovereignty,” said Harris.”
The move is just the latest by city council. At the outset of the trade war, Nuttall used his strong mayor powers to direct staff to immediately begin making adjustments to the City’s procurement system to prioritize Canadian vendors for local projects.
The mayor also ordered all American flags at city facilities to be taken down during the trade war.
