Flag Raisings

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Flags in Confederation Basin

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Raising flags on City property

Flags or pennants can be displayed at Confederation Basin to enhance public awareness of activities such as national holidays, multicultural events and fundraising drives as approved by the City Clerk or council.  

Interested in having a flag raised?

Review the policy criteria before filling out the application. Please note – Requests for flags flown at Confederation Park will be raised for a maximum of one day.

How to apply

Sign up/log in to MyKingston to complete your application online and ensure we can fulfill your request effectively. Require an alternate format? You can Contact Us.

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Pre-Approved Community Flag Raisings

The City will automatically raise flags to recognize dates significant to the community. Those dates are:

  • March 31, International Transgender Day of Visibility
  • June 15, Kingston Pride
  • June 21, National Indigenous People’s Day
  • Sept. 30, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Half-Masting

Canadian flags displayed at City-owned facilities and properties may be lowered to half-mast to show condolence and respect on certain days. A list of days when the City lowers flags is below:

  • April 9, National Day of Remembrance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge
  • April 28, National Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace (Workers’ Mourning Day)
  • May 31, Honoring the Children Lost at Residential Schools
  • June 23, National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism
  • Second Sunday of September, Firefighters’ National Memorial Day
  • Last Sunday of September, Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day
  • November 8, Indigenous Veterans Day
  • November 11, Remembrance Day
  • November 20, Transgender Day of Remembrance
  • December 6, National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Flags may also be lowered to half-mast when certain individuals die, such as:

  • The reigning Monarch and members of the Royal Family.
  • A past or current Canadian Prime Minister.
  • A past or current elected representative of The Government of Canada, The Province of Ontario and the City.
  • A current City employee.
  • A current Kingston Police officer, as requested by the Chief of Police.
  • A fallen soldier stationed at the Canadian Forces Base Kingston, as requested by the Base Commander or delegate.

Indigenous, Metis and Franco-Ontarian Flag

The three First Nation flags acknowledge the traditional territories that overlay the lands in and around Kingston and the enduring relationship between these Nations and the Kingston community. The fourth flag recognizes the ongoing vibrancy of the Métis Nation of Ontario in this region. The Franco-Ontarian flag symbolizes a shared commitment toward the Francophone community of Kingston and serves to acknowledge the historic French roots of the city.

Anishinaabeg Flag

The Anishinaabe First Nations flag is pictured, which is a red flag with a thunderbird (Animikii) at the center.

The Anishinaabe First Nations flag features a thunderbird (Animikii) at the center. According to traditional stories, this powerful, spiritual animal is said to create the sound of thunder just by the flapping of its wings. The bird is also a protector with the ability to bring rain that nurtures and cleanses the earth.

Haudenosaunee Flag

The Haudenosaunee flag is pictured, it is made up of purple shells, the belt represents each of the original five nations (Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, and Mohawk nations) and is read from right to left.

Commonly known as the Six Nations Confederacy flag, the Haudenosaunee flag is made up of purple shells, the belt represents each of the original five nations (Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, and Mohawk nations) and is read from right to left. The first symbol represents the Mohawk, followed by a symbol representing the Oneida. At the center is the Great Tree of Peace, which represents the Onondaga. To the immediate left of the tree is the symbol for the Cayuga, followed by the Seneca. Each symbol is connected, representing the union of the nations.

Huron-Wendat Flag

The Huron-Wendat flag is pictured. The symbol on the flag is accompanied by belts of wampum.

The Huron Wendat flag represents its culture, territory, and history. The symbol on the flag is accompanied by belts of wampum. The Bustards (large terrestrial birds) recall one of the most important beliefs of the Huron-Wendat Nation: the creation of the world. While Yäa’taenhtsihk (Skywoman) fell from the celestial world, bustards gathered it on their wings and placed it on the carapace of Grande Tortue, the chief of the animals. The Great Turtle eventually became a wonderfully beautiful island, our Earth. Canoeing and Snowshoeing represent the means of transport used for travel on the territory. The water, the source of life, forms the paths to follow in the division of territories. The Hut represents the community, homes, and the roof that protects our families. It is also a symbol of strength and agility for work. The Circle and the Sweetgrass – The Huron-Wendat see all the elements of nature interconnected. All life, including humans, animals, plants, spirits, etc. forms a whole called the Circle of Kinship. The sweetgrass represents spirituality, medicinal plants, and the forest. The Clans include the deer, the tortoise, the bear, the wolf, the beaver, the eagle, the porcupine and the snake. Five of these clans made up the great Nations of the confederation: the Attignawantans, the Attigneenongnahacs, the Arendaronons, the Tahontaenrats Daim and the Ataronchronons. Four (of the eight) clans are represented at Wendake reserve: the deer, the wolf, the bear and the turtle. The Beaver is the national emblem of the Huron-Wendat Nation, which alone represents a clan. The most industrious of all animals, it is a symbol of endurance, intelligence and pride.

Métis Flag

The Métis Flag is pictured it is a blue field featuring a white infinity symbol

Also known as the Métis Infinity Flag, this flag has two variations - red or blue - features a white infinity symbol at the center and dates to 1815. The infinity symbol represents a) the joining of two cultures, and b) the existence of a people forever.

Franco-Ontarian Flag

The Franco-Ontarian flag is pictured, which consists of two vertical bands. The first band is green with a white lily. This flower represents the French-speaking community worldwide. The second band is white with a green trillium, the provincial flower of Ontario.

The Franco-Ontarian flag consists of two vertical bands. The first band is green with a white lily. This flower represents the French-speaking community worldwide. The second band is white with a green trillium, the provincial flower of Ontario.

Docs - Res - Memorials - Flag Raisings

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