The Franco-Ontarian flag will soon be flying permanently in Léger Square outside city hall.
By a unanimous vote, council supported a motion calling on staff to work with Les Compagnons des francs loisirs and other stakeholders to support the installation.
“I’m proud to support this today and happy to see so many familiar faces in the crowd,” says councillor Tanya Vrebosch, who seconded the motion. “I look forward to our partnership with Les Compagnons and the French community. I look forward to seeing the Franco-Ontarian flag, that was co-created by a North Bay citizen, fly here at city hall.”
The flag was co-created by North Bay’s Michel Dupuis and Laurentian University Professor Gaétan Gervais.
The motion also looks to have the flag installed and in place in time to commemorate its 50th anniversary on Franco-Ontarian Day (Sept. 25).
Councillor Justine Mallah, Chair of Community Services, says North Bay’s strong and active Francophone population has helped shape the city’s cultural, social and economic fabric.
“The permanent installation of the Franco-Ontarian flag at city is a meaningful gesture that celebrates the city’s linguistic and cultural diversity and it’s unique history,” she says. “I think it’s an example of how we’re working together. It’s a nod to the future and it’s also a symbol of inclusion.”
Officials with Les Compagnons presented at the June 18 council meeting, requesting council take a ‘unifying step’ and install the flag.
With the addition of the Franco-Ontarian flag, there will be four flags flying permanently outside of city hall, including the Canadian, Ontario and city flags.
