BANFF – The Town of Banff plans to show solidarity with war-torn Ukraine under attack from a Russian invasion.
The Town of Banff will place a large ribbon in the blue and yellow colours of the Ukraine flag in front of Town Hall.
Councillor Hugh Pettigrew said the municipality’s existing flag policy does not allow the Canadian flag to be flown at half-mast, so he made the suggestion to council of a large ribbon outside Town Hall instead.
“Certainly, we want to show support for the terrible things that are happening over there,” he said during a council meeting on Monday (March 28).
For more than a month, Ukraine has been subject to devastating and deadly attacks by Russian forces.
An estimated 3.9 million people have fled Ukraine and are looking to nations around the world, including Canada, for support and for peace. Millions more Ukrainians are displaced inside the war-torn country.
In response, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has called on cities and communities across Canada to pledge to step up.
FCM president Joanne Vanderheyden said municipal leaders have expressed solidarity and are finding ways to help, whether working with other orders of government to prepare to welcome refugees, making donations, or rallying citizens to focus support where it is most needed.
She said Canadians and FCM members wishing to support those impacted by the crisis in Ukraine are encouraged to donate to the Red Cross’ Ukraine humanitarian crisis appeal.
“Local governments play a vital role as promoters of peace, prosperity, and democracy for Canadian citizens here at home and across the world,” said Vanderheyden in a statement.
Some Banff residents had suggested flying the flag outside Town Hall at half-mast.
Banff’s flag policy lists specific days and occasions when the Canadian flag can be flown at half-mast. Beyond that, it can be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on any other day as directed by a majority vote or a majority affirmative email survey of council.
“That’s pretty much the extent to which the flag policy gives us direction,” said Jason Darrah, the director of communications for the Town of Banff.
Darrah said, however, that there is nothing preventing an action as directed by council on adorning Town Hall.
He said existing infrastructure outside Town Hall could be an option if deemed appropriate by a majority of councillors.
“We do have some infrastructure that we would want to contemplate and discuss with our facilities’ team,” said Darrah.
Mayor Corrie DiManno said Banff’s flag policy is quite strict and thanked Coun. Pettigrew for his ribbon idea.
“I think it is very thoughtful,” she said.
Coun. Pettigrew was glad council supported the move to show solidarity with Ukraine.
“I am very proud of the Ukrainian spirit and very happy to see our council in total support,” he said. “I also see these types of initiatives in many other jurisdictions, including our other Bow Valley neighbours.”
The budget for the initiative approved by council is up to $300 from the budget stabilization fund.
