Flag Raising and Proclamation Requests

Flags and proclamations are special ways we celebrate our community, honour achievements, and raise awareness of important issues in Niagara Falls.

Flags represent our community, country, and values. Local community groups and organizations can request a flag-raising. You can also learn more about when we fly flags at half-staff.

A proclamation is an official announcement that the Mayor and Council issue to recognize exceptional events, groups, people, or achievements in Niagara Falls. The goal is to recognize and celebrate these achievements and to raise public awareness of important issues in our city.

All flag raising and proclamation requests must be approved by City Council. This process helps ensure that flag raisings and proclamations reflect the values and priorities of our community.

How to request a flag raising or proclamation

You can submit your proclamation or flag raising request in a few easy ways:

Note: Requests should be submitted at least four weeks in advance of the requested date and are subject to approval under the City’s Proclamation and Flag Raising Policy.

Request a flag raising or proclamation

Flag raising requests

Please submit your request at least four weeks in advance so there is time to include it in the council agenda
Flag raisings take place at City Hall or Rosberg Family Park next to City Hall
Once passed by Council, please deliver your flag to the Mayor's Office (2nd Floor, City Hall, 4310 Queen Street) at least a week before the event. The Mayor’s office will coordinate pickup after the flag has been displayed for its designated time.
Flags must have grommets and are recommended to be 3 feet x 5 feet or 3 feet x 6 feet in size

Flags we can raise

We proudly raise flags that:

Support non-profit community-based fundraising drives that are important to residents
Promote awareness campaigns for organizations
Celebrate multi-cultural and civic events important to the community
Represent a nation that has diplomatic ties with Canada (must be requested by a local group or organization with ties to the City or Niagara Region)
Have not already been flown on the community flagpole within the same calendar year

Flags we cannot raise

City flagpoles cannot display flags that:

Represent political parties or religious groups
Support political or religious fundraising
Promote hatred, violence, racism or discrimination
Promote beliefs that go against City policies
Commercial entities, campaigns, or events intended to make profits
Events or organizations that have no direct connection with the City of Niagara Falls

Flying flags at half-staff

Lowering a flag to half-staff is a universal sign of mourning.

When we lower flags

At City facilities, we lower flags to half-staff when we receive notice of the passing of:

The Sovereign or an immediate family member (spouse, child, parent, or sibling)
The Governor General or former Governor General
The Prime Minister or former Prime Minister
The Premier of Ontario or former Premier of Ontario
A current or former Member of the House of Commons for this riding
A current or former Member of Provincial Parliament for this riding
A current or former Mayor of Niagara Falls
A current or past City Councillor
A current or retired City staff member
A current Board or Committee member
A prominent figure recognized by the Canadian Government

We also lower flags on specific dates to honour important national events:

April 28 – Day of Mourning for people killed or injured in the workplace
June 23 – National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism
Second Sunday in September – Firefighters’ National Memorial Day (at Fire Stations)
November 11 – Remembrance Day
December 6 – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Any day proclaimed by the Province
Any day proclaimed by the Mayor to honour a local or national event

Proclamation requests

Proclamations will be included in the Council agenda for the month proclaimed if they meet all of the criteria:

Submitted by representatives of a recognized charity with offices located in Niagara Falls or by a community group based in Niagara Falls
Will be issued only for activities that support residents of the City of Niagara Falls or related events taking place in Niagara Falls
Must demonstrate respect and tolerance for all Niagara Falls residents
Should foster a sense of community
Should not be used to attempt to influence government policy

The City receives requests for both new and annually recurring proclamations. All requests for proclamations must be resubmitted each year. Please allow a minimum of 4 weeks for a proclamation to be prepared and included in the council agenda.