If you would like to book an event/ceremony as part of your flag raising at City Hall, you must:

1. Indicate in the form; and
2. Obtain a special event permit from the City.

The request must be received a minimum of 4 weeks prior to the proposed date of the flying of the flag. 
The Mayor and members of Council may attend a flag raising based on availability.

The City Clerk’s Office will contact you to confirm timelines for flag delivery and pickup, ceremony location, time, date and other support required.

Review Process:

• All requests are subject to availability
• Applications will be acknowledged upon receipt
• Flags will not be flown if deemed inappropriate, offensive, or associated with discrimination, violence, political or religious movements.
  • Decisions on controversial flags will be made by the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Acting Mayor, with consultation from Alberta Protocol and/or the Department of Foreign Affairs.
• Only one request per organization per calendar year is permitted.

Requirements:

• The request must fall within the Flag Protocol Policy found below.
• If the flag is not already on-site, the requesting organization must provide a 3’ x 6’ flag with two grommets to City Hall Operations prior to the event.
• Flags must be in excellent condition with no holes or torn fringe.

Duration:

Up to one week unless otherwise approved.

Requests must include:

• Date, time, and reason for the Flag Raising
• A photo of the flag
• Indication of whether a ceremony is desired

Timelines:

• Flag Raising only: Submit request at least 14 days in advance
• Flag Raising with ceremony: Submit request at least 4 weeks in advance
• The requestor must provide the flag a week in advance of the proposed Flag Raising date to the City Clerk’s Office.
  • The City Clerk’s Office will contact you to confirm the time and date, timelines for flag delivery and pickup, and other support required.

Cancellations:

• The City may need to cancel a scheduled flag raising due to unforeseen circumstances, such as flags being flown at half-mast for solemn occasions. Where possible, alternative arrangements will be made.

All ceremonies are open to the public.

Flags may be lowered to half-mast to commemorate special dates such as Remembrance Day or as a measure of respect and condolence when a current public figure or former public office holder passes away.

Flags may be lowered to Half-Mast by directive from:

• The Prime Minister’s Office (via Canadian Heritage)
• The Premier’s Office (via Alberta Protocol)
• The City Clerk’s Office (in consultation with the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Acting Mayor)

Occasions include:

• Deaths of national, provincial, or municipal dignitaries
• City employees who die in the line of duty
• Other solemn events as directed

Designated Half-Mast Dates:

• April 9 – Vimy Ridge Day
• April 28 – National Day of Mourning
• June 23 – Victims of Terrorism Remembrance Day
• Second Sunday in September – Firefighter’s Memorial Day
• Last Sunday in September – Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Day
• September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• November 11 – Remembrance Day
• December 6 – Violence Against Women Remembrance Day

Requests for additional Half-Mast observances must be submitted in writing and will be reviewed by the City Clerk’s Office.

A Half-Mast takes precedence over all Flag Raisings.

During visits from Royal Family members or their representatives, the City Clerk’s Office may arrange for the appropriate Standard to be flown. Flags of twin or sister cities may be displayed temporarily during official delegations or significant events.