The future of the American flag at Meaford’s Market Square, where it is currently flying, will be debated Monday as council weighs options, including possible plans to lower it to half-mast. A Sept. 14 staff report recommends removing the flag in response to resident requests and increasingly strained relations between Canada and the United States. “Staff are recommending that, based on the current state of the trade relationship with between Canada and of the United States of America, related impacts on Canadian businesses and on feedback received from residents, consideration of the continued flying of the flag of the United States of America be at councils discretion with the benefit of further deliberations,” the report reads. “We are getting a lot of push back and a lot of aggravated citizens demanding that we take it down,” said Meaford Mayor Ross Kentner to CTV News. Kentner says he received a letter from a resident suggesting, “It would have more power if the American flag were flown at half-mast. That would symbolize how the friendship has died and how the U.S. is in trouble.” The mayor said he agrees with the sentiment. Meaford’s flag policy, adopted in June 2018, allows the U.S. flag to be flown on municipal land but does not require it. As a result, council would not need to amend the policy if it chooses to stop flying it. There is a great deal of patriotism in Meaford with it’s close connection to the military base. People who live in town have been talking about this latest flag flap for days. “I say take it down, we have to stand up for Canada,” said Charles Stafford a fellow resident. “I don’t think they should. Again, they are our neighbours. I don’t agree with what’s going on down there but it’s a bit of a respect thing in my opinion,” added Meaford resident Sharon Mansion. Staff also pointed to the negative effects of U.S. trade actions on the town’s agricultural, tourism, recreation and cultural sectors as a contributing factor. “The potential discontinuation of the flying of the United States of America’s flag on flagpoles on municipal lands is not a reflection or disrespect of American people, however, should be viewed as strong opposition in the actions being imposed by the leadership of the United States of America,” the report reads. But all of the talk surrounding the American flag won’t change plans for Friday’s 9/11 remembrance ceremony in Meaford. Organizers expect one of the largest turnouts in the community and the American flag will remain flying as a sign of respect. Council will consider the recommendation Monday and provide direction to staff on next steps.
