Massive new flagpole stands tall in Barrie amid rising trade tensions

Crews have been working all day to get the pole up at the emergency services campus. It's a massive one, drawing some criticism for its cost of $250,000.

As tensions continue to simmer between Canada and the United States over trade and political rhetoric, Barrie has raised a bold symbol of national pride - and it’s hard to miss.

Crews have been working all Tuesday at the city’s Emergency Services Campus to erect what is now Barrie’s tallest flagpole, a towering 150-foot structure.

“It’s a challenge, every one is unique and we love doing them,” said Iain Myles, president of Ewing Flagpole Company, the Whitby-based firm behind the installation. “It will carry one flag 35-by-70-feet.”

The project comes at a hefty price tag of $250,000, but it won’t be on the taxpayers to front the bill.

“We were incredibly blessed to have Sky Dev step up and write the cheque,” said Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall.

The massive new flagpole will be visible from various points across the city and from its station along Highway 400.

“The idea is to really mark and communicate that a piece of Barrie is built on the fact that we are an independent, strong and capable country,” Nuttall added.

And Barrie isn’t alone in its show of patriotism. Similar initiatives are on display in communities right across the region.

“It’s beautiful to see that this message is spreading, and you know, when you think about small and medium cities like Barrie and Oshawa, they’re the backbone of our country and it’s beautiful recognition,” the mayor concluded.

The giant flag is being manufactured locally at The Flag Store in Barrie. It’s scheduled to be raised on June 26, just in time to celebrate Canada Day.