Didsbury town council split on proposed bylaw to limit flags and crosswalks to standardized markings

The Town of Didsbury introduced a bill to limit the display of flags on municipal and town-owned buildings as well as to maintain standardized road and crosswalk markings on municipal streets.

The proposal, which the town calls a Public Space Neutrality Bylaw, would limit flags to the town flag, the provincial flag and the Canadian flag.

If it were to pass, crosswalks would display standard traffic safety markings.

There have been a number of controversies over the past few years concerning Pride-coloured crosswalks as well as crosswalks painted to commemorate veterans around Remembrance Day in a variety of municipalities across Alberta.

In November 2025, Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas said he was launching a notice of motion to ban national flags from flying at city hall, but the motion initially didn’t make it to a council vote.

However, in mid-December, council did vote 8-7 to ban other national flags, but not the Pride flag, Metis flag or other cultural banners.

At a March 10 Didsbury council meeting, the bylaw was given a first and second reading. Mayor Chris Little and two other council members voted in favour, while three others voted against.

In a release, the town said residents “will have opportunities to provide feedback before that meeting through the public consultation process.”

“Our town government exists to represent everyone who lives here,” said Little. “Maintaining politically neutral municipal spaces helps ensure every resident -- regardless of their political beliefs or personal views -- feels represented by their local government.”

“Our national, provincial and municipal flags belong to everyone,” Little added. “They represent the freedom and rights that allow our diverse community to live, work and participate together.”

The town said the bylaw proposal will be brought back for third reading at its March 24 council meeting.