Sault motion considers creating giant Canadian flag near U.S. border bridge

The motion by Sault Coun. Corey Gardi would have staff look at the possibility of a Canadian flag as big as 100 feet in the area of the boardwalk along the city’s waterfront. (Supplied)

Meeting on Monday, city council in Sault Ste. Marie will decide whether to study the feasibility of erecting a massive Canadian flag near the International Bridge.

The motion by Coun. Corey Gardi would have staff look at the possibility of a flag as big as 100 feet in the area of the boardwalk along the city’s waterfront.

“Sault Ste. Marie occupies a unique and historic position as a prominent Canadian border city, situated directly on the international boundary of the St. Marys River,” the motion said.

“The Sault Ste. Marie waterfront boardwalk serves as one of the city’s most significant public spaces, serves as a driver for tourism, and the primary visual gateway viewed by international maritime traffic, International Bridge traffic, visitors, and our neighbours in the United States.”

Promote Canadian sovereignty

Displaying such a large flag in such a prominent area would foster civic pride, celebrate Canada’s national identity and would be a “powerful symbol of welcome and Canadian sovereignty at a critical international crossing.”

The St. Marys River boardwalk currently has a dual Canadian-American flag and a separate single Canadian flag on the western stretch near the Delta Hotel.

Gardi’s motion would see the smaller flag replaced with a much larger version that would “dramatically enhance the visual landscape of our waterfront without duplicating or altering existing international displays.”

If approved, staff would prepare a report on how much the idea would cost, including engineering and geotechnical requirements and the “structural and footing specifications required for a high-wind waterfront installation (evaluating an appropriate landmark height range, such as 60 to 100 feet).”

In addition, the flag would be lit by LED or solar-powered uplighting to enhance visibility at night.

The report would also include estimates for ongoing maintenance of the flag and the possibility of having corporate sponsorships or funding from the provincial or federal governments.

The motion will be voted on at tonight’s meeting, which begins at 5 p.m. Read the full council agenda here.