By Emily Stonehouse
There’s a new sense of pride in Haliburton Village.
At least, there will be in August, when Pride in the Highlands (formerly known as Minden Pride) will be hosting a flag raising at the A.J. Larue Arena.
The volunteer organization came before Dysart council on June 24 with a formal ask for an annual flag raising to coincide with the Pride Festival that takes place across the county in August. “Our mission is to foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful community for 2SLGBTQIA+ members and our allies, while celebrating and promoting the vibrant diversity throughout the Haliburton Highlands,” opened Chris Hewson, the co-chair for Pride in the Highlands.
The festival is one of the largest cultural festivals in Haliburton County.
Hewson explained the significance of a flag raising to a community, and why it matters.
“It would be a visible display of support that signals that Dysart et al is a safe, inclusive space, where everyone is welcome,” said Hewson.
He also noted that a formal flag raising offers the current council to model modern civic leadership, by committing to the values of diversity, inclusion, and respect.
Hewson invited council members to the formal flag raising, scheduled for Aug. 18. He requested a handful of municipal equipment, such as a podium, microphone, and chairs. Pride in the Highlands anticipates between 80 to 200 people in attendance. The event would mirror the flag raising ceremony that has been held in Minden Hills since 2016. It continues to be the official kick-off for Pride week.
Council was asked if they could be in attendance at the ceremony, and if any would be interested in speaking. “Our hope is to have council support for an inclusive Dysart,” said Hewson. “We hope to establish an annual ceremony for the flag raising.”
“I would fully support this festival,” said Nancy Wood-Roberts, Ward 2 councillor. “And I would be happy to attend on behalf of Dysart.”
Mayor Murray Fearrey inquired about the equipment requirements, to which staff noted have already been taken care of.
“In the past we haven’t had a lot of flag raising ceremonies at the Dysart Community Centre,” said Mallory Bishop, the clerk for Dysart. “But now we have our community flag policies.” She noted that the policies in place would allow pre-approved flags to have ceremonies in the future, as long as logistics are worked out with staff.
“I don’t have any problem with the flag raising,” said Councillor Pat Casey. “Or the framework of what we’re talking about here, but are we going to have to be doing this for every time we switch that flag out?”
Bishop clarified that this only pertains to the pre-approved flags in their policy, including flags for Violence Against Women and the Snowmobile Association. “Not every community flag has a flag raising,” she said. “Some just want a post on social media or something like that.” She noted that with this pre-approved list of community flags, it would streamline the process and allow community groups to work directly with staff moving forward.
Council approved future flag raising events for pre-approved community groups.
