TAMRMS#: B06
8.3
REQUEST FOR DECISION
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Amendment to Policy C-CAO-19 Flag Display and Commemorative Lighting
Presented by: Paul Pearson, Director, Communications and Public Affairs
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RECOMMENDED MOTION(S)
recommendation
That Policy C-CAO-19 Flag Display and Commemorative Lighting, attached to the agenda report dated September 16, 2025 entitled “Amendment to Policy C-CAO-19 Flag Display and Commemorative Lighting”, be approved.
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SUMMARY
Administration has updated the existing Flag Policy to provide for the use of the colour LED lighting which is being installed on the exterior of St. Albert Place. This updated policy also modernizes the language regarding the raising of flags at City buildings.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
On May 16, 2023 Council passed the following motions:
CM-23-19
That administration, on behalf of Council, develop a growth capital charter for consideration as part of the 2024 budget process. The capital charter should include the costs for installation of approximately 300 ft or “recognition” programable, color changing, commercial grade, led lighting along the top edge of the balcony outside of Council Chambers as outlined in IR 23-02 with the intent that this work be added to the scope of the SAP Life Cycle Upgrades RMR project to gain efficiencies of time and cost with other work in 2024.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The City of St. Albert has had policy in place since 2014 that recognizes the symbolic importance of Flags to groups of people, communities and nations, in bestowing honour and respect, or expressing a collective sense of grief and respect through lowering Flags to Half-Mast.
Over the past several years LED lighting technology has progressed to the point where it is feasible for municipalities to install colour LED lighting on prominent buildings or landmarks to further recognize and commemorate holidays and days of significance.
Following Council’s motion from May 2023 to include such lighting on St. Albert Place, Administration conducted a jurisdictional comparison and has updated the City’s Flag Policy to include colour LED lighting. This policy maintains the list of days for which flags will be lowered and adds that colour LED lighting will also be used to recognize the days on which the flags will be lowered. This policy also adds a short list of days which the City will recognize with colour LED lighting.
An Administrative Directive is being developed to detail the guidelines and processes by which St. Albertans may request special colours of LED lighting to mark special days or events. The process used will be very similar to that used in Edmonton for the High-Level Bridge lighting. This process will include a web-based request form as well as regular social media posts letting residents know why St. Albert Place is lit in that day’s specific colour.
The public will be able to submit lighting requests starting in January 2026.
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
Internal stakeholders were consulted regarding the use of flags as well as on the list of days to be recognized. The National Flag of Canada Etiquette and the Government of Alberta Flag Etiquette guidelines were also reviewed to ensure that this policy follows provincial and national guidelines.
IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
None at this time
Compliance & Legal:
None at this time
Program or Service:
None at this time
Organizational:
None at this time
Risks
None at this time
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
Not applicable.
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
N/A.
IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
If Council does not wish to support the recommendation, the following alternatives could be considered:
1. Council could add to, or subtract from, the list of days included to be recognized with colour LED lighting.
2. Remove the list of days to be recognized with colour LED lighting completely and leave the days to be recognized at the discretion of Administration
ALTERNATIVE 1:
Financial:
None at this time.
Compliance & Legal:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
None at this time.
Organizational:
None at this time.
Risks
None at this time.
ALTERNATIVE 2:
Financial:
None at this time.
Compliance & Legal:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
None at this time.
Organizational:
None at this time.
Risks
None at this time.
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Report Date: September 16, 2025
Author(s): Paul Pearson
Department: Communications and Public Affairs
Department Director: Paul Pearson
Managing Director: Diane McMordie,
Chief Administrative Officer: William Fletcher