Mayor’s Monday Mailbag – March 20, 2023 – How Can I Request a Flag-Raising, Proclamation or Pier-Lighting in Burlington?

Welcome to the Mayor’s Monday Mailbag, an initiative Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and the Mayor’s Office launched to share weekly answers to questions from the public we’ve received through our main email inbox at mayor@burlington.ca or the Mayor’s social media platforms.At the end of the month, we publish a roundup of those most pressing questions we’ve received in the weeks prior.Mayor’s Monday Mailbag – March 20, 2023QUESTION:"How do I request a flag-raising, proclamation or pier lighting at the City of Burlington in recognition of a particular cause or event?"ANSWER:There are several ways you can recognize a specific cause or event at the City of Burlington, through either a flag-raising at City Hall, lighting of our Burlington Pier, or a proclamation or congratulatory letter/certificate from the Mayor's Office.Request a flag-raisingCommunity Groups and organizations can fill out this online form to submit a request for a Flag-Raising in Civic Square at City Hall to recognize an event, an historical event or a specific month (eg. Red Cross Month, etc.) under the following guidelines:

• Please submit your request at least 30 days prior to the proposed flag-raising event;
• Request will be reviewed and are subject to availability;
• The Mayor and members of Council may attend a flag-raising based on availability; and
• If the flag is not already on site, the organization will need to provide a 3’ x 6’ flag, with 2 gromets to City Hall Operations prior to the flag raising.

Request a pier-lightingWe light the beacon on the Brant Street Pier each night with different colours. The lighting choices are based on nationally-recognized events, City events and special requests. Lightings are for non-profit and community events of municipal, regional, provincial and national significance. Personal anniversaries, birthdays and ceremonies do not meet the lighting criteria. Awareness months and weeks are scheduled for a one day light show. This helps shine recognition on the event and allow space for scheduling the many community requests the City receives.To request a pier lighting or for more information, please contact pier@burlington.ca. Please review the schedule for available dates and send your request four months before your event date.You can also view a list of currently scheduled Pier-lightings at events.burlington.ca/pierRequest a proclamationCommunity groups and organizations can fill out an online form to submit a request for a proclamation.A proclamation is an official announcement issued by the Mayor to recognize exceptional events, groups, people, or achievements in the City of Burlington. The goal of a proclamation is to recognize and celebrate achievements, and to raise public awareness of important issues in Burlington.Proclamations will be included in the Council Agenda for the month proclaimed if they meet all of the following criteria:

• Submitted by representatives of a recognized charity with offices located in Burlington OR by a community group based in Burlington;
• Will be issued only in respect of activities that support residents of the City of Burlington or related events taking place in Burlington;
• Must demonstrate respect and tolerance for all Burlington residents;
• Should foster a sense of community; and
• Should not be used as a vehicle to attempt to influence government policy.

The City receives many requests for both new and annually recurring proclamations. Please note that all requests for proclamations must be resubmitted each year.  Please allow a minimum of four (4) weeks for a proclamation to be prepared and included in the Council Agenda.Note: Individuals and organizations seeking proclamations to recognize regional, provincial, or national causes or events will be referred to the other appropriate order of government for recognition.Request a congratulatory letter/certificateThe Mayor's Office is pleased to provide a congratulatory letter or certificate to Burlington individuals, organizations, and businesses celebrating a milestone birthday, anniversary, opening of a business, or another significant achievement. Please fill out the online form here with all the necessary information and details needed.Please allow up to 4 weeks for letters or certificates to be prepared.

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• Mayor’s Monday Mailbag – March 13, 2023 – It’s Burlington 150+: What is the Meaning Behind our City Crest?
• Mayor’s Monday Mailbag – March 6, 2023 – Why are Plows Blocking my Driveway When Snow-Clearing?
• Mayor’s Mailbag – February 2023 Roundup – City Winter Service Levels, Tax Support for Seniors on Fixed Incomes, & Support Accessing Recreation Programs
• Mayor’s Mailbag – January 2023 Roundup – Mental Health Resources, Arts & Culture Fund, & Homelessness Support
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