LAURIE WEIR

The Township of Rideau Lakes will continue to allow third-party flags after a proposed bylaw change was defeated during its third reading at a regular council meeting on Monday, March 3.

Coun. Jeff Banks, who brought the topic to the table months ago, argued that only municipal, provincial, and Canadian flags should be flown at the township office, with the naval flag permitted at Hanna Park in Portland.

However, Mayor Arie Hoogenboom saw no issue with the current bylaw, which allows special interest group flags—such as those for the United Way or Pride Week—to be displayed for a week of recognition.

Deputy Mayor Paula Banks said she initially supported restricting third-party flags but changed her stance after receiving pushback from her family. She also cited a letter from resident Justin Chant, included in the meeting agenda, which emphasized that flying such flags demonstrates support for meaningful community events and charities.

Coun. Deborah Anne Hutchings stressed that the intent was never to dictate what flags individuals could fly on their own properties. “People can fly whatever flag they want,” she said. “But we don’t have enough flagpoles, and if we leave someone out, somebody will be upset.”

During the first and second readings of the bylaw (which requires three readings to pass), councillors J. Banks, Hutchings, Joan Delaney, Sue Dunfield, and Ron Pollard supported the change. However, after further discussion, Pollard reversed his vote, leading to the bylaw’s defeat.

As a result, the current policy allowing third-party flags to be flown in the township remains unchanged.