50 years of Francophone culture and pride on display
The Franco-Ontarian flag celebrates 50 years on Thursday.
A ceremony is set for 10:45 am at Léger Square, outside North Bay City Hall, and includes a traditional town crier, music and more.
Everyone is encouraged to wear green and white to celebrate half a century of Francophone culture and pride.
The flag was co-created by North Bay’s Michel Dupuis, with officials saying his family will be at Thursday’s ceremony.
Before the flag raising, there’s a free outdoor concert, starting at 9:30 am.
In July, council unanimously supported a motion calling on staff to work with Les Compagnons des francs loisirs and other stakeholders to support the permanent installation of the Franco-Ontarian flag at city hall.
Officials say supply issues have delayed the timeline for the flag pole installation, but they’re still aiming to have it up by the end of this year.
In afternoon on Thursday, a special Franco-Ontarian flag raising ceremony is taking place in West Nipissing, including local schools, the West Nipissing Fire Department and les Compagnons des francs loisirs.
Along with the flag raising, the 1 pm event at Goulard Park, will feature the collective singing of “Notre Place” and a large group photo.
Community groups and members are all invited to attend.
Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years. From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.
