Earlier this month, Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall ordered the removal of all American flags from municipal buildings, including arenas, in response to the tariffs imposed on Canadian imports. City councillors have now voted to erect a 150ft flag pole to display the maple leaf.
The massive pole to fly the Canadian flag is set to be constructed at the Emergency Services Campus on Fairview Road by July 1st – Canada Day. The project will cost “up to” $250,000 that will come from the city’s reinvestment reserve.
“I think it is a well intended effort and a really important symbol of our country and our sovereignty,” said Ward 8 Councillor Jim Harris, who brought motion.
The flag will be clearly visible from the busy Highway 400. Mayor Nuttall says it will be a symbol of pride as people travel through Barrie, including visitors from south of the border.
“It’s amazing for the amount of Americans that will be visiting Muskoka in the summertime which is not a negative piece, it is a positive piece. And there’s a reason they like to come here and it’s because they like our country as much as we do.”
This is the latest move in Barrie council’s efforts to combat the impact of the trade war with the U.S. Mayor Nuttall’s newsletter that was distributed earlier this week stated that the City of Barrie has passed a motion to ban all new procurement contracts with U.S.-based vendors. The motion also calls for the removal of all U.S.-based vendors from the City’s preferred vendor list for municipal projects.
Also this week, Huntsville Council approved the new Muskoka Tariff Response measures which responds to Premier Doug Ford’s request that municipalities “restrict U.S. based businesses from participating in municipal procurement.” Huntsville has agreed to opt for a “Canada preferred” approach to support the local economy and create jobs. The township also voted to continuing flying the U.S. flag.
Click here to watch the March 26th council meeting in Barrie.
