Regina’s city council has approved a new flag policy aimed at preventing future controversies after last year’s planned Palestinian flag-raising sparked significant public backlash and security concerns. The updated policy, passed unanimously on January 29, 2025, restricts the types of flags that can be flown at city hall to national, provincial, and municipal flags, along with those of Treaty Four, the Métis Nation, local non-profits, charitable organizations, and Regina’s sister cities.
The decision comes after an intense public response to a scheduled Palestinian flag-raising on November 15, 2024, meant to commemorate “Palestine’s Day of Independence”. Internal documents show that city officials received many complaints, including concerns about community division, safety risks, and even threats in the lead-up to the event.
A Heated Debate and Sudden Cancellation
Regina’s former flag policy, established in 2012, allowed various groups to request flag raisings via an online application. Under this policy, the Palestinian flag was set to be raised at city hall last November. However, as the date approached, city officials received mounting criticism.
“Raising politically charged flags in a public space does not contribute to peace or harmony but rather risks deepening divisions and putting vulnerable communities at risk,” one email read.
Others expressed concerns that the event would fuel antisemitism and protests, with one message stating, “This is going to cause division in our city as there will be protests and increase the hatred towards Jews.”
In addition to public opposition, city officials reported receiving four direct threats and four disturbing images of deceased individuals. Due to redactions in released documents, the full details of these threats remain unknown.
The decision to cancel the event was made at the last minute. The first reference to the cancellation appears in a city email thread at 2:49 p.m. on November 14, just one day before the planned flag-raising. Regina’s then-mayor Sandra Masters signed off on a public statement at 3:52 p.m., confirming the event would not go forward.
Despite the cancellation, approximately 100 demonstrators still gathered outside city hall to mark Palestine’s Independence Day.
New Policy Shifts Focus Away from Global Politics
The controversy unfolded during a transitional period in Regina’s leadership, as newly elected Mayor Chad Bachynski and incoming city councillors were informed of the outgoing mayor’s decision to cancel the event.
In response to the controversy, city council began reviewing its flag policy, with discussions intensifying after an Israeli flag-raising in May also generated debate. The new policy aims to prevent similar issues by limiting the types of flags that can be flown on city property.
“For us really it was around focusing on the city of Regina and not focusing on global politics,” Bachynski told CTV News after the vote.
Ward 2 Councillor George Tsiklis echoed that sentiment, stating, “We were not elected to be ministers of foreign affairs, so I’m happy that we are trying to do something here.”
While some critics argue the change limits cultural and political expression, supporters believe the move will help prevent divisive debates and ensure city hall remains a neutral space.