Mar 13: Local News, Poll Results & An Essential History Lesson
Plus: A look at the regional unemployment rate; a full week of local events
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On Tuesday, we asked readers: Do you think it's time to take down American flags flying on public property in Canada — including here in Owen Sound?
The majority — 61% of over 250 respondents — said Yes. We heard some thoughtful suggestions from others, including:
The American flag could be flown at half-mast to indicate our grief or mourning of our broken relations with the United States.
The flag could be flown upside down to indicate that the U.S. is in a state of distress.
We could display the U.S. flag as a courtesy only when an American sports team is playing at our facility.
It’s unclear whether the issue will come up at Council again. They had an opportunity to make a decision Monday, but no one brought a motion to the table. It doesn’t seem like the type of issue we’d need to see a staff report on. One has to wonder how other municipalities seem to move so quickly on timely issues like this, while Owen Sound speaks in terms of months or even years at a minimum to make changes.
In any case, there’s little to do now but wait and see. As with so many issues that come to this Council, we are at their mercy as to whether they’ll choose to listen and take action.
Opinion
Today, we have an interesting and timely submission to share, thanks to author John C. Carter of the Bruce County Historical Society.
His column explores the persistent yet unsuccessful incursions as various groups have sought to annex Canada and how cooperation, not conquest, has defined Canada-U.S. relations.
History Shows: Attempts to Annex Canada are Doomed
Multiple attempts to annex Canada—whether through war, private militias, or political pressure—have all failed. From the War of 1812 to the Fenian Raids, Canadians have defended their sovereignty.
Public Notices
Grey County Council meets today - Thursday, March 13, in the Grey County Administration Building’s Council Chambers. The council will receive a Community Transit update, discuss tender awards, get committee updates, and consider a zoning amendment, among other business. See the full agenda here for more.
The City’s Community Services Committee meets on Wednesday, March 19, at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Local News
Keep reading for community events, our original reporting, and curated local news updates. Today, you’ll find a report on the region’s rising unemployment rate, accolades for a local woman who helped Afghan women flee the Taliban, a sneak peek at what’s coming to the Leith Summer Festival, and a lot more.
~ Miranda Miller, Editor
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