West Lincoln council votes to remove U.S. flag from community hockey arena

After years of proudly displaying the American flag at the arena inside the West Lincoln Community Centre, the local council has made the decision to take it down. The West Lincoln Township Council recently voted to remove the United States flag from “township owned facilities,” with plans to rehang it “when required.”

The motion to remove the flag was brought forward by Smithville councillor William Reilly during a corporate services committee meeting. Councillor Reilly expressed concerns about the American flag being permanently fixed in the community centre, noting that there was not even an Ontario flag present. The decision to remove the flag comes at a time when tensions between the U.S. and Canada are escalating, with U.S. President Donald Trump pushing forward with plans to impose a 25 percent tariff on most imports from Canada.

Coun. Reilly clarified that the motion was not proposing a ban on the U.S. flag, as it would still be flown to respect visiting U.S. teams. However, he emphasized that it did not belong in a permanent place on the wall, especially given the current political climate.

The motion narrowly passed the committee stage in a 4-to-3 vote and was later ratified at a council meeting. There were concerns raised about potential backlash from Americans living in the area or Canadians with American relatives. Gainsborough Coun. Joann Chechalk expressed worries about instilling anti-American sentiment in the youth athletes who use the arena.

Some council members also raised concerns about potential vandalism of the American flag, as seen in other arenas. Ward 1 Coun. Jason Trombetta mentioned incidents of vandalism in other buildings and emphasized the importance of ensuring safety.

Mayor Cheryl Ganann voiced concerns about the motion drawing negative attention and potentially sparking controversy. However, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly reassured Canadians that the government was prepared to retaliate against the U.S. if the tariffs were implemented.

In conclusion, the decision to remove the American flag from the West Lincoln Community Centre reflects the growing tensions between the U.S. and Canada. While there are concerns about potential backlash and controversy, the council remains committed to upholding the best interests of the community and ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all.