The Canadian, provincial and municipal flags are symbols of honour and pride for all Canadians. Proper consideration and etiquette should be maintained.
Flags on City buildings and spaces may be lowered to half-mast to commemorate special dates such as Remembrance Day, as a measure of respect and condolence when a high-profile official passes away or as per protocol recommendation.
A flag is generally half-masted until sunset on the day of the funeral or memorial, unless other arrangements have been specified.
Annual half-masts include:
| Date | Recognition | Buildings |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 8 | National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters | City Hall |
| Apr 9 | National Day of Remembrance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge | City Hall |
| Apr 28 | National Day of Mourning | All Municipal Buildings |
| Jun 23 | National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism | City Hall |
| Second Sun in Sep | Firefighters' National Memorial Day | City Hall and Fire Stations |
| Last Sun in Sep | Police and Peace Officers National Memorial Day | City Hall and Police Stations |
| Sep 30 | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | All City of Edmonton Buildings |
| Nov 11 | Remembrance Day | All Municipal Buildings from 11am to sunset |
| Dec 6 | National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women | City Hall |
The location of the position of honour depends on the number of flags flown. When 2 flags (or more than 3 flags) are displayed, the position of honour is furthest to the left. To an observer facing the display, the Canadian flag should be on the left and the City flag on the right.
When 3 flags are flown, the position of honour is in the centre. From the perspective of the audience facing the flags, the Canadian flag should be placed in the centre, the Provincial flag on the left and the City flag on the right.
The Canadian flag should not be flown on the same flag pole as any other flag, according to Heritage Canada. It should not be subjected to indignity or displayed in a position inferior to any other flag.
Precedence
The order of precedence for flags is:
- The National Flag of Canada
- The flags of other sovereign nations in alphabetical order.
- The flags of the provinces of Canada (in the order in which they joined Confederation)
- The flags of the territories of Canada (in the order in which they joined Confederation)
- The flags of municipalities/cities
- Banners of organizations
- Historical Flags
When there are more than 3 flag poles, the National Flag of Canada should be flown on the left of the observer facing the flags. An additional National Flag of Canada may be displayed at the end of the line if desired.
City Hall Flag Specifications
The Canadian flag, Provincial flag, the City of Edmonton flag, Treaty 6 flag, and Metis flag are flown on the official flag poles in front of City Hall.
These flags are 7.5 feet by 15 feet or 2.28 by 4.57 metres.
More information about flag etiquette is available on the Canadian Heritage website.