Thursday, February 22, 2024: Community Votes in Favour of Crosswalk and Flagpole Bylaw

News Release

For Immediate Release

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Community Votes in Favour of Crosswalk and Flagpole Bylaw

Westlock, AB – On Thursday, February 22, 2024, Town of Westlock residents voted in favour of a proposed Crosswalk and Flagpole Bylaw, which now forbids the Town from flying non-governmental flags on municipal flagpoles or painting local crosswalks in a manner other than in a white laddered pattern.

The plebiscite resulted from a resident-initiated petition brought before Town Council in October 2023. In line with the provincial Municipal Government Act, Council was required to either pass the Crosswalk and Flagpole Bylaw or refer it to a binding community vote. Stating opposition to the proposed bylaw, Council referred it to plebiscite, at which time residents were asked the following question:

Do you agree that: Only Federal, Provincial and Municipal flags may be flown on flagpoles on Town of Westlock municipal property, all crosswalks in the Town of Westlock must be the standard white striped pattern between two parallel white lines, and the existing rainbow coloured crosswalk in the Town of Westlock be removed.

With the majority of the vote, residents voted ‘Yes’ to this question.

“Council did not support the proposed Crosswalk and Flagpole Bylaw, as we felt it went against our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion,” said Mayor Jon Kramer. “This plebiscite is binding, and as such, the bylaw does restrict how we are able to show this commitment. However, we will continue to find ways to embrace those in our community who need a helping hand, including marginalized groups. Equity is the reason we require wheelchair accessible parking; it is why we are developing an accessible playground; and yes, it is the reason we show support to marginalized groups like our local 2SLGBTQ+ community. That won’t stop, it will just take on a different form. We know the Town of Westlock is a welcoming community and that will not change.”

With plebiscite results now verified, the bylaw will be implemented.

“The Town of Westlock followed legislation in the Municipal Government Act in holding the plebiscite, meeting all requirements associated with a resident petition that resulted in the proposed bylaw,” said Simone Wiley, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Westlock. “Thank you to the community for taking part in this vote, and to our staff who ensured this was a seamless process from start to finish.”

Media contact:

Simone Wiley, Chief Administrative Officer
780-350-2100

Jon Kramer, Mayor
780-349-4444