Attn: Mayor and Council,

RE: It is time for Neutrality in Public Spaces!

PLEASE MAKE THIS COMMUNICATION A MATTER OF PUBLIC RECORD.

I am writing to address Councillor Brent Wiley’s proposed Motion, scheduled for debate on May 6 during a regular council meeting, which urges the administration to develop a “Public Space Neutrality Bylaw.” I am in full agreement with Councillor Wiley’s stated position:

“I’m contesting that neutrality is the ultimate form of inclusion…Neutrality ensures that every resident feels welcome and represented by their town…[and] would allow my council to focus their time, and our administration to focus their resources, on issues that are really important, like fiscal and operational matters, instead of divisive and contentious issues.” Clr Brent Wiley

The installation of special-interest group road markings on public property, and the display of their flags—or those of foreign nations—signals presence, authority, and control, serving as a visible declaration of allegiance and support and reflecting a perception of shared values or a common cause. This is a blatant misuse of public resources to advance particular beliefs or ideologies not necessarily widely shared. As Councillor Wiley aptly noted, “It announces that we endorse a particular viewpoint and have chosen a side in a debate. It excludes all our residents that don’t share a council’s politics or opinions or ideas.”

As the creator of the Pride flag, Gilbert Baker, declared:

“That’s what flags are for. Flags are about proclaiming power… that visibility is Key to our success and to our justice.”

The Pride flag and foreign flags are not benign or innocuous symbols, they are strategically political and are meant to assert power and influence. Facilitating this constitutes taxpayer-funded, government-sanctioned activism and is not the function of Council. A neutrality bylaw would ensure that municipal property and resources are not used to promote or endorse specific political, ideological, or foreign interests.

Therefore, I urge the Mayor and Council to develop and enforce the Public Space Neutrality Bylaw proposed by Clr. Wiley. This will create a truly inclusive public space that respects all citizens, allowing Council to focus on “fiscal and operational matters, instead of divisive and contentious issues.” Strathmore residents deserve to be united under our shared ‘Canadian’ heritage as we shape our town into a place we can all call home.

Respectfully,