Your Community
Welcome to Your Community, a new page dedicated to flag raisings, half-mastings and proclamation ceremonies.
We’re proud to recognize and support local community groups across Durham Region. One way we co-ordinate this, is through flag raising and proclamation ceremonies.
The diversity of Durham Region is one of our greatest strengths. It’s important to us to recognize significant observances, cultural celebrations, communities, causes or organizations. Together, we can help enhance public awareness, strengthen bonds, encourage dialogue and foster a sense of belonging and pride among community members.
There are four sets of flagpoles at Regional Headquarters—one of which is designated for community flags. You can find this set on the northeast portion of the property.
Community groups can apply to have a flag flown at Durham Regional Headquarters through the Community Flag Raising Application at least four weeks prior to the date the flag is requested to be flown.
We also lower our flags to half-mast as a sign of respect and to express sorrow during a time of national mourning. We do this to honour the passing of public figures, commemorate significant events or dates like Remembrance Day, or serve as a measure of respect and condolence during times of tragedy.
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Transit Worker Appreciation Day
Today (March 18), we’re celebrating the people who keep Durham Region moving—our transit workers.
For more than 20 years, Durham Region Transit workers have helped residents get to work, school, medical appointments and more, and connected people to the essential services they rely on.
Behind every safe and reliable ride on DRT is a dedicated team. From operators and maintenance crews to planners, schedulers and customer service staff, every role plays a part in connecting our community.
Take a moment today to thank transit workers for the care, dedication and professionalism they bring to our community every day.
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Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Neurodiversity reminds us there is no single “right” way for the brain to function. By embracing different ways of thinking, learning and communicating—and ensuring people have the support they need—our community becomes stronger, more innovative and more resilient.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week (March 16 to 20) is a global movement that celebrates neurodivergent people—including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette’s syndrome and more—and reminds us to value the richness of diverse minds.
To celebrate this global movement and reaffirm our commitment to understanding, acceptance and support, the Neurodiversity Flag will fly at Regional Headquarters until March 20.
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Standing with Tumbler Ridge
On Tuesday (February 10), a mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in northeastern British Columbia has left devastation in its wake and shaken Canadians across the country.
We extend our deepest sympathy to the families, students, educators and residents of Tumbler Ridge. We also recognize the extraordinary courage of first responders, teachers, staff and community members who acted with strength and compassion during this crisis.
Our hearts are with the entire community of Tumbler Ridge during this time.
Flags at all Regional Facilities will be lowered to half-mast until sunset on February 17 to mourn the lives lost from this unthinkable tragedy.
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Hospice Awareness Day
Every person deserves the best possible quality of care as they navigate their final journey.
Today (January 29) was proclaimed as Hospice Awareness Day in Durham Region with a special flag raising ceremony at Regional Headquarters.
Hospice flags were raised to recognize the important work that hospices do in our community.
💙 Hospice Whitby - Roger Anderson House
💙 Sloane’s House in Whitby
💙 Marigold Hospice Care in Clarington
💙 Oak Ridges Hospice of Durham in Port Perry
Please join us in thanking Durham Region’s hospices for the support and comfort they provide to patients and their families.
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National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
On December 6, 1989, our country was shaken by the horrific act of gender-based violence that took place at Polytechnique Montréal. The lives of 14 young women were taken in a violent act of misogyny.
Today, on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, we mourn their loss and remember their lives. We also reaffirm our commitment to fight the hatred that caused this tragedy; and call for an end to all forms of violence and discrimination against women.
In recognition of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6, flags at Regional Headquarters will fly at half-mast until December 8.
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International Day of Persons with Disabilities
True inclusion happens when accessibility is a guiding principle in everything we do. It means ensuring every person—regardless of ability—has an opportunity to participate fully in social, economic and cultural life.
In recognition of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on December 3, the Region’s Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), Diversity Equity and Inclusion Division and myDurham 311, held an engaging event at Regional Headquarters. Attendees heard from Regional and local Councillors, Durham Deaf Services, Participation House and others.
To celebrate the contributions of people living with disabilities, and to reaffirm our commitment to building communities where diversity is embraced, barriers are removed and everyone can thrive, Regional Councillor, Marilyn Crawford, on behalf of Regional Chair and CEO, John Henry, has proclaimed December 3 as International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Durham Region.
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GivingTuesday
December 2 has officially been proclaimed as GivingTuesday in Durham Region.
GivingTuesday is the world’s largest generosity movement driven by individuals, charities and businesses. It inspires us to practise kindness and compassion—whether its making someone smile, helping a neighbour, supporting a cause or donating to those in need.
The GivingTuesday flag was raised at Regional Headquarters in support of this important initiative. Because when we support others where we live, we are building a community rooted in compassion and shared responsibility.
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Woman Abuse Prevention Month
November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month—a time to raise awareness, support survivors and work toward ending gender-based violence in all its forms.
Abuse can happen anywhere—at home, in workplaces, online, and in our communities. Its impact is devastating and long-lasting.
Everyone deserves to live free from fear and harm. By speaking up, learning the signs and supporting local organizations, we can help create safer spaces for women and girls.
Regional Headquarters will shine purple on November 25 as a symbol of hope and solidarity.
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International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Violence against women isn’t just unacceptable. It’s a violation of human rights.
Whitby Mayor and Regional Councillor, Elizabeth Roy, on behalf of Regional Chair and CEO, John Henry, proclaimed November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
As a region, we stand firmly against all forms of violence, including those rooted in gender. Every person has the right to live safely, with dignity and respect.
The Wrapped in Courage flag was raising at Regional Headquarters as a visible reminder to speak out, stand together and work toward a future where everyone can live free from violence.
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Shop in Durham Week
We have big reasons to shop local!
Today (November 24), Regional Councillor, Rhonda Mulcahy, on behalf of Regional Chair and CEO, John Henry, proclaimed November 23 to 29 as Shop in Durham Week!
During this week, we celebrate the small businesses that make our communities feel like home. Every local purchase matters—it supports jobs, strengthens our economy and keeps our neighbourhoods vibrant.
The Shop in Durham flag was raised at Regional Headquarters and will fly for the next week.
Find inspiration at ShopInDurham.ca.
