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.

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.

  • Passing of Niagara Regional Chair, Jim Bradley

    Durham Region extends its heartfelt condolences on the passing of Niagara Regional Chair, Jim Bradley.

    As a tribute to his memory, flags at Durham Regional Headquarters will be lowered to half-mast today (October 3) until after his memorial service.

    Our thoughts are with his family, friends, former colleagues and the entire Niagara Region during this time of loss.


  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

    Today (September 30) marks the fifth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.


    On this day, we gather as a nation to remember the children who never made it home, and to honour the survivors of the residential school system, along with their families and communities.


    To symbolize our collective commitment to remembrance, healing and reconciliation, flags at Regional facilities have been lowered to half-mast.



  • National Peace and Police Officers Memorial Day

    Sunday (September 28) is National Peace and Police Officers Memorial Day.

    On the last Sunday in September, we honour police and peace officers who have fallen in the line of duty and offer condolences to the surviving families of those who gave their lives in service of their communities.

    In honour of National Peace and Police Officers Memorial Day on September 28, flags at all Regional facilities will fly at half-mast from today (September 26) to sunrise on September 29.

    Please join us in thanking the courageous peace and police officers who, without hesitation, put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.


  • Truth and Reconciliation Walk

    Today (September 26), The Every Child Matters Flag was raised at Regional Headquarters in honour of the Indigenous Advocacy Committee’s Truth and Reconciliation Walk.

    As we walk together, we remember the children who never made it home, and honour the survivors of the residential school system—along with their families and communities, who continue to carry the weight of these tragedies.

    The Every Child Matters Flag will fly until September 30, when it will then be lowered to half-mast in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

    Together, we can build a future founded on respect, guided by understanding, and strengthened through inclusion.


  • Firefighters’ National Memorial Day

    Sunday (September 14) is Firefighters’ National Memorial Day—a day that commemorates the courage and sacrifice of firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty. We recognize this day on the second Sunday in September each year.

    In honour of Firefighters’ National Memorial Day, flags at all Regional facilities will fly at half-mast throughout the weekend.

    Please join us in honouring those who willingly, and without hesitation, put their lives on the line for the safety of our communities.


  • Hunger Action Month

    Regional Chair and CEO, John Henry, proclaimed September as Hunger Action in Month in Durham Region during a flag raising ceremony at Regional Headquarters today (September 9).

    Durham’s local municipalities are coming together this September in support of National Hunger Action Month to raise awareness, food donations and funds to fight hunger in our community.

    To learn how you can support Feed the Need in Durham this month, visit your local municipality online:

    💙 ajax.ca/FoodDrive
    💙 clarington.net/FeedTheNeed
    💙 oshawa.ca/FeedTheNeed
    💙 pickering.ca/HungerAction
    💙 scugog.ca/HungerAction
    💙 TownshipOfBrock.ca/BrockBeatsHunger
    💙 uxbridge.ca
    💙 whitby.ca/FeedTheNeed


  • International Overdose Awareness Day

    Sunday (August 31) is International Overdose Awareness Day—the world’s largest campaign to end substance-related overdose deaths.

    This important day serves to raise awareness, provide compassionate support for those who are affected by substance use, honour those we have lost, and acknowledge the grief experienced by families, friends and the community.

    In recognition of #IOAD2025, flags at Regional Headquarters will fly at half-mast until September 2.

  • India Independence Day

    Whitby Mayor, Elizabeth Roy, on behalf of Regional Chair and CEO, John Henry, has proclaimed August 15 as India Independence Day!

    Today, we celebrate the tremendous contributions of India’s people, history and culture—around the world and right here in Durham Region.

    To mark this occasion, a special ceremony took place at Regional Headquarters that included a cultural dance performance and the raising of the Flag of India on a community flagpole.


  • Emancipation Day

    Regional Chair and CEO, John Henry, has proclaimed August 1 as Emancipation Day in Durham Region. This is the day, in 1834, when slavery was abolished in Canada.

    To honour the legacy of those who paved the way for freedom and to reaffirm our commitment to eliminating anti-Black racism, the Pan-African flag was raised at Regional Headquarters today (July 29) and will fly until August 5.


  • World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)

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    Regional Chair John Henry has proclaimed June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). This day raises awareness of elder abuse and encourages everyone to take responsibility for preventing it.

    We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of older adults in our community by offering help, direction and support. In recognition of WEADD, we have raised the flag at Regional Headquarters.

    If you, or an older adult that you know, need support, visit durham.ca/ElderAbuse.

Page last updated: 05 Dec 2025, 10:26 AM