Local News

On Monday morning at the Lanark County offices in Perth, the Pride flag was raised in a virtual celebration and time of reflection. 

In the presence of a small group of people in accordance with COVID protocols, County Warden Christa Lowry read out the proclamation passed unanimously by county council in May that June 2021 was Pride month in Lanark County.

During her comments she spoke of the need for people to feel that they belong and are safe and accepted in their communities and how the flag symbolized that support.

“The flag and proclamation tell everyone that we are all welcome and we all belong just as we are,” said the Warden. 

Lanark County-Wide Pride committee member Michael Rikely-Lancaster spoke of his excitement of witnessing the ceremony. He said, “This flag raising strengthens the community and brings the promise of continued improvement.”

The flag raising was delayed this year out of respect for the discovery of unmarked graves at residential schools in BC and now Saskatchewan. The Canadian flag at the offices has been lowered to half-staff to mount those lives lost, and organizers wanted to respect that.

County Clerk Leslie Drynan (left) hands out Pride Roses