‘The world has changed’: Sarnia mayor calls for the removal of American flags on city property

Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley is recommending all American flags be removed from all municipal properties, CTV London’s Gerry Dewan explains.

Sarnia’s mayor wants American flags removed from civic buildings, but one councillor says there could be an economic price paid.

Mayor Mike Bradley is proposing all American flags be removed from municipal buildings.

According to Bradley our country is being put to the test, and we have demonstrate that we’re ready to meet that test - even if some measures are symbolic. “My point about ‘will Canadians stay strong during this,’ is an important one, because we’re going to have to.”

The windows in Bradley’s second-floor office in Sarnia’s City Hall look west out over the St. Clair River towards Michigan. Canadian and American flags continue to fly side-by-side on the Port Huron side of the river.

Bradley says he’s always valued the cross-border relationship but has to send a message,

“The world’s changed. You know, five years ago, 20 years ago, we had issues with the Americans - we’ve always had issues, and they had issues with us - we worked them out and we were respectful. Those days are gone.”

Bradley wants to remove American flags from all municipal properties and is asking others to do the same. It was a move he first contemplated after Canadian fans first started booing the American national anthem in early February, shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump first threatened broad tariffs against Canada.

There aren’t many American flags visible in Sarnia, but some are located in strategic locations, like at the Pat Stapleton Arena, where U.S. minor hockey players and their families will often come for tournaments.

“It will not be forgotten, and it’s going to hurt us. It’s going to hurt us, dramatically,” Sarnia City Councillor Bill Dennis told CTV News.

Dennis opposes the removal of flags, saying it could hurt businesses in Sarnia and tourism throughout the region, “This could affect, in the summertime, business in Grand Bend. A lot of American beachgoers head there. In Petrolia, we have a beautiful theater there where it’s supported by Americans.”

Bradley says he’s heard from many supporters and, as he was leaving his office Thursday morning, he was greeted by long-time Sarnia resident Don West.

West had come to deliver a letter commending the mayor for his stance, telling CTV News, “We have to let the President, and the administration, that as Canadians we are very indignant and upset by the way they are talking about Canada and our Prime Minister and the fact he’s thinking of annexing Canada. I don’t take those as idle threats from that gentleman.”

Other cities have also removed flags from civic properties, including in Barrie where strong mayor powers were used to take flags down. Bradley has opted not to use those powers and will take a motion to council for a vote.