A heated debate in council chambers on Tuesday.
Norfolk County Staff brought a report to council regarding the newly erected community flag pole that allows community groups the opportunity to have their flag flown at Governor Simcoe Square to observe specific events.
The new pole gives the county the ability to fly the Canadian, provincial, and county flag, alongside these special flags.
Groups are able to request their flag be flown, but they cannot have matters of politics, religious conviction, events with no relationship to Norfolk County, or campaigns intended for profit-making purposes.
Debate began when councillor Chris Van Paassen requested a limit of seven days per special flag, so as to not let one group monopolize the pole.
Mayor Amy Martin and Councillor Kim Huffman were quick to step in, saying there are specific months, such as Pride Month each June, that should allow for the flag to be flown for more than a week. Martin also mentioned the proposed seven-day policy would contradict with the language in the original policy.
Because the amendment was in contradiction to the policy, it should not have been allowed to be seconded. However, the chair, Linda Vandendriessche, allowed the motion to be seconded.
The clerk suggested a vote be held to determine if the amendment should stand, due to it being noted that it was invalid after the motion was seconded.
Voting in favour of allowing the amendment to stand was Van Paassen, Tom Masschaele, Doug Brunton, Vandendriessche, and Mike Columbus.
Following multiple point of order calls, the group decided it was best to defer the report for staff to bring back next week with more clear timelines for specific flags to remain on the pole.
NOTE: This story has been updated to correct an error. It previously said the councillors voted on the seven-day policy, but they actually voted on allowing the proposed amendment to be discussed.