Vancouver city council has amended its civic protocol policy to no longer approve requests from organizations that want to light up city hall and the Burrard Bridge in colours that recognize other countries’ national and independence days.
The amendment, which council approved Sept. 25, means the city will focus on recognizing local Vancouver events and occasions, which was the original intent of the illumination program when established in 2016.
“These updates ensure that requests for illuminating city hall and Burrard Bridge align with council priorities, emphasize local events, cultural occasions, community health issues and focus on Vancouver, Canada and xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm [Musqueam], Sḵwx̱wú7mesh [Squamish] and səlilwətaɬ [Tsleil-Waututh] Nations,” said a representative from the city’s communications department in an email.
'Keeps us out of international politics'
Major sporting events held in Vancouver and the city’s sports teams are also now eligible for illumination. In addition, staff will explore how to extend the illumination program for cultural and arts events, as proposed by Coun. Sarah Kirby-Yung.
“I'm really excited about the opportunity to celebrate more locally,” Kirby-Yung said in the council chamber.
“This is a positive move forward, and it brings us in line with some other cities and keeps us out of international politics, which is a good thing.”
The changes come after some public controversy in May related to the illumination of city hall and the Burrard Bridge in blue and white to recognize Israel’s 76th Independence Day.
At the time, Mayor Ken Sim issued a public statement, saying the illumination request underwent “careful review” by city staff.
“It's important to note that this illumination does not imply or express support for the politics of any country,” the mayor said.
“Illumination requests are open to members of the public, charities, non-profit organizations registered in Canada or consulate offices and are assessed fairly and impartially in line with eligibility criteria and precedence.”
Sim noted city hall and the Burrard Bridge were to be illuminated later that same month for the independence days of other countries, including Guyana and Azerbaijan.
Added Sim: “The city has approved requests to illuminate city hall and Burrard Bridge for Israel's Independence Day in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Notably, the city has not declined illumination requests from other countries amidst political unrest or conflict with which Canada maintains diplomatic relations.”
'Political unrest'
The illumination to mark Israel’s 76th Independence Day was criticized by local Palestinian solidarity groups, which called for the cancellation of the light display.
In a news release at the time, they pointed to the city’s website that states: “We [the city] reserve the right to decline requests from countries where there is political unrest or conflict.”
Rebecca Haber of Independent Jewish Voices Vancouver said in the release that it was “undeniable that the region is experiencing political unrest and conflict that is incongruent with the display of these lights.”
Added Haber: “Illuminating city hall with the colours of the Israeli flag sends a signal that the city endorses the suffering of Palestinians and the violations of international law being committed by Israel.”
Glacier Media left a phone message for Haber Wednesday to get her reaction to council’s decision but had not heard back before this story was published Thursday.
A staff report on the illumination program that went before council last week included the number of requests received to celebrate other countries’ national days via light displays at city hall and the Burrard Bridge.
The data showed a steady increase from one request in 2018 to 27 as of June 2024. The report said the number of requests reduces the availability of illumination dates for local events and is not in keeping with the intent of the original program.
“Prioritizing local events and explicitly limiting involvement with international matters, including other countries’ national days, which are typically managed by the federal government, aligns with council’s strategic priorities to foster a vibrant, community-focused city while managing civic resources efficiently,” the report said.
Illuminations this year
The city’s website shows the following days scheduled to recognize events and awareness days via light displays at city hall and the Burrard Bridge:
• Oct. 9, World PANS PANDAS Awareness Day (red)
• Oct. 24, World Polio Day (purple)
• Oct. 26, Intersex Awareness Day (purple)
• Oct. 29, Rett Syndrome Awareness (purple)
• Oct. 31, Diwali (yellow)
• Nov. 11, Remembrance Day (red)
• Nov. 20, Transgender Day of Remembrance (pink, blue and white)
• Dec. 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities (purple)
Other illuminations that have occurred this year include:
• Jan. 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day (yellow)
• Jan. 29, Day of Remembrance and Action Against Islamophobia (green)
• Feb. 1, Black History Month (black, red, green and gold)
• Feb. 10, Lunar New Year (red)
• March 8, International Women's Day (purple)
• March 10, Ramadan (green)
• March 19, Nowruz (green)
• March 21, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UN blue)
• April 10, Eid al-Fitr (green)
• May 23, Komagata Maru Remembrance Day (orange)
• June 1, Italian Heritage Month (green, white, red)
• June 16, Eid al-Adha (green)
• June 20, World Refugee Day (orange)
• June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day (orange)
• July 28, Pride Week (rainbow)
• Sept. 30, Truth and Reconciliation Day (orange)
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