Okanagan towns, cities support Ukraine with flags raised, blue and yellow lights glowing

Monday the Ukrainian flag will be raised in Kelowna city council chambers, marking the first time a national flag other than Canada’s has been on display there.

Okanagan towns and cities are being adorned in blue and yellow as support for Ukraine in its war with Russia builds.

People across the Central Okanagan, which as of the 2016 census had roughly nine per cent of its population with Ukrainian roots, have been rallying and raising funds for the embattled nation and now local bodies of government have followed suit.

In Kelowna, the Ukrainian flag will be on display Monday in city council chambers and visible during council meetings for an undetermined period of time.

“This is the first time a national flag other than Canada’s has been on display at a council meeting,” the city’s Tom Wilson said in an email.

The flag is going up as a result of a request from the Ukrainian Cultural Society. A representative contacted the Mayor’s office about see how the city might show support for Ukraine and they landed on this approach.

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On Monday, Mayor Colin Basran will also comment on the invasion of Ukraine at the start of the meeting and have a photo taken with members of the Ukrainian Cultural Society, which will be shared on social media.

While the Sails statue at the entry of City Park has often been used for a colourful show of support, it’s not possible to do at this time of year because the water needs to be flowing to keep the high-intensity lights cooled.