New Canadian flag pole installed at Sun Peaks Centre Plaza ahead of Remembrance Day

A new Canadian flag pole has been installed at Sun Peaks Centre Plaza, replacing a temporary flag pole that has been in place for the past two years.

Theresa St. Louis, senior manager of events at Tourism Sun Peaks, said the idea came from a desire to create a permanent community feature in the plaza. 

The project was made possible from financial contributions from Tourism Sun Peaks, Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality and the Rotary Club of Sun Peaks, with the municipality’s public works team completing the installation.

“It was really brought forward as something that was needed, and it was the perfect space for it,” St. Louis said. “A flagpole in a place where people can gather.”

While there are other flag poles throughout the village, the centre plaza presented an opportunity to establish a permanent structure in a central gathering place, St. Louis said. 

Although the process of ordering and installing the flag pole took approximately two months, St. Louis said the idea has been discussed for some time. Part of the planning process involved ensuring the flag pole could be sourced regionally from British Columbia, along with determining an appropriate location and arranging for its installation.

Flag pole to be used for Remembrance Day ceremony

The flag pole’s first formal ceremonial use is expected to take place on Nov. 11, when the Rotary Club of Sun Peaks hosts its annual Remembrance Day ceremony at Sun Peaks Centre Plaza.

Details of the ceremony are expected to be added to the Sun Peaks events calendar soon.

Beyond Remembrance Day, the flag pole is intended to serve as a permanent feature for the future community gatherings and celebrations. 

“The pride of having a flagpole right in the centre of the village is just a great opportunity for us to showcase our community support,” St. Louis said. 

Tourism Sun Peaks is also planning to recognize the project during its Canada Day celebrations in 2027, with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.

The annual celebration typically includes a community gathering in the plaza, an appearance by the mayor and an Air Force flyover.

Looking ahead, St. Louis hopes the flag pole will further establish Sun Peaks Centre Plaza as a central location for the community events.

“Hopefully, it creates a place of presence of community, a gathering place,” St. Louis said. “It helps anchor that the plaza is a place to gather.”