City Goes Green and White for Franco-Ontarian Day

Sep 25, 2017

In honour of Franco-Ontarian Day on September 25, residents and visitors will be welcomed with green and white lights showcasing the four welcome signs into the community. The signs are located entering the city from Highway 69 South, Highway 17 East, Highway 17 West, and Highway 144 North.

“I am very proud to be part of a community with such a rich Franco-Ontarian history, as we celebrate the 42nd anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger.

This initiative is part of the 150 illuminations for the 150th event, led by planifsudbury. The event aims to have 150 residences, businesses, buildings and landmarks in the city lit up in green and white to celebrate the anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag and promote francophone history and culture in the community. Everyone is invited to participate in the illumination event by lighting their home, business or other in green and white. Register your participation at www.quifaitquoisudbury.ca.  

The Franco-Ontarian flag was created in 1975 by Gaétan Gervais and Michel Dupuis, both from Laurentian University. The flag was officially recognized as the emblem of the Franco-Ontarian community in the Franco-Ontarian Emblem Act of 2001. In 2014, Gaétan Gervais was presented the insignia of Member of the Order of Canada for his pioneering work in Franco-Ontarian studies, as well as his part in the co-creation of the Franco-Ontarian flag.

Fun facts:

  • The Franco-Ontarian flag was created and raised for the first time at the University of Sudbury on September 25, 1975. This event has since become an important symbol for the Franco-Ontarian community and is celebrated every year.
  • Greater Sudbury has one of the largest French-speaking populations outside of Quebec, and nearly a third of our total population declares French as their mother tongue.
  • Many communities now part of Greater Sudbury, such as Chelmsford, Azilda and Blezard Valley, were established by French Canadians.

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