Request a flag raising or clock tower lighting

The Community Recognition Program allows Canadian registered charities and non-profit groups to recognize and celebrate special occasions and events which create a spirit of community, celebrate Mississauga’s diverse cultures and contribute to enriching the quality of life in our City.

Canadian non-profit and charitable organizations can request recognition by a flag raising or clock tower lighting.

Flag raising and lighting requests must be submitted at least four weeks in advance.

Requests for national flag raisings for the upcoming calendar year must be submitted by December 1 of the preceding year. This includes the flags of any countries or nations requested to be raised. (For example, requests for national flag raisings in 2023 must be submitted no later than December 1, 2022.)

These requests will be shared annually with Council for approval. Any requests for national flag raisings received after this deadline must receive separate Council approval, either through a deputation or in writing to Council via the Clerk’s Office.

As a reminder, the flag that is being raised must represent a nation whose flag is recognized by Global Affairs Canada.

Your organization can only select one recognition option (either a flag raising or lighting) per year. A new requests must be made each year. They will not carry over year after year.

You must include your organization’s nine-digit registration number and/or be included on the Government of Canada’s List of Charities.

You will be responsible to invite anyone you would like to attend the recognition activity including the Mayor and Members of Mississauga Council.

Your organization can also choose to book a room inside Civic Centre to continue your recognition activity.

Types of recognition

Flag raising

The City of Mississauga will raise a flag for community or non-profit groups and organizations that meet the criteria in the Community Recognition Policy. The requestor will be responsible to provide the flag.

Flag raisings will be performed on a flag pole designated by the City on the Mississauga Celebration Square and digitally on the Mississauga Celebration Square screens, as available and in rotation with scheduled programming. The flag will be in place for one day (up to 24 hours).

If you’re representing a charity or non-profit group, you can request a flag raising by emailing us at community.recognition@mississauga.ca.

Your email should include:

• The date and time you’d like to have the flag raised
• The title and a brief description of the event you’d like to recognize
• Your name and contact information
• The name of the community group requesting the flag raising
• The requesting group’s nine-digit charitable organization number and/or a link to where the group’s name appears on the Government of Canada’s List of Charities
• A .jpg image of the flag you would like raised

View our full list of City flag raisings.

Clock tower lighting

The City of Mississauga will light the Civic Centre clock tower for registered charities and non-profit community groups that are based in Canada and meet the criteria in the Community Recognition Policy. If you’re representing a charity or non-profit group, you can request a lighting of the Civic Centre clock tower by emailing us at community.recognition@mississauga.ca.

Your email should include:

• The date you’d like to have the clock tower lighting
• The title and a brief description of the event you’d like to recognize
• Your name and contact information
• The name of the community group requesting the clock tower lighting
• The requesting group’s nine-digit charitable organization number and/or a link to where the group’s name appears on the Government of Canada’s List of Charities
• The colour(s) you would like the Civic Centre clock tower lit. The requesting organization can choose up to three colours.

The clock tower will be lit for one evening on the approved date.

Lighting colours available

You can choose up to three colours for your approved lighting. If the chosen colour is unavailable (for any reason), the City will ask you to choose a different colour.

All colours are subject to availability. Available colours include:

View our full list of clock tower lightings.

Recognition items are issued at the discretion of the City of Mississauga. Requests will be reviewed and evaluated in the order they are received. The City of Mississauga will work to ensure approved community recognition requests are fulfilled on the agreed upon date; however, activities may be cancelled or rescheduled at the City’s discretion at any time. In this case, the requesting group will be notified as early as possible.