An urgent notice of motion to debate banning the raising of national flags at Calgary city hall was narrowly voted down during a Tuesday council meeting.

The proposal, brought forward by Ward 13 Coun. Dan McLean, called for council to discuss amendments to Calgary's flag policy during its scheduled public hearing meeting as an "urgent business" matter. Those amendments would include removing sections that allow flags of other countries to be flown at city hall.

"What was once intended as a unifying and symbolic gesture has increasingly become a source of division in our community," said McLean.

The urgent notice of motion was defeated 8-7.

McLean said he plans to bring the motion forward to executive committee but didn't confirm when.

Mayor Jeromy Farkas, who has been vocal about hi

See Full Page