Item - 2026.MM39.43

Councillor Lily Cheng, seconded by Councillor Nick Mantas, recommends that:

1. City Council, despite the City of Toronto Flag Raising Policy, approve raising of the Lion and Sun flag (Attachment 1) at a courtesy flagpole at City Hall or North York Civic Centre on Saturday, March 28, or another date, in celebration of Nowruz and in solidarity with Iranian-Canadians and the humanitarian concerns expressed by the community.

In recent months, many Toronto residents have gathered in peaceful demonstrations in solidarity with the people of Iran and in support of freedom, human dignity, and fundamental rights. These events reflect a deep and personal connection within Toronto’s Iranian-Canadian community, many of whom have family, friends, and loved ones directly affected by the ongoing situation in Iran.

The City has received requests from residents to recognize the Iranian-Canadian community by raising the historic Lion and Sun flag (Attachment 1). Neighbouring municipalities, including Aurora, Barrie, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan, have taken similar steps by raising Iran’s historic flag with the Lion and Sun emblem. For many, this symbol represents Iran’s cultural heritage and, increasingly, a shared expression of hope for a future grounded in freedom, human rights, and dignity. In recent years, this flag has been widely used by Iranians in Canada and around the world as a symbol of resistance to repression and a vision of Iran that reflects the will of its people.

This request is about acknowledging Iranian-Canadians in Toronto, their identity, their lived experiences, and their aspirations. It reflects the voices of residents who do not feel represented by the current government in Iran and who wish to see their heritage and their hopes for freedom recognized in a meaningful and respectful way.

This all takes place during a particularly tumultuous time for the Iranian community, and this symbolic gesture would offer comfort, recognition, and support to members of the Iranian diaspora in our city.

For clarity, this recognition does not represent support for any foreign government, political movement, or position on international conflicts. The City of Toronto does not take positions on geopolitical matters. The City of Toronto also affirms our respect for International Law. This is a local gesture intended to recognize a community within our city.

At the same time, this recognition affirms a principle that is deeply shared across our city: support for the universal values of freedom, human dignity, and human rights. For many Iranian-Canadians, the Lion and Sun flag has come to embody these aspirations, a peaceful expression of solidarity with those seeking a better future.

Toronto is strengthened by its diversity. Iranian-Canadians are a valued part of our social, cultural, and economic fabric. Recognizing their community in this way affirms both who they are and the values that unite us as a city.