From 22 to 27 September 2025, the region celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag in style. Over 2500 Francophones and Francophiles gathered for a week of festivities marked by flag-raising ceremonies, shows and numerous community activities.
A celebration in four cities
In Welland, a record attendance was set: more than 1,200 Francophones gathered at the Auberge Richelieu to watch the flag-raising ceremony, followed by shows and a barbecue hosted by the Club Richelieu. In the afternoon, two shows delighted young and old alike.
St. Catharines kicked off the week with a presentation at City Hall, a flag-raising ceremony and a much-anticipated community tintamarre on the City Hall grounds on 25 September. On 27 September, the festivities continued with the Grape & Wine Festival parade, during which the Griffon float won first prize, before the evening ended with a show celebrating the 50th anniversary. Approximately 550 Francophones took part in all the festivities.
In Port Colborne, for the first time, City Hall and the mayor welcomed 200 participants to a flag-raising ceremony and festivities attended by students, school staff, organizations and the Francophone community. This created a unique cultural and intergenerational moment in the municipality.
In Niagara Falls, in collaboration with the municipality, a dynamic flag-raising ceremony, a march and a barbecue for 100 Francophones were organized, thanks to the mobilization of local organizations and the Club Richelieu.
To close out the week of celebrations, Niagara Falls and Welland Bridge 13 were lit up in the colours of the flag, offering a dazzling spectacle in the Niagara sky.
Thank you to all participants
The Interagency and the 50th Anniversary Regional Committee would like to extend their warmest thanks to:
- The municipalities of St. Catharines, Welland, Port Colborne and Niagara Falls for their support.
- The Boîte à Soleil French-language schools and daycare centres for their enthusiastic participation.
- The Viamonde and MonAvenir school boards for their support.
- The Francophone and Francophile community organizations, associations and clubs for their commitment.
- The Richelieu clubs of Welland and Niagara Falls for their generous contributions.
- All the volunteers, young and old, without whom these activities would not have been possible.
- All the Francophones and Francophiles of the Niagara region who celebrated with us.
Thanks to you, the Franco-Ontarian flag flew proudly throughout Niagara!
Towards 2026: keeping the momentum going!
The 50th anniversary sparked an exceptional mobilization, strengthened Francophone pride and created lasting collaborations in the region. The Interagence du Niagara is planning a simpler but equally unifying programme for 2026 to continue promoting the Francophone community, celebrating our cultural heritage, and providing spaces for the entire Francophone community to meet and express themselves.
For the complete programme, photos and updates, visit:
🔗 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag in Niagara 2025