Display of Religious Symbols on Municipal Property Policy (855) — full text

This is an automated transcription (OCR) of the captured official document — minor recognition errors are possible; the source document governs. Snapshot 8a360b235bb3 · verified 2026-06-05 · original document · archived snapshot · unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.

Policy: Coverage: Council Approval: Effective Date: Amended Date: AD-023 Town of Stellarton January 12, 2026 January 12, 2026  ## DISPLAY OF RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS ON MUNICIPAL PROPERTY ## PURPOSE: Religious organizations that are traditionally and widely recognized by the community may, upon request, temporarily display their religious symbols at a designated location on municipal property, in recognition of the diversity of religious faiths in Stellarton and to promote inclusiveness. ## APPLICATION: Religious organizations/charities that are traditionally and widely recognized by the community. Groups that can make a request are either: 1. A religious charity recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency or 2. If no such charity is recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency representing its interest, that - a. Its members have sincerely held beliefs that have a nexus with religion, and - b. There is an active religious community sharing those beliefs in Stellarton. The intent of this policy is to provide a process and guidelines to permit the addition of new displays. All applicants to bear the costs of their religious displays, on a go-forward basis, should those displays require replacement or repair. ## POLICY: 1. Religious organizations that are traditionally and widely recognized by the community may, upon request, temporarily display their religious symbols at a designated location on municipal property, in recognition of the diversity of religious faiths in Stellarton and to promote inclusiveness. 2. The display of religious symbols on municipal property must meet the following criteria: - a. Religious display requests are to be made through an application form found at Town Hall or on the Stellarton website. - b. Religious organizations may not display more than one religious display per year. - c. Displays must not be disrespectful of other faiths. - e. Displays are to only be installed at locations designated by Town administration. - d. Displays are to be installed for the normal duration of a major observance of faith, for a period not exceeding 45 days. - f. Town administration mustapprove the design of the display, en suring itmeets guidelines for safety and size. Staff will oversee the setup of the display to ensure it meets requirements. - g. More than one religious organization may display their symbol simultaneously, space allowing. If the number of requests for displays for a certain period of time exceeds the available space, applicants will be offered space on alternate dates or will be offered an alternate space. - i. The Town shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any property displayed pursuant to this policy. - h. Applicants are responsible for all associated costs and labourfor the display, including purchase of the display, set up and take down, storage, and insurance for theft, damage, and injury. - j. Requests are to be made in writing to the Chief Administrative Officer at least one month in advance of the date of the proposed display and must be approved by Town Council. - k. Rejected applicants will be provided with reasons for the rejection.  ## Clerk Annotation for Official Policy Book Date of Notice to Council Members of Intent To Consider (Minimum 7 Days): Date of Passage of Current Policy: January 12, 2026 Amendment to the policy: I certify that this Policy was adopted by Council as indicated above. ma grover Chief Administrative Officer Janvary 12,2026 Date (  ## Display of Religious Symbols on Municipal Property Application ## Contact Information First Name Last Name ## Organization Information Name of Religious Organization Organization Website. Contact Email Contact Phone Number Address Town \_Province Postal Code \_ ## Display Information Description of Requested Symbol Requested Date Start Date End Date I have read the policy and criteria and agree to adhere to all requirements. Signature of Applicant: Date: *If approved, applicants must provide copy of insurance details prior to installation of display. Office Use: Approval Signature: Date: \_ ## Display Criteria: - a. Religious display requests are to be made through an application form found at Town Hall or on the Stellarton website. - b. Religious organizations may not display more than one religious display per year. - c. Displays must not be disrespectful of other faiths. - d. Displays are to be installed for the normal duration of a major observance of faith, for a period not exceeding 45 days. - e. Displays are only to be installed at locations designated by Town administration. - f. Town administration must approve the design of the display, ensuring it meets guidelines for safety and size. Staff will oversee the setup of the display to ensure it meets requirements. - g. More than one religious organization may display their symbol simultaneously, space allowing. If the number of requests for displays for a certain period of time exceeds the available space, applicants will be offered space on alternate dates or will be offered an alternate space. - h. Applicants are responsible for all associated costs and labour for the display, including the purchase of the display, set up and take down, storage, and insurance of theft, damage, and injury. - i. The Town shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any property displayed pursuant to this policy. - j. Requests are to be made in writing to the Chief Administrative Officer at least one month in advance of the date of the proposed display and must be approved by Town Council. - k. Rejected applicants will be provided with reasons for the rejection.