Issuance of Proclamations Policy

By-Law Number
CPOL.-397-19
As Amended by

Legislative History: Adopted September 19, 2017 (By-law No. CPOL.-115-367); Amended July 24, 2018 (By-law No. CPOL.-115(a)-418); Repealed and replaced on January 14, 2020 (By-law No. CPOL.-397-19)

Last Review Date: January 6, 2020

Service Area Lead: City Clerk

1. Policy Statement

1.1 This policy sets out the requirements for the issuance of proclamations. 

2. Definitions

2.1 Not applicable.

3. Applicability

3.1 This policy shall apply to any request for the issuance of proclamations on behalf of the City of London.

4. The Policy

4.1 Proclamations are ceremonial documents issued and signed by the Mayor on behalf of City of London Council that officially recognizes public awareness campaigns; charitable fundraising campaigns; and arts and cultural celebrations of organizations that reside/operate within the City of London.  The requester must clearly identify the significance and connection of the proclamation to the mandate and goals as set out in the City of London’s Strategic Plan.  A proclamation does not constitute a personal or civic endorsement.

Application Process

a) Proclamations requests are to be submitted on the City of London Application form to the City Clerk’s Office at least six (6) weeks in advance of the requested issuance date.

b) The Application must provide sufficient background information about the organization, cause or event being proclaimed and the proposed text for inclusion in the proclamation.  The proposed text is subject to approval by the City of London to ensure compliance with City of London’s polices and by-laws.

c) Upon receipt of the Application, the City Clerk’s Office will review the Application in accordance with this Policy and if the Application appears to be in compliance with the Policy, the Application will be placed on the next available Corporate Services Committee meeting for consideration.

d) The Corporate Services Committee will review the Application and provide a recommendation to the Municipal Council for consideration with respect to the disposition of the Applications.

Administration of Policy:

e) The cause or event must contribute to the economic, social and cultural fabric of the City of London.

f) Repeat requests must be submitted on an annual basis.

g) An organization may request one proclamation per calendar year.

h) Organization do not have exclusive rights to the day, week, or month being proclaimed.

i) Proclamations of a similar topic will be issued on a first come first served basis.

j) The City of London will not incur any expenses relating to the advertising or promotion of a proclamation.  Recipients are responsible for the promotion of the proclamation, organization of related activities and for all associated costs.

k) Proclamations will not be issued for:

  • Matters of political controversy, ideological or religious beliefs or individual conviction.
  • Events or organizations with no direct connection to the City of London.
  • Campaigns or events contrary to City of London policies or by-laws.
  • National, Independence or Republic Days.
  • Campaign or events intended for profit-making purposes.
  • Recognition of individuals.
  • Recognition of events or organizations that espouse discrimination, hatred, violence or racism.
  • Matters attempting to influence government policy.
  • Matters designed to incite hatred or disorder.

l) The City of London reserves the right to refuse to issue a proclamation.

Last modified:Tuesday, October 19, 2021