West Island cities show support for Ukraine
Some West Island cities are showing their support for Ukraine.
In Beaconsfield, the city announced that it was going to illuminate city hall in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
“The city of Beaconsfield would like to express its support for the Ukrainian community,” the city said. “To show our solidarity with Ukraine, city hall will be illuminated in yellow and blue ... until April 14.”
Beaconsfield Mayor Georges Bourelle said the decision to show support for Ukraine came after discussion with council members.
“Council was unanimous in doing this in support of the Ukrainian people,” he said.
The mayor said a moment of silence for Ukraine was also observed at the last council meeting. “It was support for the Ukrainians who are under brutal attack from Russia that Mr. Putin initiated.
“This war was unprovoked and unnecessary and it's killing innocent people,” he added. “We really feel for the Ukrainians. There is not a lot we can do, but at least we can give moral support to Ukraine.”
Bourelle said the city is also considering other ways to support the Ukrainian people, but nothing official has yet been announced.
The city's next council meeting is March 28.
“We haven't decided what we will be doing exactly, but we will likely be making some type of donation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the city of Kirkland recently passed a resolution in support of Ukraine and also made a donation of $20,000 to Red Cross efforts to assist Ukrainians.
Kirkland Mayor Michel Gibson said the city will soon raise a Ukrainian flag at city hall.
“We also observed a moment of silence for the Ukrainian people at last council meeting,” he said.
The mayor said Kirkland has stepped up in the past to assist people around the world in their time of need.
“We gave $20,000 to Lac-mégantic after (the 2013 rail disaster). We gave to Fort Mcmurray (in Alberta) after the wildfire in 2016. In the past, we've also supported Haiti and Italy after natural disasters. We always go through the Red Cross.”