Okotoks’ mayor fulfilled his Canada 150 goal for 2017.
Mayor Bill Robertson was given a Canada 150 flag for Christmas from his wife in 2016. He decided to challenge himself to take at least 150 photos with the flag and different individuals or groups of people throughout the country’s sesquicentennial year.
Why?
“Because I had it,” said Robertson.
By the end of the year, he had surpassed his goal of 150, though he’s not quite sure by how much. Somewhere along the line he lost count and began estimating the number of photos taken. But there were definitely more than he needed, he said.
He took photos with Premier Rachel Notley, the minister of advanced education, and a number of other politicians during his year of travels, meetings and conventions, he said.
“I took it to FCM (Federation of Canadian Municipalities) in Ottawa,” said Robertson. “I have a picture in the House of Commons dining lounge with various people at the dinner table with Martin Shields, the MP for the Brooks area, who had given us a tour.”
He also took photos with the board of directors for the Calgary Regional Partnership, the Okotoks Legion, various Canadian mayors, Okotoks McDonalds employees on McHappy Day, with 4-H Club public speakers, with the Okotoks Freemasons at the Corinthian Lodge and with a number of school students, to name a few.
Robertson said he has one regret – forgetting to take the flag up onto the CP Rail Holiday Train with him. He had it in front, and a lot of spectators also took photos with it, but he said it felt like a missed opportunity. However, he did manage another feat onboard the train.
“I did manage to get a pin on Alan Doyle,” said Robertson. “He was wearing our Okotoks pin.”
As for the flag, Robertson said he’s not sure he’s done yet. There are still Christmas and New Years celebrations to be had, and of course there’s always next year.
“Next year is the palindrome year – Canada 151,” he said with a chuckle. “So I’m excited. I’m taking my red felt and I’m going to put a one through the zero on the flag.”
