If you run into Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran this year, you'll find him wearing an orange shirt, and saving the flag-waving for another day.
"This is still an amazing country," said Basran, but he sees this Canada Day as a time for reflection rather than celebration.
KelownaNow interviewed the mayor June 30.
"There's a definite shift in tone," he said. "I think in light of the news surrounding residential schools and our treatment of indigenous people I think the mood is a little bit more sombre."
He doesn't see the recent confirmation of close to a thousand unmarked graves at residential school properties as bringing an end to patriotism, but rather a time to pause and consider.
"It's very tragic," said Basran.
"Perhaps our history is not as proud as we maybe want to believe it is, but we have an opportunity now to set this country on a really great course in terms of reconciliation, in terms of inclusion and diversity."
He also expects that some people will be waving the maple leaf, and he hopes that it doesn't become a source of division.
"I just ask that people please be respectful of one another. And respect that there will be a differing of opinion potentially, in terms of how you're handling Canada Day. But this isn't a day for division."
The City of Kelowna is moving toward implementing the recommendations of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission as they pertain to local government.
"Now that a lot of this is top of mind for people, my hope is that we don't just sweep it under the rug with the next news cycle," said Basran.
He hopes to see progress on the issue between now and next Canada Day.
"Let's hope that we have taken some dramatic and significant steps toward reconciliation that are absolutely worth celebrating."
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