A Princeton initiative to grow and reward tourism took an unexpected turn this week, when a banner representing the Russian flag was hoisted in the town’s core.
Municipal hall received numerous calls from residents throughout the day, Thursday, May 2, inquiring about the move,.
“This is not a political statement,” CAO Lyle Thomas told the Spotlight.
“It’s our new marketing campaign, something we’ve been working on for the last year or so.”
Princeton Welcomes the World is the moniker for the new branding program, which Thomas said grew from the realization that people from around the globe have visited the community over the past four years.
If they’ve dropped by the visitor centre on Bridge Street, and signed the guest book indicating their home country, there will be a banner on one of the main streets’ new lamp posts, representing that nation.
“We’ve had multiple people visit Princeton from Russia,” said Thomas.
He admitted no one anticipated a backlash when one of the first banners raised was Russian.
“A number of people have voiced concern, but I would also temper that with the fact that a number of people have said they want to support the Russian flag.
Approximately 40 countries will be recognized when all the banners are in place, and they will remain over the summer, Thomas added.
He said each banner costs approximately $175 to produce and is covered by grant funding.
“This is all part of our vision to attract people to our downtown core and make our town attractive.”
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