SUDBURY -- The COVID-19 pandemic failed to put a damper in plans to raise the Franco-Ontarian flag in Sudbury on Wednesday morning.

Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger was joined by Joanne Gervais, executive director of the Association canadienne-francaise de l’Ontario to raise the flag outside in Tom Davies Square in honour of St. Jean Baptiste Day.

The mayor took time to note how proud Sudbury is of its francophone community.

“Council will continue to support initiatives to enrich our francophone options, such as making more programming and services available in French,” said Bigger. “An example of this is the work that we have been doing with our recreational programs and services at Pioneer Manor.

"I also want to send a message to francophone newcomers and immigrants that we are a welcoming francophone community.”

The event was closed to the public and livestreamed on the city’s social media channels due to precautions surrounding COVID-19.