BONNERS FERRY — The Bonners Ferry City Council has unanimously approved sending a letter to the Idaho House State Affairs Committee regarding proposed House Bill 538, which would limit the types of flags a governmental entity may display. 

The letter was unanimously approved at the council’s Feb. 3 meeting. 

The proposed bill allows several exceptions for flag displays. One provision states that “a governmental entity shall not display a flag on its property other than the following: official flags of countries other than the United States to commemorate special occasions.” 

There is currently no designated special occasion for Bonners Ferry to fly the Canadian flag year-round. The bill does, however, include a provision allowing the Basque autonomous community flag to be displayed, while prohibiting flags of countries with which the United States is engaged in hostile action. 

The Basque flag in Boise has cultural significance, similar to the importance of the Canadian flag in Bonners Ferry, where it has flown for decades. Along with Moyie Springs, Bonners Ferry is one of the cities closest to the international border. 

In May 2025, the City Council voted to declare a 365-day special occasion honoring Canadians, allowing the flag to remain in place. 

Under the proposed bill, governmental entities that violate the restriction could face fines of $2,000 per day. 

Bonners Ferry Mayor Rick Alonzo spoke before the vote was cast about the proposed house bill. 

“Since there were no penalties last year, they decided that they would tighten it up a little bit and charge $2,000 a day if you fly it,” Alonzo said. “We're hopeful that they will consider this and give us a waiver so that we can continue to fly the flag.” 

The letter states that Bonners Ferry is located about 30 miles from the Canadian border and is often the first stop for Canadians entering the United States. It also notes that the city shares the International Selkirk Loop — a scenic route traveling through Washington, Idaho and British Columbia — with its northern neighbors.  

“The Canadian flag is flown in a public park adjacent to U.S. Highway 95, across from City Hall,” Bonners Ferry officials said in the letter. The park was dedicated in 1987 by U.S. and Canadian leaders and the Canadian, U.S. and Idaho flags have flown since. 

“The city of Bonners Ferry enjoys the strong relationship and commerce we share with our Canadian friends,” Bonners Ferry officials said. “We respectfully request that the committee add a provision to House Bill 538 allowing the city to continue flying the Canadian flag in the park.” 

At the city council meeting, one person spoke in favor of the letter, while another said that they were upset at the 365-day holiday declared last May, stating that it was skirting the U.S. Constitution. The man argued that the council should reach out to state representatives to change the law instead. 

Other flags allowed in the proposed bill are flags of the United States, flags of any state, city and county flags and flags of military branches and units. Also permitted are flags of Indian tribes, the POW/MIA flag and flags of Idaho colleges or universities.