Harbour Authority changes Canada sign to Ukraine colours in act of solidarity

Harbour Authority changes Canada sign to Ukraine colours in act of solidarity
GVHA / Twitter

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority has made a gesture of solidarity towards the events that are currently unfolding between Ukraine and Russia.

The light-up Canada sign, located in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, has had its colours changed to shine half yellow and half blue — the colours of Ukraine’s national flag.

“As a statement of our solidarity with Ukraine, we have changed the Canada sign on Ship Point to blue and yellow,” reads a statement from the harbour authority.

“What is happening is unsettling for so many of our residents and we hope that the community finds strength in this gesture.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced a military operation in Ukraine, claiming it’s intended to protect civilians.

READ MORE: Ukraine’s capital under threat as Russia presses invasion

Since the announcement, many Vancouver Islanders have watched in shock, including those part of the local Russian community.

Victoria resident, Julia Rochtchina, who moved to Canada from Russia in 2002 has been glued to her TV, anxiously waiting for any updates and fearing for not only the safety of her relatives but those on the other side.

“There will be deaths and that’s my biggest fear,” she said.

“I could not believe until the very last moment that this would actually happen, and I’m not quite sure I’m still believing even though it’s out there.”

Canadian phone companies have also opted to waive long-distance and text charges for calls to Ukraine amid Russia’s assault on the country.

Bell Canada, Rogers Communications Inc., Telus Corp. and Shaw Communications Inc. have all announced customers will not be charged to help connect with loved ones in the embattled region.

Graham CoxGraham Cox

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