The Canadian flags hanging from hydro poles in an Old North neighbourhood can stay, but only until Canada Day.
Ted Skinner put the flags on London Hydro poles on Thornton Ave. as a was of celebrating our nation's 150th birthday. But a complaint from neighbour led to fears that the city would force the flags to come down.
On Tuesday, Mayor Matt Brown called Skinner to tell him that the flags can stay. However, they will have to come down after July 1.
Skinner says Brown told him he had spoken to an official at London Hydro, who have the go-ahead for the flags to stay.
"I have to admit, it was a bit of an honour to get a call right from the top," said Skinner. "He was very understanding. He said he would go to bat for me. He said he couldn't change the rules but he could contact the people who might be able to bend them a bit."
Skinner says there are about 18 flags up along Thornton Ave. now, but there are plans for a total of 30. He says his neighbours, with the one notable exception, have been incredibly supportive.
"They've been sending out emails. They've taken up a collection to help pay for the flags," he says.
Mayor Brown says he applauds Skinner's efforts.
“It’s fantastic to see someone with such pride in our community. That’s why it was important to reach out to London Hydro and work together to ensure that Mr. Skinner could continue to install the flags and celebrate Canada 150," Brown says.
As for any other neighbourhoods considering a similar show of patriotism leading up to Canada Day, a spokesperson for Mayor Brown says they will have to check with London Hydro first.