Condo Land, the True North Strong and Free
This Saturday marks the 60th anniversary of the Canadian Flag. In response to you-know-what-by-you-know-who, five former prime ministers have asked Canadians to fly the Maple Leaf this Saturday… but what about those pesky condo rules? Can Condo Land join in this wave of patriotism?
The first raising of our flag
On February 15, 1965, exactly 60 years ago, the red and white Maple Leaf flag was raised for the first time on parliament hill.
Thousands of Canadians gathered as the Canadian Red Ensign was lowered and, at the stroke of noon, the new National Flag of Canada was hoisted. Prime Minister Pearson’s words on the occasion resound with hope and determination: “May the land over which this new flag flies remain united in freedom and justice … sensitive, tolerant and compassionate towards all.”
Here is some historic footage of this ceremony.
February 15, 1965: Raising Canada’s New Flag, provided by the National Film Board of Canada
Condo Rules on the Canadian Flag
Many corporations have rules preventing the display of, or hanging of, anything from balconies or the erection of any structure in the exclusive-use yard. Many corporations also have rules limiting the colour of draperies or blinds visible from the outside.
These rules can conflict with the red-and-white patriotic wave we are called upon to unleash from coast to coast to coast. Thankfully, there is a piece of federal legislation that may help.
The National Flag of Canada Act
The National Flag of Canada Act provides that:
Every person who is in control of an apartment building, a condominium building or building in divided co-ownership or another multiple-residence building or a gated community is encouraged to allow the National Flag of Canada to be displayed in accordance with flag protocol.
This Saturday may be the perfect day to apply a patriotic exemption to your condo rules.
Some condo corportions are actually actively advising their owners that an exemption will be granted this weekend. Doing so, they take this opportunity to educate and guide owners on what will be permitted (the duration of the exemption; where flags will be allowed (maybe windows) and what is not permitted (damaging common elements or anything that may create a hazard)).
True North Strong and Free
With all that is happening south of the border, it feels like we’ve been dragged into a bad reality show where diplomacy is being tossed around based on mood swings, inflated egos and tantrums.
So next time some presidential goldfish suggests that we’d be better off becoming the 51st state, remind him of who we are: people with both feet standing guard on Canadian soil, with our heads pointing to the North star, and with our hearts beating to the rhythm of First Nations. People whose eyes are lit by the northern lights and whose loyalty is measured using the metric system. People who settle scores with hockey sticks, not guns. People who eat poutine, not cater to him. People that discovered insulin and sold the patent for one dollar so that the world could benefit from this life saving medicine without profiting from it. We’re from a country that tastes like maple syrup and sounds like a Canadian Loon in the boreal forest.
Ultimately, tell him that we prefer a country that cares for their neighbours [yes, the spelling is correct] not one that takes advantage of them.
For the next four years, show your colours by buying Canadian and by changing your travel plans to, instead, visit this amazing country we have! From the majestic, windswept shores of the Atlantic, to the vibrant French culture of Acadia and Québec. From the shimmering waters of the Great Lakes reflecting a thousand dreams to the prairies’ land of the living skies. From the rugged peaks of the Rockies, and the coastal rainforests of the Pacific, all the way to the endless skies of our northern territories. All of it is “yours to discover”.
As for flying the flag? I certainly don’t want to encourage anyone to break condo rules, but I’ll say this: if it is safe; if it does not damage common elements; if it is displayed with respect and if it’s removed by the end of the weekend: I won’t tell anyone.
…and if you get in trouble, tell them to call me. I’ll remind them why I wore the uniform for nearly two decades.