Canadian pride on display with 60 new flags in downtown Chatham

Chatham has hoisted 60 new Canadian flags in the downtown streets. CTV Windsor’s Chris Campbell shares more.

A patriotic display of red and white is turning heads in downtown Chatham with the installation of 60 new Canadian flags.

The initiative, led by the Downtown Chatham BIA, aims to beautify the core and boost community spirit.

Lucinda Harp, a BIA board member who brought the idea forward, said she was inspired by her hometown of Cobourg and the neighbouring town of Port Hope.

“Every year businesses and residents show their patriotism by putting out Canadian flags,” Harp said.

“I thought with everything happening in the world it would be a nice idea for our downtown to do something similar. When I brought the idea to the board, there was unanimous support.”

JP Contractors handled the installation work.

“We do a lot of different jobs, but this one is definitely near and dear to our hearts as a proud Canadian company,” said Martin Horneman of JP Contractors.

Chatham-Kent councillor and BIA board member Conor Allin said finding financial support was a “no brainer.”

“A project like this can really unite a downtown, and with the availability of the Hydro One grant funding, it was made possible,” Allin said.

Andrew Thiel, co-chair of the Downtown Chatham BIA, called the flags “just the beginning” of ongoing efforts to revitalize the downtown.

“Retrofest is next weekend, we will be replacing the River Rock mural in June, and we have some amazing announcements coming up right up until the end of the year,” Thiel said.

“There is a fantastic board in place, with an incredibly enthusiastic executive director — the sky is the limit for the next few years.”

A second round of flag installations is expected in late June or early July to include more businesses that were unable to participate initially.

The BIA is encouraging interested business owners within the downtown core to reach out by email at [e-mail] to secure a spot. Those requiring commercial installations outside the BIA area can contact JP Contractors via jpcontractors.ca for assistance with the permit process.