Residents at St. Boniface apartment showing Canadian pride by displaying flags

It’s a sight to see at the corner of Goulet Street and Traverse Avenue. More than 60 residents in this block are proudly displaying Canadian flags.

“We are Canadian. This is Canada. This is not the 51st State, and it never will be,” said Michelle Vermeulen, the resident manager.

A powerful message at an uncertain time. Residents of all ages and backgrounds have come together at a St. Boniface apartment building to express their pride in our country.

“It was amazing to me to see the spirit of all the tenants in the building. We have a wide variety of tenants, from young to old, professionals to seniors. They all decided this would be a great thing for our building, and they went ahead and did it,” said Vermeulen.

Vermeulen says it was a tenant-led initiative.

“Our dear friend Lorraine, she put a poster saying that we’re selling flags and we are installing and I found out I was part of the we,” said Jean-Paul Doucet, a resident.

The residents went door to door throughout the building, offering flags for five dollars or free if people couldn’t afford one. Then, they offered to install them right away.

“I was really pleased to see how friendly and enthusiastic they were. They wanted to be involved,” said Doucet.

Vermeulen adding, “It’s wonderful to see them come together. It doesn’t matter how you vote, we still all feel proud to be Canadians, and we want to display that.”

The message they hope to send?

“We’re not for sale; just leave us alone,” said Norman Levacque, a resident.

Doucet adding, “Just to be proud of our country and be happy we live here […] Buy Canadian and really support each other in the Canadian way.”

The residents hope the spirit spreads to other apartments, especially these high rises downtown, to send a powerful message.