Drivers travelling along Pat Bay Highway are being greeted by a massive display of Canadian pride, courtesy of Capital Tree Service.
A colossal 12-foot-by-18-foot Canadian flag is currently waving proudly from a boom extending 125 feet into the air, perched next to the Michell's Farm Market parking lot on Island View Road.
The flag was hoisted on Friday afternoon, around 2:30, using the largest bucket truck on Vancouver Island.
Owner Steve Taylor noted the enthusiastic reaction from passersby.
"We had lots of onlookers taking photos, waving at us and honking at us from the highway," Taylor said. "That's a lot of support.”
The idea originated from a conversation between Taylor and Tom Michell, co-owner of Michell's Farm Market.
Taylor, who lives near Michell, contacted his neighbour to suggest raising the flag in anticipation of Canada Day weekend.
"I just thought it was a great idea, considering all the events that are going on around the world – it’s nice to promote Canadian,” Michell said.”
The display has already generated significant buzz from market customers.
"We've got people phoning us…customers saying they can see it as they come around from the north – it stands out like anything,” Michell added.
The flag will fly high throughout the weekend and into next week, but will be temporarily taken down on Monday (June 30) for two hours due to a previous Capital Tree Service annual testing.
It will be re-hoisted and remain on display through Canada Day on Tuesday and until Wednesday (July 2).
This patriotic display comes at a time when Canadian national pride appears to be particularly strong.
The Maple Leaf has always been a symbol of national identity, and in recent times, amid international tensions, many Canadians are embracing it even more fervently.
The giant flag serves as a powerful and visible reminder of Canadian identity as Canada Day celebrations approach.
Numerous events are planned throughout the Peninsula, including the annual parade in downtown Sidney, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Beacon Avenue.
