Windsor's massive riverfront flag replaced with smaller one during high winds
Large flag replaced with smaller version due to high wind
The massive Canadian flag erected on Windsor's downtown waterfront has been swapped out for a smaller version because of high winds hitting the region this week.
Replacing the 18-by-nine metre flag with another flag half its size during poor weather has always been the plan for the group that raised the cash for the project.
When winds are expected to reach 50 km/h or more, the flags will be swapped out, according to Yvan Mantha, the city's manager of parks operations. The smaller flag will fly all winter.
"With all the storms that were coming in, we felt it was wise to ... put the smaller flag up," Mantha said.
While city workers are in charge of lowering, raising and maintaining the flag and pole, the costs are covered by a trust fund set up by the Great Canadian Flag Project committee.
The smaller flag measures roughly seven metres by three-and-a-half metres, just less than half the size of the flag unveiled on the waterfront in May.
The flag committee bought two flags of each size. The first of the large flags is already undergoing repairs because of an issue with the seam.
"Instead of letting it going bad, we sent it to Mississauga for repair," Mantha said.
One of the giant flags is expected to once again be flying on the waterfront by Friday.