Keith and Della Halvorson's red house on Government Road in Brackendale has long been a landmark, with its striking giant Canadian flag painted on the side.
But it is likely that at no point in its 15-year history has that flag meant as much to the locals who drive or walk by daily as it does now, with our sovereignty under threat from the U.S. in recent months.
With President Donald Trump repeatedly saying Canada would make a great 51st state, and on-again off-again substantial tariffs, patriotism seems to be at an all-time high in Squamish and beyond.
The Halvorson house is also special in its own right.
Built in 1932, it is one of the original houses in the area.
It has been renovated a few times since 1987, when Keith bought it, growing from 800 square feet to its current 2,400.
How it started
Long-time locals, the Halvorsons wanted to put the flag up on the side of their home for the 2010 Winter Olympics, which was held primarily in Vancouver and Whistler.
"The torch relay was going by on Government Road, and then we realized we had the whole side of our house that we could make a flag," Della told The Squamish Chief, noting that they didn't quite get it done in time for the relay.
The couple painted the flag themselves, using a big tarp and a homemade stencil.
"Luckily, it is a fairly simple design," Della said.
Members of the community have let the couple know the effort is appreciated.
"Over the years, we have had many comments that it does bring joy to the neighbourhood, which is pretty darn cool, especially now during a surge in Canadian pride," Della said, noting she also usually has a basket on the front porch with a little Canadian flag.
If you want to drive by and check it out, the flag is not as visible in the summer, due to a blossoming apple tree next door, but is visible through spring, fall and winter.
(Have a patriotic symbol on your house? Let us know, [email protected].)
