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“OC Transpo drivers were stopping in front and dropping off flags for us. Children were coming in, politicians.”

Others who stepped up include the Vanier Community Service Centre, Ottawa Community Housing and the Bank of Montreal — all sent donations to help the Manor wave the flags on July 1.

Today, every balcony in the seven-storey building has a Canadian flag draped on its side, a show of determination by the seniors who live there, McCambridge says. A gazebo in the courtyard is also decked out in red and white.

Photo by Wayne Cuddington / Ottawa Citizen

Luckily, McCambridge still has a couple of flags left from the many donated by Bélanger over the years. Not to show all his cards, McCambridge promises the best and brightest display won’t be seen until July 1. As for the fence area, prone to sticky-fingered thieves, those flags are being taken down each evening prior to July 1.

Passersby are appreciating the effort to brighten up the area.

“People are stopping and taking pictures, admiring the work that we’ve done,” said McCambridge. He wants weekend visitors to savour the five community garden beds, complete with sheds.

“We like people to see we’re very active here,” McCambridge says.

McCambridge and his beloved dog, Gracie, “my little hunny-bunny” are standing guard. Abused as a pup, Gracie came from the Jack Russell Terrier rescue centre. McCambridge has been caring for her for 10 years and says she’s a huge hit with the women in the building.

“She’s the princess of the place,” he says

A few kilometres removed from the Parliament Hill festivities, Fatima Manor’s Canada Day will begin with a barbecue at 11 a.m. and blend into an outdoor party at the local Legion in the afternoon and evening, with music, dancing and a view of the Hill fireworks.

“Come and enjoy what we have and enjoy Canada,” McCambridge says. “Open arms to everybody.”

As for the flags he and other tenants worked so hard to showcase, McCambridge says – you’re welcome.

“What do they call it in Hollywood? It was a labour of love.”

wscanlan@postmedia.com