Occasionally, some of the best ideas are the simple ones, those hiding in plain sight. The why-didn’t-we-think-of-that-before ideas.

They need not be life-shaping, world-changing concepts.

Take Norm Arsenault’s wavin' flag idea.

After seeing people chatting on social media about a) the fact Niagara-on-the-Lake has its own flag (like many municipalities), b) that many didn’t even know the town has had a flag since 2013 and c) people thought it was pretty cool looking, the NOTL councillor had a brilliant idea.

Why not see if we can find a supplier who can produce the flag so people in town can fly it? Simple.

So, he quietly went about sourcing a supplier and figured out a reasonable cost ($25 for a three- by five-foot custom-made flag).

Working with fellow politicos Allan Bisback and Gary Zalepa, he took it a step further: helping a good cause.

They got the NOTL air cadets involved and decided any profits from the sale of the flags will go to the 809 Newark Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.

It’s a wonderful, community-building idea that in this era of COVID-19 is a welcome respite from news about social distancing, case counts and fears of a second wave.

But there is a catch. Arsenault’s supplier needs a minimum order of 200 flags confirmed by May 24. That should be easily achieved. Given the community spirit in Niagara-on-the-Lake, we hope to reach and surpass that goal with ease.

Just send an email with your name, address, phone number and quantity of flags (yes, order as many as you want!) to notlflagpride@gmail.com.

We encourage residents and businesses to consider ordering a flag and, as Arsenault said in announcing this project, fly it with pride on Canada Day – and every day.