EclectEcon

Last May, I visited the memorial to Canadian soldiers who helped fight for England in WWI and WWII. It seemed to be a flat-ish but non-level pond-like thing with maple leafs in inverse relief, over parts of which water gently flowed. I remember noticing at the time that it had some pigeon droppings on it — is there anything in London that doesn't?? But I did not think the memorial was in any sort of disrepair or even neglect. After all, it would be pretty costly to maintain around the clock pigeon-dropping cleaning services.

So I was surprised to read this in the Globe and Mail last week:

Premier Dalton McGuinty says Ontario could foot the bill to maintain a neglected Canadian war memorial in London, England.

Mr. McGuinty says the federal government should pick up the $25,000 tab, but if it doesn't, the Ontario government might step in.

The Canadian War Memorial near Buckingham Palace has fallen into disrepair, amid arguments over maintenance responsibilities...

The monument was inaugurated by the Queen 13 years ago to honour Canadians who fought and died in the two world wars.

$25,000? What's the problem? Or is there some question about whether the memorial really needs any maintenance?

Below are some photos I took at the time. I really don't see the neglect or disrepair.