Santa Claus is coming to town, and some people aren't happy about it.
Place Versailles has been at the centre of Christmas controversy for the better part of week after it was announced Ol' Saint Nick would arrive at the mall on Saturday, which also happens to be Remembrance Day.
The mall's Facebook page has been encouraging Montrealers young and old to be on hand at 10:00 A.M. to watch Santa arrive via helicopter.
Many Montrealers took to social media to criticize the mall's administration for holding a Christmas event on the day we honour those who have died in the line of duty, calling the move disrespectful.
"I don't know what they were thinking, but I'm sure the veterans think there's a lack of respect," Stan Kircoff, president of the Verdun Legion, Branch 4 told CTV Montreal.
In a statement on Facebook Place Versailles apologized for the conflict, but said due to logistical constraints there was no other day fly in Pere Noel.
“It's not a good idea,” said legion member Michael Ryan, whose father and grandfather both served in World War I and II.
“If anything, merchants should realize that the 11th is a special day for Canada, especially this year being the 100th anniversary of Passchendaele.”
Other legion members agree.
"One day a year. Christmas can be the other 364 if that's what it means" said Marlene MacArthur.
Traditionally retailers don't kick off their Christmas activities until after Remembrance Day.
Following the backlash the mall's administration promised to make arrangements to honour Remembrance Day.