Exclusive – Video – Photo Gallery – Grinch Takes The Fun Out of Christmas in Bowmanville
The Clay family has been served notice from the Municipality of Clarington – Skelly’s got to go.
Skelly has been with the Clay family who live just north of Bowmanville for just under two-years.
Jeremy Clay remembers purchasing Skelly from Costco with his family for Halloween.
It was placed on their front yard on Kenneth Cole Drive, but after Halloween, the decoration just seem to take on a life of its own.
The family thought, why store Skelly when they can just decorate him for the next occasion.
“It became a tradition for our house with our family and then the neighbours.
With different holidays and celebrations, Skelly would be dressed for the occasion.
For Easter, there would be Easter eggs around Skelly along with a necklace of eggs and a bucket for treats.
For the summer, a badminton racquet along with a birdie and a set of golf clubs and of course for Canada Day, lots of Canadian flags.
But it would there is a Grinch that isn’t fond of Skelly. The family was first served notice when a Bylaw officer came to their door on December 10.
A few days later a registered letter arrived.
Clay said he was shocked that someone would complain about Skelly’s existence.
Skelly’s always been very well maintained.
“The grass is always cut, he was always decorated appropriately and clean. He’s been scrubbed multiple times, he’s not a dirty Skelly.”
“We do take pride in it, which may be a bit ridiculous, but we decorate it with our kids.”
Coming up with ideas like putting massive bunny ears on him.
“The neighbourhood kids love it too.”
When the couple is gardening during the summer months they often get asked what Skelly will be decorated for the next holiday.
“People stop their cars literally and say nice things.”
Clay said it’s been a great way to come up with ideas and spend time together with his family working on something that people enjoy.
The letter from the Municipality said family was given a “Order Requiring Compliance” stating, “The above subject property has been found not to be in conformity with the Standards of Maintenance and Occupancy established by the Municipality.”
To be precise, the violation reads that the Halloween decoration has been left on the property.
The remedy “remove the seasonal decoration from exterior property.”
Skelly’s has to be gone by January 12, 2026 or else.
If it’s not done by then, “the Municipality may carry out the repairs or clearance at the owner’s expense, and/or legal action may ensue.”
Or if the Clay family would like to appeal to have it discussed, it will cost them $100.00.
The bylaw officer said the Municipality of Clarington received a complaint on Skelly and they had to take action.
Even Clay said the bylaw officer was “sheepish” and apologetic of what they had to do.
Doubting himself for a moment about the goodwill of Skelly, Clay posted on a neighbourhood Facebook site with the issues arising from the complaint.
The response was unanimous for the family.
“Maybe Skelly’s friend the Grinch should come to visit,” said one post.
“We just moved out of the area, but our son loved seeing Skelly,” said another.
And another, “I walk by daily and it puts a smile on my face to see what Skelly would be decked out in.”
One post asked the question, “can you fight it in anyway?”
And that’s just what the family decided to do.
“Initially I was super mad, super frustrated because I just thought it was someone just having a problem with nothing better to do.”
Thinking about it over the last few days and with the support from the neighbourhood, the family is going to take on city hall.
“There was an outpouring of support. The majority of people I haven’t met face-to-face. Lots of people saying they couldn’t believe it. It was so positive, that’s one of the biggest reasons why we’re going to push further on this. Between our kids and the support.”
Today’s Northumberland will advise on the progress and hopefully a happy outcome.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love