Christmas decorations removed from courthouse lawn

If you've been downtown the last couple days, you may have noticed that Santa's sleigh is nowhere to be found on the courthouse property. 

Mayor Christian Provenzano tells SooToday that the city has now moved most of its Christmas-themed decor to the front of City Hall after a request from the courthouse property management.

The annual tree lighting may not be taking place at the courthouse next year, either, says Provenzano.

Provenzano said the city received a request from the party who manages the property for the province, asking that items be removed from the property. 

"We are not sure where that leaves the tree lighting for next year, but we are absolutely committed to having a tree lighting annually," Provenzano said in an email. He said the tree lighting will take place next year and suggested that "when the plaza is finished, we can consider doing it there."

It is not yet clear why the city was asked to remove the decorations.