Retired Hamilton man sits at super mailbox site all day in protest

Henry Evans-Tenbrinke has become a fixture on Hamilton's Brucedale Avenue. He's been sitting in a lawn chair beside all day for the past two weeks. He's protesting Canada Post's decision to cut door-to-door mail service and install super mailboxes.  

Since May 11, the 60-year-old retired man has been there approximately 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Evans-Tenbrinke is protesting the super mailboxes that are being installed in the area by Canada Post.

"It's a great vantage point," he tells As it Happens host Carol Off. "I can see up and down several blocks from here. As they try to put boxes up in other places I manage to drive up and stop them." 

The city of Hamilton has been at the forefront of a fight against Canada Post's decision to cut door-to-door mail service. 

"People are upset and angry," says Evans-Tenbrinke. "There's no excuse to take away that service from us."

In April, the city of Hamilton passed a bylaw that said Canada Post would have to pay $200 for each mailbox installed. But, the Crown corporation has ignored the rule -- arguing that federal legislation trumps municipal bylaws. 

"Canada Post seems to feel that they're above the law and their rights supercede the city and we're saying no it doesn't," says Evans-Tenbrinke. 

Tomorrow, Canada Post and the city will square off in court to see if the bylaw stands. There are plans for a protest tomorrow to coincide with the hearing. But, Evans-Tenbrinke won't be attending. 

"I'll be staying here at the site," he says. "I can see them trying to install boxes when there's nobody here."