A dad has been forced to dismantle an incredible pirate ship he built for his children during lockdown after a neighbour complained to the authorities.
John Konstantinidis dedicated eight weeks to creating the structure in the backyard of the family home in Scarborough, Toronto, so his two kids, aged seven and nine, had some where to play during the coronavirus pandemic.
But after just a week of fun the City of Toronto contacted John to tell him it would have to go because it was breaching city bylaws
John told CTV News Toronto on Thursday: "They love it more than anything in the world."
City of Toronto sent a statement to CTV News Toronto saying they received a "complaint regarding a large structure with a pool, close to the property line.
The authority said the pool requires a permit which ensures it is properly fenced in and the structure is larger than 10 x 10 so needs a building permit.
The devastated parent said he is willing to comply with any rules if it means he doesn't have to remove the pirate ship, which is part deck and part swimming pool, completely.
He is now in the process of dismantling it and moving the pirate ship five feet away from the fence to comply with "zoning setback requirements for pools" as advised by the authorities.
John said: "We are not above the law. But don't make me take it down."
John and his wife Voula said they wish the neighbour who was unhappy with the pirate ship had spoken to them first because dismantling the structure has "really hurt" their children.
Voula said: "What do you say to them as a parent?"
"You try to put their mind at ease. We told them no matter what they will have some sort of pool."
