London Ontario, Home of the Metal Trees

I was really surprised hearing all the damage that the first "freak" winter storm had caused in London Ontario last week. People with no power for days, tree branches fallen all over the place. Living outside of London now I don't always get into the city but this weekend I did. After enjoying an amazing breakfast buffett at the Delta Armouries we decided to take a walk throught town. We were walking down Dundas St and my Son noticed something strange. I looked up and saw the big orange eye sore that was suppose to be a tree I guess. After looking down the street I saw another and another. Hoping this was just a joke I was told that London was sporting these "everlasting trees" and what a shame, the Forest City has gone metal. Do they look nice....no, Are they cheap....I doubt it. My question is why would you want these silly things in your town which is known as the forest city? If anyone has an answer please let me know!