Winnipeg, MB - The annual tradition of moving a citizen-donated Christmas tree to City Hall will take place this Sunday, November 3.
This year's tree, selected from 270 candidates, comes from the yard of Mr. Guy Sever at 506 Stalker Bay. The 12-metre-high (42') Colorado blue spruce has a trunk diameter of 45 centimeters (18") at its base. The estimated age of the tree is 35 years.
“I’ve been thinking about donating the tree for a couple years because it has grown to cover nearly half of our front yard,” said Sever. “It is such a large tree and really part of the neighbourhood, so I also wanted to ask how my neighbours and daughters felt about having it removed. Everyone was very excited to know that it could be the City Hall Christmas tree and supported the decision to submit it for consideration this year. We are looking forward to visiting City Hall and being able to say ‘That’s our tree!’”
“This is a really beautiful tree,” said Martha Barwinsky, City Forester. “It is one of the bluest ones we’ve had at City Hall in recent memory. This tree is going to look wonderful when lit up.”
On October 18, 2013 the City issued a news release asking citizens to please submit their trees for consideration as none of the trees the City had inspected to that pointâ�"met the necessary criteria.
This is the first time in history the City issued a news release asking for additional help in locating the appropriate tree for City Hall. The City would like to thank all residents who submitted information on their trees.
For more information on the City’s annual Christmas tree visit City of Winnipeg - Christmas Tree
Schedule of events for the installation of the Christmas tree at City Hall
On Sunday, November 3, between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., the tree will be cut and lifted by crane from 506 Stalker Bay. The tree will then be transported on a flatbed to City Hall, 510 Main Street and positioned by crane.
Estimated time for the tree's arrival at City Hall on Sunday, November 3 is between 11:00 a.m. and 12 noon.
A crew from the City’s Urban Forestry Branch will then spend several days decorating the tree with over 9,000 multi-coloured LED lights.
The Ceremonial Lighting of the Tree will take place on Friday, November 15 at approximately 5:45 p.m.