News release

Boston Tree Cutting Ceremony

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Nova Scotia continued its annual tradition of thanking the people of Boston for their help during the aftermath of the Halifax Explosion.

Every year since 1971, a Christmas tree is chosen to be sent to Boston. This year's tree is a 15-metre white spruce and belongs to Floyd and Elaine Shatford. It was cut at a ceremony on their property in Fox Point, Lunenburg Co., today, Nov. 16. RCMP members from the Chester detachment took part in the ceremony and escorted the tree to the highway.

"Each year, we send the people of Boston the biggest and most beautiful tree we can find," said John MacDonell, Minister of Natural Resources. "This year is no exception and we are proud to carry on this tradition of providing this token of appreciation."

On Dec. 6, 1917, two ships, the Mont Blanc and the Imo, one carrying munitions, collided in Halifax Harbour. The resulting explosion destroyed part of Halifax, killed almost 2,000 people and injured thousands more. The first relief arrived from Boston with doctors, nurses and supplies coming on the train. There were community relief drives in Boston for the people of Halifax.

"We are honoured that a tree from our property has been picked to be sent to Boston this year," said Mr. Shatford. "And we are happy to know that so many people can enjoy a tree that I've been able to enjoy my whole life."

The Boston Christmas tree usually comes from a private landowner and is selected by the Department of Natural Resources. The chosen tree must be balsam fir, white spruce or red spruce, 12 to 16 metres tall.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal will provide staff and equipment to load and deliver the tree to Boston, which will make part of the journey on the Digby ferry.

The tree will serve as the focal point for the annual tree-lighting ceremony at the Boston Common on Thursday, Dec. 3, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. For the third year in a row, Nova Scotia Come to life will be the title sponsor of the ceremony, ensuring Nova Scotia is well-represented. The tree's journey to Boston can be followed on Twitter @novascotialife.