News release

Boston Tree Cutting Ceremony

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Nova Scotia's most famous Christmas tree has been chosen. Every winter since 1971, one special tree is sent to the people of Boston, Mass., in appreciation for their help during the aftermath of the Halifax Explosion.

This year's Boston Christmas tree is a 14-metre white spruce located in Granville Centre, Annapolis Co. and belongs to Christopher and Lisa Hamilton. The tree is scheduled to be cut at 11 a.m. on Nov. 14.

"Each year, we search long and hard to find a tree deserving of this honour," said David Morse, Natural Resources Minister. "With great pride, we present this tree to our friends in Boston, whose outpouring of kindness in 1917 will never be forgotten."

On Dec. 6, 1917, two ships, one carrying munitions, collided in Halifax Harbour resulting in an explosion that destroyed part of Halifax. The explosion killed almost 2,000 people and injured thousands more. Relief first arrived via train from Boston with doctors, nurses and supplies. They relieved local workers and set up temporary hospitals and aid stations. In Boston, there were community relief drives in support of those affected in Halifax.

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 in height, healthy with good colour, thick branches, symmetrical and easy to access.

The process, from finding the tree to its arrival at the Boston Common, is a joint effort. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal will provide the staff and equipment to load and deliver the tree to Boston.

The Nova Scotia Community College's Forest Technology Program, Lunenburg Campus, will assist with the felling, loading and securing of the tree.

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations will provide vehicle-compliance assistance for transportation of the tree on Nova Scotia Highways. Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage co-ordinates delivery and transportation of the tree to Boston.

The tree will serve as the focal point for the annual tree-lighting ceremony at the Boston Common on Thursday, Nov. 29, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.