News release

Inverness County Tree Sets Sail for Boston

Premier's Office
Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage

A special tree received a warm farewell today, November 12. The 60-year-old, 48-foot white spruce is a thank you gift to the people of Boston for their immediate medical aid and relief supplies following the Halifax Explosion of 1917.

“Nova Scotians will never forget those who were lost and injured as a result of the Halifax Explosion,” said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Steve Craig on behalf of Premier Tim Houston. “This tradition has grown into a feeling of unity, hope and harmony for both Canadians and Americans of all ages. The way a tragedy can further unite us is something truly remarkable.”

This year marks the 104th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion and the 50th anniversary of the Tree for Boston tradition.

The Province is once again partnering with the Port of Halifax, PSA Halifax and Eimskip Canada to transport the tree on a container vessel. The tree will leave Halifax on November 15, reach Portland, Maine, on November 16, then arrive in Boston on November 17.

The live tree-lighting ceremony will take place on December 2 at 8 p.m. AST. Nova Scotia musicians Beòlach with Heather Rankin and R&B artist Keonté Beals will perform for more than 15,000 people on the Boston Common and an expected audience of 200,000 viewers on WCVB Channel 5 Boston.

Quotes:

“Eimskip is honoured to be a part of this great tradition again this year. The supply chain has been disrupted in many ways, however Eimskip has been able to service our customers and find new solutions to the demand. Supporting projects like the Tree for Boston is a very important part of our values, so we are happy to help in any way we can.”

– Shawn Doyle, Sales & Operation Lead, Eimskip Canada

Quick Facts:

  • the Halifax Explosion occurred on December 6, 1917, when the Norwegian vessel SS Imo collided with the SS Mont-Blanc, a French cargo ship laden with high explosives, in Halifax Harbour
  • 2,000 people were killed and 9,000 more were injured as a result of the explosion
  • this year’s tree was donated by landowner L’Arche Cape Breton, a non-profit organization that creates safe, supportive homes and meaningful work for people with disabilities

Additional Resources:

Tree for Boston 2021:

News release on L’Arche Cape Breton’s donation: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20211025001

L’Arche Cape Breton: https://www.larchecapebreton.org

Port of Halifax: https://www.portofhalifax.ca

Eimskip Canada: https://www.eimskip.com/offices/canada

PSA Halifax: https://www.psahalifax.com

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