'Busier than it's ever been': Winnipeggers wait up to two hours for Christmas trees amid shortage
Winnipeggers looking to spruce up their homes this holiday season with a real Christmas tree might have a hard time finding one this year.
"It's been super crazy. The number of trees we've sold has been astronomical compared to past years," said Tim McManus at the 67th Winnipeg Scout Christmas Tree Lot
It's a similar trend at RBM Gardens. After finishing its wholesale orders this week, the tree dealer is now selling to the public.
"It's so much busier than it's ever been," said Verna McGuckin, owner of RBM Gardens
On Saturday morning, the line stretched for nearly two kilometres, with some waiting more than two hours for a tree.
It's a wait they say was worth it.
"Well, it's the spirit of the season. It's tradition. We've always had real trees," said Bob and Heather Hobson, who waited in line for an hour and a half for a tree.
"We like the smell in the house and we just think it's great having a natural tree," said Dan Panaro, who waited in line for more than two hours.
However, tree supply this season doesn't meet demand.
"In certain areas, there was drought. In others, there was like a gypsy moth issue. In another, it was a late frost in the spring. So all the new growth got frozen and stunted the trees," explained McGuckin.
Tough conditions mixed with more Americans buying trees has led to a shortage across North America.
It's creating problems for retailers like Paul's Greenhouse, which sold out of trees in its first week.
"It's a financial hit, not just this year, but for every customer who doesn't get a tree, they might not come back next year. So there are long-term ramifications to this," said Norbert Turcotte, one of the owners of the greenhouse.
As for stock at RBM Gardens, McGuckin says they have a selection of local Manitoba spruce trees to tide them over for another week.
"So there's a nice local, economical option for people and we expect to have those for another 10 days or so," she said.
The 67th Winnipeg Scout Christmas Tree Lot also says they are expecting another shipment soon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Flights divert around western Iran as one report claims explosions heard near Isfahan
Commercial flights began diverting their routes early Friday morning over western Iran without explanation as one semiofficial news agency in the Islamic Republic claimed there had been 'explosions' heard over the city of Isfahan.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.