'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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.