'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
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.