Canada Tree sculpture returns to storage
The Canada Tree, a 10-metre-high sculpture made with wooden objects donated by hundreds of Canadians, has been removed again from display in eastern P.E.I.
The tree, built by the late Tyler Aspin, was officially unveiled on the Montague waterfront last September. It was taken down for the winter to avoid weather damage. It went back into its shed after just three weeks on display this summer for the same reason.
A town committee is trying to come up with a plan to build a permanent shelter and interpretive centre for the tree, but it does not yet even have an estimate of what that would cost.
Aspin's family is concerned about damage to the tree, and does not want it moved again until it has a permanent home. It's expected the tree will remain in storage until at least 2012.
Objects included in the tree
- Gavel from Peter Gzowski.
- Pencil from Margaret Atwood.
- Planks from Bluenose II.
- Shingles from Green Gables.
Former Montague mayor Pat McGowan believes it's time for the town to give up the tree.
"I would like to see it in Charlottetown," McGowan told CBC News Thursday.
"I think with all the tourists that they have there, it will be appreciated even more than it is in Montague."
McGowan said the town can't afford its share of an interpretive centre.
Montague Coun. Janice MacBeth, a member of the committee planning that centre, admitted she has no idea how much it will cost, but she's confident the town will be able to come up with the money.
Aspin's family said for now they've put their confidence in the town, and they don't want to see the tree moved yet again.