Canada Tree seeks home in research centre

The family of the late Tyler Aspin, creator of the Canada Tree, is hoping a permanent home for it can be made in a federal addictions research centre in eastern P.E.I.

The Canada Tree is a massive art project, standing close to 10 metres high and weighing more than four tonnes. Shaped like a tree, it contains objects from across Canada: a pencil from Margaret Atwood, planks from the Bluenose II, and jack pine from the Northwest Territories.

Aspin started the project in 1997 and finished it in 2001. He died that same year when he was struck by lightning. He was 32.

Linda Aspin is frustrated her son's legacy doesn't yet have a permanent home. It has spent most of that time in storage. She believes it would be a good fit for the research centre in Montague.

"I think the structure itself, right away you say, 'Yes, this is the right look.' From the economic point of view it should be a winner," she said.

The original plan for the tree was to build a brand new building. This new plan would be building a glass room for the tree on to the front of the existing research facility building. Montague Town council supports the idea. Coun. Janice MacBeth wants to a small interpretive space built around the tree

The family also has the support of local MP Lawrence MacAulay.

"It's a national treasure and we want it displayed," said MacAulay.

"It would be a perfect fit. I've written to the director general; I've not received a response back yet."

Correctional services, which owns the building, says it's considering the proposal.

The Canada Tree won't be displayed in Montague any more until a permanent location is found. Lawrence MacAulay said if the addictions facility doesn't work out he'll look for funding for a brand new building.