The tree, a large evergreen donated by the local Rapaich family, was installed on November 13 as a centrepiece for the holiday season. Photos quickly circulated online showing a visibly damaged tree with broken branches, gaps, and dim, sporadic lighting, leading to widespread criticism and comparisons to the sad tree from A Charlie Brown Christmas. […]
The tree, a large evergreen donated by the local Rapaich family, was installed on November 13 as a centrepiece for the holiday season. Photos quickly circulated online showing a visibly damaged tree with broken branches, gaps, and dim, sporadic lighting, leading to widespread criticism and comparisons to the sad tree from A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Former Sarnia resident Jessy Dietz, currently residing in the Arctic, penned an open letter to Mayor Mike Bradley, stating the tree "does not appear to uphold that tradition" and resembled "something out of Whoville after the Grinch’s visit." The letter urged the City to restore the display, noting that the tree is a vital symbol of "unity, celebration, and civic pride".
On December 5, the City of Sarnia issued a detailed public statement to address the concerns.
Transportation Damage: The City acknowledged the tree sustained damage during transport, but stated the forestry team worked to salvage it and ensure the tradition continued.
Rodent Damage to Lights: The main lighting issues were attributed to an unexpected source: rodent damage to cords and a blown fuse that occurred between the mid-November setup and the early December Celebration of Lights kick-off.
Gratitude for Donors and Volunteers: The City stressed that the tree is a community effort, donated by the Rapaich family and installed through the volunteer services of local companies like Sev-Con Paving (transportation) and Jebco Cranes (lifting), helping to sustain the tradition without taxpayer burden.
The City confirmed that the technical issues have been fixed and the tree should now be "shining bright" and "a little more illuminating". Councillor Adam Kilner also weighed in, defending the display and arguing that the holiday spirit is about seeing beauty beyond perfection.
The community-driven effort is part of the broader Celebration of Lights at nearby Centennial Park, which runs nightly until New Year's Day.
The City's transparency appears to have de-escalated much of the criticism, shifting the conversation to appreciation for the local effort involved.
