It’s almost time to put up your Christmas tree, and we’ve got great news!
If you haven’t already heard, beloved community staple Santa’s Forest will be returning to Braefoot Park lacrosse box this winter after a year away.
The owner, Kim Frocklage, had been selling trees there for nearly three decades before having to move after the Saanich parks department told them they needed to be affiliated with a charity or fundraiser in order to sell.
“It is hard to uproot your business and customers when you have been there for 27 years,” Frocklage told Victoria Buzz.
“However, I understood why I had to move.”
Last year’s trees were sold from a lacrosse box behind the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, where it was hard for people to find.
No matter how difficult, she understood what would be required to return to Braefoot Park and began her problem-solving process and plan of action.
Because the park isn’t zoned to host commercial sales, she would need a special temporary permit in order for Santa’s Forest to operate.
“I approached Council at the beginning of the year to see if there is a possibility of coming back,” Frocklage said.
“I was also the voice for the Saanich residents that thought [Santa’s Forest] was important for families and supporting their community.”
As for choosing a charity or fundraiser, she was more than happy to oblige this requirement and chose Santas Anonymous, local food banks, and the urban forest reserve fund.
Frocklage was granted the temporary use permit, which is good for three years and allows her to set up Santa’s Forest no earlier than November 20th.
Sales are permitted to begin as of November 25th and will continue until December 24th.
Lots of time for families and community members to come visit, say hello, and pick out their champion Christmas tree for this year!
Frocklage says the average tree costs around $70 to $80 dollars and there will be multiple truck loads full of hand-picked trees.
See you there!
Santa’s Forest
- Where: Braefoot Park at Lacrosse box, 1359 Mckenzie Avenue
- When: Sales start on November 25th—open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
