The decorated and illuminated Blue Spruce in Uptown Waterloo is officially being called a Christmas tree and not a 'holiday tree' by the city.
The news comes after loud and angry reaction from residents over a decision by city staff to call it a ‘holiday tree.'
City councillors say they've gotten an earful and the complaints have even reached Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran all the way in China, where she is travelling to drum up business for the city.
Halloran is assuring the public that the use of the term was not a decision made by council or the mayor, nor was there any intention of changing the name to 'holiday.'
In an email to CTV News Halloran says "This whole situation has unfortunately gotten totally misconstrued. It was a staff initiative to recognize the generosity of the person who donated it and this had never been discussed or come through council."
Halloran says that she will be calling it a Christmas tree.
There has been a significant backlash against the use of the term ‘holiday tree' from residents in Waterloo Region.
Comments submitted to the CTV News website skewed strongly in favour of using the traditional Christmas tree terminology, with many citing dictionary definitions and the historical use of the tree.
City councillor Scott Witmer says "My Blackberry lit up the moment you ran your story last night and it hasn't stopped."
He adds that staff was directed on Friday morning to stop calling it a 'holiday tree' and start calling it a Christmas tree, which he's quite happy about.
"You know what, it looks like a Christmas tree, it smells like a Christmas tree, it's a Christmas tree."
City councillor Melissa Durrell, who explained Thursday that the term 'holiday tree' was used to respect "all the different people at this time of year," declined to comment on Friday saying Witmer speaks for council on the issue
Witmer says there was never any intention to offend Christians by calling it a 'holiday tree.'
City councillor Karen Scian says it's a Christmas tree to her and she's heard from plenty of upset residents.
"We celebrate many faiths, many, you know, diverse people from across the world come to live in Waterloo and we're accepting of everybody so we're equally accepting of our Christmas tree."
On Thursday, Frank Sollezzo was excited to see the tree but furious about what it was being called.
Now he's pleased to hear there's been a change of heart, "Great, it should have been like that at the start."
He suggests the city put a start on top, just to make it clear what kind of tree it is.
