submitted by Jill Sturdy, Municipality of NG
The Municipality of North Grenville is excited to announce its participation in Communities in Bloom (CIB) Ontario. Communities in Bloom is a non-profit charitable organization that aims to improve the aesthetic appeal of communities and promote friendly competition between Canadian communities to beautify their civic spaces.
Communities in Bloom aims to promote civic pride, environmental responsibility, and beautification through community involvement and the use of green spaces.
“We know so many residents who take pride in their gardens. This program is a wonderful opportunity to amplify our community pride and highlight the beautiful places in which we live, work, play and visit by showcasing our community’s gardens and green spaces,” highlighted Mayor Nancy Peckford.
As part of the program, North Grenville will create a community profile book and host judges on a tour of the community. Anyone who is interested in supporting the Communities in Bloom initiative can contact the Municipality at vision@northgrenville.on.ca or via 613-258-9569 extension 177.
Additionally, residents, businesses, and community groups are invited to participate and submit photos of their gardens to North Grenville’s municipal website. Photos will be featured there and will be used as part of the judging.
“We encourage residents, businesses and community groups to submit photos of their beautiful gardens to display on the municipal website. Not only can gardening provide a natural way to reduce stress, planting flowers and plants can bring joy and happiness to so many of us. Simply put, this program is a wonderful way to showcase North Grenville in Bloom!” added Councillor Debbie Wilson.
2023 Colour of the Year – Purple
Communities in Bloom has chosen purple as the colour of the year due to the “variety of effects on the mind and body, including uplifting spirits, calming the mind, enhancing feelings of spirituality and encouraging imagination and creativity.”
Judging
The judging process is designed to encourage communities to work together to create beautiful, sustainable, and environmentally responsible spaces to enhance the quality of life of their residents.
A team of trained judges will tour the community later this summer and evaluate it based on the following criteria:
- Environmental Action
- Floral Displays
- Heritage Conservation
- Landscaped Areas
- Tidiness
- Urban Forestry & Trails
Based on the evaluation, communities may be awarded ratings from one to five blooms, five blooms being the highest rating. Based on their ranking, communities can move on to the national and international competitions. Communities may also be eligible for special awards based on specific criteria such as sustainability, biodiversity, or community involvement.
For more information and to participate visit www.northgrenville.ca/projects.
