“Growing Great Places Together” is our slogan, and it captures the essence of the program.
History. Established with the guidance of Britain in Bloom, Tidy Towns of Ireland and Villes et Villages Fleuris de France, Communities in Bloom held its first edition in 1995 and 29 participating municipalities were honoured at the first awards ceremonies on Parliament Hill. The program now includes hundreds of communities across the country and an international challenge involving communities from the United States, Asia and several European countries allows participants to compete internationally.
In 2020, Communities in Bloom united with the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) a national not-for-profit federation of provincial horticultural trade associations representing over 4,000 members with landscape, garden centre, and nursery businesses.
This strategic alliance will help municipalities educate the public on the value of protecting our environment, while also showcasing their achievements and fostering civic pride throughout Canada and around the world.
Program. The program consists of communities receiving information and being evaluated either provincially or nationally by a volunteer jury of trained professionals on the accomplishments of their entire community (municipal, private, corporate and institutional sectors, citizens) on six key criteria: Community Appearance, Environmental Action, Heritage Conservation, Tree Management, Landscape and Plant & Floral Displays.
Benefits. Participating communities unanimously agree! Growth in civic pride, positive sense of community, and tangible improvements generated by their efforts are immediately felt. Communities in Bloom is a community program where everyone wins. It is a citizen led, community economic development program, with a Return on Investment that is measurable, predictable and accountable. An invaluable information exchange network also allows communities to share accomplishments, best practices and projects. All participants are showcased on www.communitiesinbloom.ca which highlights the communities, features in-depth articles and provides educational content. There are also promotional opportunities through special initiatives and events.
National Symposium on Parks and Grounds. Held in conjunction with the annual national awards ceremonies, this event is a unique opportunity for elected officials, parks and grounds professionals and community volunteers to learn and share about current issues, trends and challenges not only in horticulture and gardening, but in community tourism and projects, environmental awareness, and much more. Workshops and awards ceremonies are also held in all provinces throughout the year.
The Communities in Bloom Foundation, established to support the educational aspect of its activities, is dedicated to funding, developing and disseminating education and awareness to a wide audience on the value, improvement, importance and sustainable development of green spaces and natural environment in Canadian society. The foundation also awards bursaries to students in horticulture / environment programs.
Within the context of climate change and environmental concerns, communities involved in the Communities in Bloom program can be proud of their efforts, which provide real and meaningful environmental solutions and benefit all of society.
Please click here to view the National Committee List.
For more information, contact us at:
Communities in Bloom
7856 Fifth Line South
Milton ON L9T 2X8
Tel.: (514) 694-8871
bloom@cib-cef.com