Perfect Score for Edmonton at Communities in Bloom National Awards
October 06, 2009
City takes top honours among large municipalities
Edmonton earned top honours at the Communities in Bloom national awards Oct. 3 in Vaughan, Ontario.Competing in its 15th awards program, Edmonton won the national title among large municipalities as one of Canada’s most beautiful and livable communities by taking first place in the Cities Over 300,000 Population category.
National judges gave Edmonton the highest rating possible – 5 blooms out of 5 – allowing the City to finish ahead of London, Ontario, and Halifax Regional Municipality.
“This recognition reflects what Edmontonians have always known,” said Councillor Kim Krushell. “Edmonton is a beautiful community, and we are always growing. Our participation in Communities in Bloom is just one of many ways that Edmontonians are working to be the most livable community in Canada.”
“This year really shows that Edmontonians want our city to come alive,” said Lucy Chang, President of the Edmonton Horticultural Society. “Drought conditions mean different expectations, but we still work to make Edmonton beautiful.”
National Communities in Bloom awards are presented to more than 100 municipalities each year. Communities are evaluated for tidiness, environmental responsibility, community involvement, natural and cultural heritage, trees, landscaped areas, flowers, and turfs.
Two national judges toured Edmonton at the beginning of August 2009. The judges gave Edmonton special recognition for the “Front Yards in Bloom” program, which received 1056 nominations in 2009. During their visit, judges presented Front Yards in Bloom awards to a packed house at City Hall.
Judges toured Edmonton’s extensive parklands, Louise McKinney Park, Muttart Conservatory, John Fry Park, the world-renowned Edmonton Waste Management Centre, and other sites highlighting Edmonton’s blend of community, heritage, art, parks, plants, and trees. Meeting with residents, businesses, and civic officials, they also heard about Edmonton’s vibrant community leagues and the City’s Capital City Clean Up program to eliminate litter and graffiti.
Judges were particularly impressed with Edmonton’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Edmonton was one of three finalists for the Waste Management Environmental Awareness Award, with the City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario winning taking first place.
Edmonton’s involvement in Communities in Bloom has prompted several beautification programs including the “Ride the Wave” petunia barrels, Front Yards in Bloom, and naturalization plantings, to name just a few.
Images and further information will be available on the Edmonton in Bloom webpage at www.edmonton.ca/eib.
In addition to Edmonton, several communities in Alberta received Communities in Bloom awards. Visit http://www.communitiesinbloom.ca/ for more information.
Communities in Bloom is supported by EcoVision Edmonton, Council’s vision for an environmentally sustainable city.
For more information:
John Helder
| Title | Principal of Horticulture, Asset Management and Public Works, Parks |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 780-914-7278 (cell) |
Rodney Al
| Title | Communities in Bloom Coordinator, Asset Management and Public Works, Parks |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 780-915-5811 (cell) |
