What is Communities in Bloom?
Communities in Bloom is a non-profit Canadian organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement and the challenge of a national program, with focus on enhancing green spaces in communities.
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, Europe and Asia allows participants to compete internationally.
Communities receive information and are evaluated either provincially, nationally or internationally by a volunteer jury of trained professionals on the accomplishments of their entire community based on key criteria:
Tidiness
Environmental Action
Heritage Conservation
Urban Forestry and Trails
Landscape, and Floral Displays.
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.
Why is Communities in Bloom good for Bobcaygeon?
"People, plants and pride ... growing together" is the Communities in Bloom motto for good reason. The pride, sense of community and feeling of accomplishment generated through participation are visible in communities all over Canada. These benefits make Communities in Bloom a program where everyone wins. Participants can benefit from the program through community initiatives and programs, while a valuable information exchange network allows communities to share accomplishments, best practices and projects.
Why are we a good candidate?
Whether you're a resident, cottager or visitor, you know that Bobcaygeon is a very special place, surrounded by all that nature has to offer. Brimming with pride and an engaged community, we celebrate our heritage, care for our environment, create parks and trails, line our streets and fill our gardens with amazing displays that warm our hearts and please our senses. As a result of the efforts of our community members, Bobcaygeon is perfectly positioned to seek recognition from the Communities in Bloom program in all categories!
Touring with the judges on the Town Trolley
Our 2018 Judges’ Book
We hope you enjoy this book written and designed by volunteers as a reference and introduction to our community for the Ontario Communities in Bloom judges. (Please note correction, page 66 should show Lisa Humphries as the rep partner from the Bobcaygeon Agriculture Society.)
Contact
Bobcaygeon Communities in Bloom
P. O. Box 1311
Bobcaygeon, ON
K0M 1A0
BobcaygeonCIB@outlook.com
July 12, 2018 — A judges’ tour to remember
October 6, 2018 — Celebrating our success!
Benefits
community involvement & civic pride
Communities in Bloom town businesses and residents are united by a desire to make Bobcaygeon as attractive and inviting and eco-friendly as possible. When we work toward goals, we increase civic pride.
tourism development
Participation in the program has proven to make communities better places to live in, to work in and to visit.
groups working together
Citizens, groups, organizations, business and government all mobilize and work together -- for this project, but we are also building relationships that form a firm foundation for the future.
beautification of the entire community
Everyone benefits from improved landscaping, floral displays, tree canopy, and tidiness.
Green & Sustainable initiatives
Awareness of the importance of horticulture and green spaces is increased. Environmental actions such as recycling, composting and water conservation are an integral part of the program evaluation.
best practices & information exchange
We benefit through learning best practices and tips specific to Bobcaygeon from comments by the judges and from information exchanges between participating communities.