CIB promotes involvement and action by citizens of all ages, the municipal government, local organizations and businesses. The program strives to improve the tidiness, appearance and visual appeals of our parks, neighbourhoods, open spaces and streets through imaginative use of flowers, plants and trees. A focus on environmental awareness and preservation of heritage and culture is an integral part of our success, resulting in an improved quality of life.

Strathmore Communities in Bloom met for an annual meeting and dinner on January 11, 2010 at the clubhouse at Strathmore Lakes Bay, catered by Kim’s Katering. Officers elected were Robert Breitwieser, Chairman, Bernadette McGuire, Treasurer and alternate signing officer, Rob Pirie.

CIB initiatives for 2010 are the Birth Forest, in which a free tree is planted for each registered baby born in Strathmore. Registration forms are available at the Town Office, Health Unit, Chinook Credit Union, Library, Doctors’ offices and on line in pdf by clicking the link for Birth Forest Registration.

Memorial Trees for those wishing to plant a tree in honour of or in memory of a friend or loved one are available by registering at Wheatland Funeral Service. Trees will be planted in groups at Gray Park on Wheatland Trail.

Beginning the first week of July CiB and the Strathmore Standard will again be promoting the “Bloomer of the Week”, the recognition of people whose flower gardens show exceptional colour, planning and appearance. Photos are published in the newspaper and prizes are awarded to each week’s winner. The contest will run ten weeks throughout the summer.

We hope to complete the planting of trees, flowers and shrubs at Gray Park this spring and summer. Watch the community calendar for dates of work bees and planting.

CiB will again be responsible for the Heritage Days Rodeo and Stampede Beautifications at the Ag. Society Grounds. If you would like to help set up and maintain plants during the Stampede days contact the Chairman Robert Breitwieser at cibstrathmore@yahoo.ca

A new initiative this year is the Heritage Banner Project. Amy Jackson, a student at the U of C has been doing research and preparing pamphlets describing some heritage buildings of Strathmore. A local artist, Johanna Jackins will produce drawings of the buildings which will be printed on banners to be hung on light standards along Lakeside Blvd. at Kinsmen Park. The Strathmore Lions Club, The Kinsmen Club and CIB are partners in this project and Fortis graciously hangs the banners.