Communities in Bloom

The pride, sense of community and feeling of accomplishment generated through participation in this program are visible in communities all over Canada. These benefits make Communities in Bloom a program where everyone wins.

Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization. It is committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement and the challenge of a national program, with focus on the promotion and value of green spaces in urban settings.

• Click here to learn more about Communities in Bloom Strathmore.
• View Strathmore's Community Profile Book here.

Strathmore Birth Forest

Communities in Bloom is also responsible for the Strathmore Birth Forest, Residents in Strathmore can register to have a tree planted in honor of their newborn child. This forest is located near Centennial Blvd and Thomas Drive, and is a joint project with connectFirst Credit Union and Eagle Lake Nurseries. 

• Click here for the Birth Forest Registration Form

Communities in Bloom Program Information

This program sets criteria for provincial or national community evaluations by a volunteer jury of trained professionals. They review the accomplishments of their entire community (municipal, private, corporate and institutional sectors, citizens) on eight key criteria:

1. Tidiness
2. Environmental Action
3. Heritage Conservation
4. Urban Forestry
5. Landscape
6. Turf & Groundcovers
7. Floral Displays and
8. Community Involvement.

Participants can benefit financially from the program through community tourism initiatives, business opportunities for the entire community, and other related projects.

A valuable information exchange network allows communities to share accomplishments, best practices and projects.

All participants are showcased on the Communities in Bloom website through the “Explore our Communities” section, with a description page and a link to their respective community website.

The Communities in Bloom Magazine, published twice a year, also features participants and program results, as well as articles and educational content. Communities in Bloom develops, with its partners and sponsors, initiatives and promotional opportunities such as the Scotts Miracle-Gro Garden Contest, Home Hardware Charity Calendar, and the VIA Rail Canada's Garden Route. More details to follow.

National Symposium on Parks and Grounds. This event is held in conjunction with the annual national awards ceremonies. It 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.

Learn more:

• http://www.communitiesinbloom.ca/