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Communities in Bloom judges arrive on Friday |
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Written by BERNICE TRICK
Citizen staff
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Tuesday, 05 August 2008 |
The Communities in Bloom volunteer group are ready for the arrival of the judges Thursday. The volunteers are, back row left to right: Shirley Gratton; Dan Rogers; Tom Kadla; and Robyn McConkey. In the front row, left to right, are: Karen Humphreys; Lisa Redpath; Trisha Kadla; Betty-June Gair; Anne Martin; and Terri McClymont. (Citizen photo by Chuck Nisbett)
Prince George has its own international competition happening on Friday, the start day of the Olympic Games in Beijing.
The city is competing in the International Communities in Bloom challenge with Aberdeen, Scotland, Stockton-on-Tee, England, Strathcona County, Alberta, Toronto and Brampton, Ont.
The goal is to improve life quality through beautification, community involvement, environmental awareness and Heritage conservation, said Anne Martin, local Communities in Bloom chair.
On Thursday and Friday, Communities in Bloom judges Rick DeVan from Halifax, and Bob Ivison from Hoddesdon, England will be here to evaluate the city on overall tidiness, urban forestry, landscapes, floral displays, turf areas, environmental effort, heritage conservation and community involvement.
"The appeal of the program goes beyond simply creating attractive communities. CIB's real strength comes from increasing participation and building a sense of pride through community involvement," said Martin.
Along with benefits to the whole community, the city gains international recognition and receives expert feedback that helps build an even better community, said Martin.
Since Prince George became involved in CIB in 2002, it has won its share of awards.
In 2004, the city was named the provincial winner, and that allowed it to enter the 2005 national challenge, where it received the national Turf and Ground Cover Award for the Rotary soccer fields.
In 2006, the city received the prestigious national award from among nine competing communities across Canada with the highest rating of five blooms and a special mention for community spirit.
"Last year we entered the non-competitive Friends category and began preparing for this 2008 challenge," Martin said.
"I know that we will do well, but we're up against some stiff competition like Aberdeen, Scotland.
"At the end of the day it's difficult to say how it will come out."
The results will be announced at the National Awards Ceremonies being hosted by Lethbridge on Sept. 19 and 20.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 05 August 2008 )
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