The Goldpan City might want to change its nickname.
All those flowers visitors can see while driving into Quesnel have paid off for the community of nearly 10,000 people 116 kilometres south of Prince George in the form of five blooms from the Communities in Bloom judges.
The outcome, earned in the international challenge-small communities category, was announced in Halifax on Saturday. Of the eight communities to earn the five-bloom designation, Warwick, New York won the category.
Aylmer Ontario, Boissevain Manitoba, Hampton New Brunswick, Nieuwpoort, Belgium, Pembroke Ontario, Pitlochry, Scotland were also finalists.
Quesnel also received special mention for the restoration of the Fraser River Footbridge.
CiB judges visited Quesnel in July and evaluated the community on its performance in the following criteria: tidiness, environmental action, heritage conservation, urban forestry, landscape, turf and groundcovers, floral displays, and community involvement.
Wrote the judges: "The citizens of Quesnel are proud of their heritage and concerned about the environment.
The restoration of the Fraser River Footbridge celebrates an historic structure while offering a critical connection to Quesnel's extensive trail system.
A 'mile of petunias' planted in the historic downtown more than 20 years ago continues to be planted each year and has inspired everyone to plant flowers in Quesnel.
Hanging baskets, boxes, containers and beds are seen everywhere. The city glistens with colour."
Quesnel mayor Mary Sjostrom said the result was worth celebrating.
"Given this was our first time entering in the international category, we scored very highly," she said.
