2024 CiB SYMPOSIUM AND AWARDS CEREMONIES | |
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A heartfelt thank you to the City of Charlottetown for hosting the 2024 CiB Symposium & Awards! We’re grateful to have celebrated 30 years of Communities in Bloom together. Your warm hospitality and exceptional event made it a memorable experience for all.
We extend our gratitude to all delegates for their participation, congratulate the winners of this milestone edition, and invite everyone to explore the results in the official press releases below.
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Whether you missed it or want to experience it again, relive the glamour, excitement, and inspiration of the 2024 Awards on our YouTube channel!
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Download the Symposium Presentations and revisit valuable information from our speakers! Presentations are available in PDF and MP4 format. | |
THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS | |
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Save the Date! You’re cordially invited to the 2025 CiB Symposium & Awards in Stratford, Ontario. Join us from October 16 to 19, 2025, for an unforgettable event!
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Communities in Bloom is seeking applications from communities interested in hosting future Symposiums and Awards Ceremonies for 2026-2028. This prestigious event celebrates civic pride, environmental responsibility, and the beautification of communities through volunteer and community participation. Hosting this event is an opportunity to showcase your community on a national and international level while fostering partnerships and engagement among residents, businesses, and local organizations.
If your community is interested, please complete the Request for Proposals and return it to the Program Specialist at bloom@cib-cef.com.
Proposals must be submitted electronically by February 1, 2025.
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We’re thrilled to share that this year, at our silent auction in Charlottetown PE, we raised an incredible $2,727.00 for the Communities in Bloom Foundation!
The Communities in Bloom Foundation has been dedicated to fostering education and awareness around the environmental, social, and economic value of green spaces. The proceeds from the silent auction will support initiatives that spread knowledge on the sustainable development and importance of natural spaces across Canada.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed and made this possible.
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The Communities in Bloom program depends on many skilled volunteers to evaluate participating communities across the country and abroad.
We’re always looking for interested individuals to volunteer, and we offer training to Communities in Bloom Judges each year.
Interested? If you think this is the right opportunity for you please click below for further details on the Judges Role Description and Selection Process.
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COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED | |
Become part of our Marketing and Sponsorship committee! If you're keen to volunteer for a CiB committee, don't hesitate to get in touch and get involved! Contact us for more information! | |
COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM THEME FOR 2025 | |
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Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited to reveal our new Theme of the Year: Edible Gardens!
As food insecurity continues to impact communities, this theme shines a light on the many benefits of growing your own food. From vegetable and herb gardens to fruit-bearing plants like berries, tomatoes, and peppers, edible gardens are a powerful way to encourage sustainability, support local ecosystems, and foster community connections. By nurturing these spaces, we nurture ourselves and our environment.
Join us in 2025 to plant edible gardens, build community, and promote a greener, healthier future!
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IN MEMORIUM
Stan Kochanoff, 1938 – 2024
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Stan Kochanoff passed away suddenly on November 21. Stan is a Past President of Landscape Nova Scotia and the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association from 1985-1986. He was a co-chair of Communities in Bloom in Windsor and volunteered as a national-level judge. Just this past summer, Stan led a project for the Green Cities Foundation at Hope Blooms when 100 volunteers planted 20 trees at Uniacke Square at Murray Warrington Park in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Stan continued planning and planting throughout his more than 50 years in the industry until he passed away.
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2024 GRO FOR GOOD VIDEO CONTEST WINNER
Supporting Community Gardens and Green Spaces across Canada
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Scotts Canada Limited launched the sixth edition of the Gro for Good program in January 2024. The program aims to keep the spirit of community and connection to nature alive in Canada by providing grants to deserving communities, schools and non-profit organizations seeking to develop sustainable gardens and green spaces.
The recipients recipients of the 2024 Gro for Good grants, valued at $2,500 are:
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Heartland Beautification Committee – Stettler, AB – Community Garden Upgrade for Seniors and Youth
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Chase and Area Family Services – Chase, BC Chase Community Food Forest
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Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation – Mahone Bay, NS – Harvest for a Cause: Cultivating Community Well-Being
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Matthew House Refugee Ministry of Fort Erie – Fort Erie, ON – Matthew House Gardens
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Jardin Floral de La Pocatière – La Pocatière, QC – Implantation d’un Jardin jeunes au Jardin floral de La Pocatière
Congratulations to Jardin Floral de la Pocatière, La Pocatière QC who garnered the most votes in the social media contest to win an additional $2,500 grant.
Thank you to all the participants!
Scotts Canada is pleased to be offering this exciting grant opportunity to Canadian communities in partnership with Communities in Bloom, Plant · Grow · Share a Row and Nutrients for Life.
For further details on the Gro for Good program, please visit: http://www.groforgood.ca
Questions can also be directed to communication@cib-cef.com
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TOGETHER WE CAN #GREENMYCITY | |
RECENTLY COMPLETED GCF PROJECTS | |
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Hamilton Naturalists’ Club - Hamilton, ON
The park's 7-acre urban woodland habitat was enhanced with over 200 native plant species, and invasive shrubs were effectively managed. Additionally, the existing pollinator garden was rejuvenated to serve as an educational resource for the community.
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Stonewall Communities in Bloom Committee - Stonewall, MB
An Indigenous and senior healing garden space has been created, featuring plants and vegetation that embody the healing powers of nature. The project was completed in collaboration with a local healing expert, ensuring a space that fosters well-being and connection to natural remedies.
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New West Community Gardening Society - New Westminster, BC
Join us on November 30th to bring the Queens Park Youth-Led Community Garden to life! We’re looking for passionate community members and garden lovers to help us assemble planter boxes, prepare soil, and set up this new space for our youth.
Date: November 30th, 2024
Location: Queens Park, New Westminster BC
Time: 11 AM - 2 PM (Drop-ins welcome!)
Be part of this inspiring project that empowers local youth and supports sustainable gardening. All skill levels are welcome—just bring your enthusiasm (and gardening gloves if you have them)!
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2024 CANADIAN CITY PARKS REPORT | |
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This year’s report explores how collaborations and partnerships across communities, cities, and nonprofits are "bridging the gap" for better parks.
Explore the report and dive into key insights, inspiring case studies, and data from 35 municipalities and communities across Canada.
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Do you have a great volunteer you'd like us to celebrate?
Send the information to bloom@cib-cef.com and we'll feature them in an upcoming e-News, or on Social Media!
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If you have any questions, please contact:
Sonia Parrino
Program Specialist
1-514-694-8871
bloom@cib-cef.com
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Communities in Bloom is made possible by the generous support of our
sponsors and partners. We wish to thank them for their contribution
to the quality of life and civic pride in Canadian communities.
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You are receiving this email from Communities in Bloom, a national non-profit organization with charity status. For comments or questions, please contact us at
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