PORT McNEILL — Two judges from B.C. Communities in Bloom will visit Port McNeill Monday to measure local efforts and view at least 80% of the town.
Judges will use a detailed evaluation form to determine the “Bloom Rating” for the community, with five “blooms” being the top rating. Judges evaluate on the following criteria:
•Tidiness Effort
•Environmental Action
•Heritage Conser-vation
•Urban Forestry
•Landscaped Areas
•Floral Displays
The Communities in Bloom program values a high level of cooperation between individuals, businesses, service clubs and local government to make visible improvements within their community. The judges’ evaluation report acknowledges the positive with valuable suggestions to help the community recognize its future potential.
Whether a community’s aim is general economic development, increased tourism, or simply building civic pride, the face it presents to its citizens and to others is a key factor in achieving these goals.
People and businesses want to be associated with a successful-looking community, which is of particular importance to new residents, investors and visitors. It is also true that citizens want environmental integrity in their green spaces and respect for the geographical and regional heritage of their area. Achieving such integrity requires good horticultural practices and a visible valuing of the community’s heritage. This sends a reassuring message that the area honours its past, thereby increasing its desirability as a destination for visitors, investment and most importantly residents.
B.C. CiB is pleased to announce the involvement of 34 communities involving all corners of the province in this year’s 2011 evaluation program including three on Vancouver Island: Port McNeill, Qualicum Beach and Sooke. Seven pairs of judges are scheduled to tour the province from July 17 to 23, 2011.
The Communities in Bloom Program emphasizes the unity in community. It is a catalyst for municipal staff, business leaders, service clubs and individuals to inventory assets and create awareness for projects that inspire the whole community to achieve its full potential.
Citizens become motivated by visual results that improve their community. Local CiB committees start with simple objectives and plan future projects to capitalize on the best use of available volunteer and funding resources. The Evaluation Day creates a focus for these efforts.
A Bloom Rating is awarded to the municipality as measurement of the overall quality of the liveability in the community and is promoted to citizens, visitors and businesses as a symbol of excellence with British Columbia, across Canada and to the rest of the world!
All Provincial participants will be awarded their Bloom Rating Certificate and receive their Evaluation Report at the 8th Annual B.C. Communities in Bloom Awards & Conference event, hosted by Sooke this year on Sept. 23-25.