City poised to return to Communities in Bloom

Residents, get your trowels, pruners and garden gloves ready.

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Brantford is poised to make a return to Communities In Bloom and city councilors are encouraging everyone to get involved.

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“We’ve done this before and it proved to be a great thing for our community,” Coun. Dan McCreary (Ward 3) said. “Many people and groups beyond our professional horticultural city staff became involved in this before and I think it’s time we became involved again.

“It’s a friendly competition and I have no doubt that if we, as a council, support this our city will go on to victory in 2024.”

Communities in Bloom is a non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and community beautification across Canada. More than 900 communities have participated in the competition over the past 28 years.

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The city recently received an invitation to participate in the Communities in Bloom Ontario challenge in 2024 and McCreary, eager to accept the invitation, brought it to city council’s attention at a recent committee meeting.

Councilors voted unanimously in favor of accepting the invitation to the committee meeting. Their decision is expected to be approved when council meets Jan. 30.

McCreary said the city has a rich tradition of horticultural excellence and has more than 180 floral gardens.

Residents are proud of the city’s horticultural beauty and environmental stewardship. Moreover, a beautiful environment contributes to the overall quality of life, McCreary said.

In 1995, Brantford was named a Canadian champion in its class and a year later, the city became a world champion in the Nations in Bloom competition.

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“I remember when we participated in this in the 1990s,” Coun. John Sless said. “It’s a great community builder.

“It not only helped the community look better but it instilled a lot of community pride.

“I’m encouraging all members of the community to spruce up the front of their homes, put in a flower garden and take steps to enhance your property.”

If approved by council, the city will set aside $3,000 to participate in the initiative.

The entry, cost of administration and project evaluation will cost about $1,000. A further $2,000 will be available to cover the costs of promoting the city’s involvement, honoring participants and attending awards ceremonies.

The money is coming from council’s priorities reserve fund.

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