The Village of Ashcroft is participating in the 2012 National Edition of Communities in Bloom, and the judges - Lucy Chang of Edmonton and Roger Younker of Charlottetown - were here on July 16.
Accompanied by local CiB volunteers, the judges toured Ashcroft. They were impressed by the involvement of a wide variety of community members - from Ashcroft Elementary students growing sunflowers, potatoes, and tomatoes, to seniors at Thompson View Manor planting and maintaining beautiful pots and planters.
Water conservation is a growing concern to many, and the judges were happy to see that the Village is taking steps in that direction with xeriscape beds in the Heritage Park. The sewer and water treatment plants also drew praise, as did the solar panels at the pool, and the watering guidelines which are in the planning stages with Council. They were also impressed with our little gem, the Ashcroft Museum.
Ashcroft is participating in the 1,201 - 3,000 population category. The other communities in this group are Beausejour, MB; Bruderheim, AB; Dawson City, YT; Harrison Hot Springs, BC; and Trenton, NS. The results will be announced at the National Awards Ceremonies, hosted this year by Edmonton Capital Region on Oct. 10-13.
Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility, and beautification, and to improving quality of life through community participation and a national challenge.
Barbara Roden