Ashcroft has once again been awarded Five Blooms in the national Communities in Bloom competition, edged out ever so slightly by the town of Beausejour, Manitoba which captured top spot with Ashcroft close on their heels finishing in second place.
Andrea Walker, Chair and Marijke Stott, committee member, of Ashcroft’s Communities in Bloom spent last week at the National Communities in Bloom conference and awards held in Edmonton, Alberta.
Ten communities from across Canada competed in the 1,201-3,000 population category. One of four finalists for the top award, Ashcroft received 83.5 per cent and a Five Bloom rating. Ashcroft also received a special recognition for “xeriscape landscaping in aid of water conservation” for the refurbishment projects in Heritage Place Park.
The National conference and awards hosted not only representatives from small towns to large cities from across Canada, but also representatives from participating Armed Forces bases across the country as well as international cities who were participating in the International Challenge competition. The delightful accents of the ladies from Killarney Town, Ireland, the kimonos and obis worn proudly by the women in the delegation from Aya, Japan and the wit of the gentlemen from St. Martin’s Parish, Guernsey, Channel Islands, British Isles, portrayed the pride of communities which was so apparent at this event.
What an amazing opportunity it was to meet, network and participate in the workshops and events with the enthusiastic representatives from so many diverse populations, cultures, and geographic areas. All were in attendance because they have one common goal; the desire to build better communities. “People, Plants and Pride” the Communities in Bloom motto was certainly evident all throughout the event.
Sessions and symposiums, tours, dynamic keynote speakers and a wealth of information gave attendees invaluable information to take back and use in their communities. Cultural presentations, banquets and the gala final awards and banquet rounded out a very full week.
Ashcroft Communities in Bloom is very proud of their accomplishments to date and will continue working to make our community “bloom”, and in so doing, building a better community for all residents. If we all work together we can do it!
Andrea Walker