By battlefordsNOW

Communities in Bloom visiting N.B.

Jul 12, 2018 | 6:00 PM

The City of North Battleford is gearing up for a visit from Communities in Bloom.

The provincial judges will here on July 17 and 18 for a tour as the city will be participating in the competition this year.

Mayor Ryan Bater said he is looking forward to showing off some of North Battleford’s prized attractions.

“The nominations are on a municipal basis,” he said. “North Battleford did submit a nomination and the judges will be here in the city next week.”

“I’m excited,” he added. “The city is looking beautiful right now. Especially with the recent rains, everything is going to be in bloom and green. It’s just a great time to have the judges here. We’re doing everything we can to put our best foot forward for the city.”

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Bater said the city has arranged a tour for the judges to view many of the city’s facilities as well.

Asking residents to tidy properties

The mayor said the city is encouraging residents to do their best to tidy up and “take an active role” in beautifying their properties, “to present the community in the best possible way to the judges.”

He is asking residents to remove any debris or litter from their frontages and spend a few minutes pruning their yards as best they can.

Bater said the he will show the judges some of its notable and historic attractions too, including the Allen Sapp Gallery, its new recreation facilities, as well as its downtown revitalization improvements.

“Really it’s an opportunity to showcase the community through the Communities in Bloom initiative, and also to get some feedback from the committee itself on ways that we can improve the aesthetics of our city even more,” the mayor said.

Communities in Bloom national president Raymond Carrière said the judges usually look at a number of criteria when evaluating a community participating in the competition.

“The essence of the program is to enhance the greenspaces in the community,” he said. “It’s a program about horticulture and landscape, but also about tidiness, environmental awareness and natural heritage.”

Carrière said a key point in the judging is also looking at community involvement in various projects. 

“The city is involved, but also businesses, volunteer groups, citizens,” he said. “It’s to engage the community.” 

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW