NEWS RELEASE
COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM
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STRATHCONA COUNTY, Alberta, September 29th, 2018 — The City of Barrie received a 5 Blooms - Gold rating and a special mention for Military Heritage Park during the 2018 National/International Symposium and Awards Ceremonies in Strathcona County, Alberta.
The community also received an Outstanding Achievement Award for the National Capital Commission Floral Displays Award. The City of Barrie participated in the Circle of Excellence - Evaluated category.
Over the summer, trained volunteer judges travelled to participating communities to evaluate the overall contributions of municipal council and departments; industry; businesses and the private sector – including volunteer efforts – in regards to the following criteria: Tidiness, Environmental Action, Heritage Conservation, Urban Forestry, Landscape and Floral Displays.
Following their evaluation, volunteer judges Bob Lewis and John Lohuis wrote: “Barrie, a fast-growing mid-size City in Ontario with a population of 147,000 has consistently outpaced the national growth rate. The Barrie CiB Committee theme of “Grow with Us” demonstrates wise planning investments for growth. Numerous studies and positive planning in all sectors allows Barrie to meet future challenges.
A high degree of public engagement and caring is evident with support for high-profile local projects such as Meridian Place and Military Heritage Park. Both projects are adjacent to the beachfront of Kempenfelt Bay. Representatives of Camp Borden, indigenous First Nations and the Barrie Rotary Club all contributed time and resources to Military Heritage Park which was opened in October 2017. This un-programmed passive park uses landscapes, plant material, signage and a Vimy oak planting to depict Barrie`s military history from pre-settlement through to present day. Plaques also acknowledge First Nations contributions to the War of 1812.”
Within the actual context of climate changes and environmental concerns, communities involved in the program can be proud of their efforts, which provide real and meaningful environmental solutions and benefit all of society.
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