We're thrilled to share that the 2024 Atlantic, National Edition, and International Challenge evaluation tour is set to commence on June 19th in Limone Sul Garda, Brescia Italy, and will wrap up on August 3rd in Woodstock, NB. CiB Judges eagerly anticipate delving into the accomplishments of communities and attractions participating in this year's CiB program. From fostering civic pride to adapting to climate change impacts, enhancing green spaces, strengthening neighborhoods, and boosting investment opportunities and tourism, these communities and attractions are making remarkable strides. Wishing safe travels to all involved! | |
Take a peek at our 2023 Annual Report and get to know the 2024 National Committee. Our board is made up of amazing individuals dedicated to Growing Great Places Together! | |
Introducing our esteemed panel of judges for the 2024 Atlantic, National, and International Editions! Brace yourself for an inspiring and awe-inspiring journey as our diverse lineup of experts brings their unique perspectives to the forefront, guaranteeing a thorough and insightful evaluation throughout this year's judging tour. | |
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Show us how Plants Love You for a chance to win some amazing prizes!
The “Plants Love You” campaign is a movement that promotes the benefits of planting and encourages people to connect with nature by planting trees, flowers, and other plants. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the positive impact that plants have on the environment, our physical and mental health, and our overall well-being.
Through various initiatives and educational programs, the campaign highlights the importance of planting and encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to take action by planting more trees and plants in their local areas. The “Plants Love You” campaign serves as a reminder of our connection to nature and the many benefits that come from cultivating and caring for plants.
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SHOW US YOUR PLANTERS CONTEST | |
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Plant your Equinox Planter, take a photo of it, share it on social media (tag Desert Planters by Equinox and Communities in Bloom - Collectivités en fleurs and use the hashtag #WinAPlanter) and ask your friends to participate! Get creative!
- Last day to submit your photos: August 31st 11:59pm EST
- Contest is open to all communities across Canada
- No product purchase is necessary
- Equinox will evaluate all photos
- There will be two winners announced - 1st prize will win $1000 of Equinox Desert Planters, and 2nd prize will win $500 of Equinox Desert Planters!
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GREEN FOR LIFE COMMUNITY AWARD | |
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The CNLA Green for Life Community Award is now open for submissions! Do you know of an incredible project making waves in your community? This is the perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on it! Sponsored by Caterpillar, this award celebrates collaboration, environmental stewardship, innovation, and overall impact.
A project can be nominated by anyone within the community or by the park, school, organization, or municipality championing the respective project.
Once all projects are submitted, a judging panel consisting of industry and business experts will evaluate the submissions where one national award per year will be handed out.
If you've got a project in mind, don't wait! Submit your nomination to Lauryn Smith at lauryn@cib-cef.com by May 31st, 2024.
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The Best Downtown Area Award aims to raise awareness of the value and substantial economic advantages of downtown areas to a local community and the small businesses that support them. It aims to create positive first impressions and foster a sense of continuous attention and maintenance to crucial elements that contribute to the community’s quality of life and economic vitality.
Elements for evaluation are parks and green spaces, medians, boulevards, sidewalks, streets; municipal, commercial, and institutional properties; ditches, road shoulders, vacant lots, signs and buildings; weed control, litter clean-up (including cigarette butts and gum), graffiti prevention/removal and vandalism deterrent programs.
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The Best Downtown Area Award is opened to all communities.
Application deadline: September 6th, 2024 at 5pm EST.
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TOP 3 UNDER 30 VOLUNTEERS | |
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Join us in celebrating the 30th anniversary of Communities in Bloom! We're on the lookout for the top 3 emerging stars under the age of 30 in your community! Whether they’re lending a hand in community gardens, organizing neighbourhood clean-ups, or leading environmental initiatives, we want to recognize the passion and dedication of our young volunteers who are making a difference in our communities.
The winners of the Top 3 Under 30 Volunteer Award, will be announced at the 2024 CiB National Symposium & Awards in Charlottetown on October 18th 2024. Their stories will also be featured in our award presentation, newsletter, social media and website showcasing their inspiring contributions to the community.
Eligibility:
- All nominees must be in a participating CiB community registered in the 2024 Provincial or National CiB Edition.
- All nominees must be 30 years of age or under.
All nominees should exhibit:
- Dedication: Display a commitment to volunteering.
- Impact: Make substantial contributions to community enhancement.
- Leadership: Demonstrate initiative and leadership traits.
- Innovation: Introduce creative solutions to community issues.
- Engagement: Effectively involve and inspire others.
- Sustainability: Secure enduring impact beyond personal involvement.
- Personal Development: Experience growth and learning through volunteer experiences.
Submission:
Please provide a written submission (no more than 500 words). Winners will be asked to provide a photo for use in the award presentation, newsletter, social media and website
Prize:
The 3 winners will each receive a free gala dinner ticket and one night accommodation for the 2024 CiB National Symposium & Awards.
Deadline:
Nominate a deserving young volunteer by August 31st! Entries received after this date will not be accepted.
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Nutrients for Life, a proud partner of Communities in Bloom, is offering a chance to win a $500 grant to support a local school garden to all Canadian communities registered (all editions) in the Communities in Bloom program.
The NFL School Garden Grant will support schools with a one-time funding amount of $500 to establish or enhance school gardens at K-12 schools across Canada. Funds may be used to:
- Purchase construction materials, seeds, tools, and other supplies to establish or develop a school garden.
Nutrients for Life Foundation Canada was launched in 2008 to inform the public of the role of plant nutrients in both the production of abundant, nutritious food and the preservation of healthy green spaces. The Foundation supports public education to ensure plant nutrients are responsibly applied. Nutrients for Life has committed to fund school gardens in order to help connect youth to modern agriculture and agricultural practices, and provide them with an understanding of where our food comes from.
Further, to help inspire the development of creative, hands-on educational activities related to your school garden, Nutrients for Life have developed many resources that are available for free to all teachers across the Country. Please visit their website at www.nutrientsforlife.ca to access their resources – which focuses on understanding the science of plant biology and how it relates to food production. The resources explore the scientific, social, and environmental issues that relate to modern agricultural practices that will help sustain food production for the earth’s growing population.
Nutrients for Life has also created a guide to help schools develop their gardens – Nutrients for Life Learning Garden: A Guide for Educators in Canada. The guide includes ideas that can assist you in the construction of a garden and tips on harvest, sample lesson plans, and considerations for engaging the community.
We look forward to working with you and watching your garden grow.
Sincerely yours,
Tamara Sealy, Executive Director
Nutrients for Life Foundation
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Application deadline is September 8th, 2024 | |
GARDENS CANADA - REGISTRATION | |
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Experience the beauty of Gardens Canada! Formerly known as the Canadian Garden Council, Gardens Canada aims to enhance Canada’s public garden culture and its contribution to the development and well-being of Canadians, the sustainability of our communities and the health, social and environmental benefits associated with public garden experiences. Embrace the theme of 2024, "Live the Garden Life - Experience Canada's Garden Destinations”, and highlight your garden! Members will gain visibility on Canada's Garden Route®, Canada’s most comprehensive garden destination map with its featured profiles.
Membership is open to all garden enthusiasts, with fees based on organization type and size. Register online by June 14, 2024.
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ALWAYS TOGETHER ROSE
COMING TO MARKET IN 2026
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Our rose supports Canadians affected by cancer and is a symbol that no one is alone when facing a cancer diagnosis.
Everyone’s experience with cancer is different. It always takes a community of support systems including family, friends, caregivers, medical professionals and service providers who collaborate and bloom together to overcome these difficult moments in life.
No one should face cancer alone; we are always together.
Stay tuned for the Always Together Rose, coming to market in 2026!
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PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT & CITIES | |
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Local governments around the world are working to make their cities more sustainable and climate resilient. And as with all great challenges, the need for engaged and dedicated partners is clear.
Progressive cities have long recognized the power and potential of engaging key stakeholders in the creation and implementation of ambitious climate action plans. Many others are now waking up to this potential and are eager to reap the benefits of an informed and engaged citizenry - the people living, breathing and moving around your city on a daily basis. That's where public engagement comes in.
Public engagement is:
- A way to tap into citizens’ resourcefulness and creativity
- A way of translating citizens’ critique and feedback into a positive force.
- A way of considering if and how certain aspects of decision making, or implementation, might be shared or even turned over to the public.
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INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PLANT HEALTH | |
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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) highlighted
the importance of plant health on the International Day of Plant Health on May 12. Plant pests pose a threat to Canada's environment, agriculture, and forestry, spreading via transport, human activities, and extreme weather.
The CFIA works with stakeholders and government agencies to mitigate this threat through regulations, risk assessments, surveys, and inspections. Individuals can help by learning about invasive species, avoiding moving firewood, inspecting outdoor gear, and reporting suspicious pests. Collective vigilance is crucial for safeguarding the environment.
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2024 CiB SYMPOSIUM & AWARDS | |
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Step into a world of inspiration and celebration as Communities in Bloom proudly marks its 30th Anniversary at the 2024 National Symposium and Awards Ceremonies, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Immerse yourself in enlightening sessions led by esteemed keynote speakers and presenters. Connect and exchange ideas with vibrant “in Bloom” communities from Canada, Europe, and the USA. Engage with dedicated colleagues who share your passion for community development.
Join us for an unforgettable gathering where your achievements will take centre stage, and we’ll raise a toast to your outstanding bloom rating and level. Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity to network, learn, collaborate and be part of a momentous occasion filled with recognition and endless possibilities!
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Do you have a great volunteer you'd like us to celebrate?
Send the information to bloom@cib-cef.com and we'll feature them in an upcoming e-News, or on Social Media!
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If you have any questions, please contact:
Sonia Parrino
Program Specialist
1-514-694-8871
bloom@cib-cef.com
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Communities in Bloom is made possible by the generous support of our
sponsors and partners. We wish to thank them for their contribution
to the quality of life and civic pride in Canadian communities.
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You are receiving this email from Communities in Bloom, a national non-profit organization with charity status. For comments or questions, please contact us at
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