residents, events, communities in bloom

This is the 12th year the Town of Huntsville has participated in the Communities In Bloom program. Thank you to the community to their efforts in previous competitions.

The Town of Huntsville judging date was Friday, July 31, 2009. The awards ceremony was on October 3, 2009 where the Town of Huntsville earned five blooms for 2009 in the 10,001 – 20,000 population, National Awards category. Huntsville was awarded the highest ever total. See results.

What is Communities in Bloom All About?

Communities in Bloom is a Canadian organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility, and community beautification through the challenge of national competition.

Municipalities begin by competing at a Provincial level until they have achieved enough points to receive a rating of four “blooms” (on a rating scale of one through five blooms) This allows them to move into the National Level of competition.

Program Benefits

You Can Participate – What Can You Do?

Town of Huntsville Achievements

Our achievements have been as follows:

Eight Evaluation Criteria

Communities in Bloom is a national program involving hundreds of communities across Canada and abroad.

In July and August, trained volunteer judges travel 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 eight criteria:

Tidiness of green spaces, medians, boulevards, sidewalks, streets, ditches, road shoulders, signage, vacant lots and buildings with regards to garbage, weeds, maintenance and repair, dog droppings, notices/posters, graffiti and vandalism, etc.
Environmental Awareness Sustainable development, policies and bylaws, waste reduction, landfill sites, hazardous waste collection, sewage disposal, transfer/recycle stations, recycling initiatives, Plant Health Care, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), water source, treatment and conservation, naturalization, environmental clean up activities, environmentally friendly transportation are all part of this criteria.
Community Involvement Citizens’ involvement in projects for the betterment and enjoyment of the whole community include horticulture & garden clubs, service groups, recreation and sports clubs school children, teens, seniors, municipal workers and local businesses.
Heritage Conservation involves heritage policies, bylaws and natural heritage management plans; preservation and restoration of buildings, homes, churches, monuments, artifacts, sites, parks, heritage gardens, trees; preservation of traditions and customs, festivals/celebrations, heritage foods and the arts.
Urban Forest Management includes written policies, bylaws and regulation plans both long and short term. The distribution of trees, inventory, variety, suitability, new plantings, main street programs, new survey developments, preservation of heritage trees, commemorative trees, woodlots and succession planting procedures are all important to this criteria. Having qualified personnel available (volunteer or on staff) for professional help with maintenance, pruning, Plant Health Care, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and trouble-shooting is valuable.
Landscaped Areas supports all efforts to create an environment where plants form an essential element of the overall surroundings: design and suitability for location and use; native and introduced materials, balance of plants, materials and constructed elements; harmony, (colour, texture, shape); tasteful integration of hard surfaces and art elements; high standards of maintenance.
Floral Displays includes arrangements of flowers and plants (annuals, perennials, bulbs, ornamental grasses, etc.), originality, distribution, location, diversity and balance, colour, harmony, quality and maintenance of flowerbeds, carpet bedding, containers, baskets, planters and window boxes.
Turf & Groundcovers includes quality, naturalization, use of groundcovers & wildflowers; turf management (manicured to rough), maintenance (mowing height and frequency), IPM (Integrated Pest Management); fertilization programs and irrigation and water restrictions. Areas include private homes, public buildings, municipal and private grounds, sports fields and athletic parks.

Judges Comments from Previous Years

“The well kept appearance of the town is a testimony to the cooperation among volunteers, town staff, and resort staff. The participation of the businesses in the beautification of Huntsville is impressive.” “The countryside around Huntsville, which provided inspiration for the Group of Seven, now incorporates this legacy into the landscape.” “The town’s efforts to maintain a buffer zone between new buildings and the lake as well as their commitment to a full composting program clearly indicated that this is a town that places strong emphasis on environmental stewardship.” “The Downtown waterfront project is both exciting and promising for the future of Huntsville.” “Huntsville can be proud of its strong community spirit.” “The newly approved Strategic Plan should guide the community well into the future. Care needs to be exercised so that the plan is carried out to the fullest potential.”

EVENTS

Communities In Bloom

Communities in Bloom Competition for 2009