Jasper was recognized for innovation in urban forestry protection at the international Communities in Bloom competition in Charlottetown, PEI, Sept. 20.
And, for the second year in a row, it was honoured with a full bouquet of five blooms.
But, despite the top rating, Jasper came in behind Castlegar, B.C., which had the most total points and won the prize as the winning community in the “small category.”
This was Jasper’s second time competing on the international stage, after winning at the national level in 2012 and provincial level in 2010.
“Once you get to that international level the judges are a little more rigorous,” said Gerry Lettner, chair of Jasper’s Communities in Bloom committee. “But it was a pleasant surprise, we crept up a couple of percentage points on the evaluation.”
Jasper’s overall score was 835 out of a possible 1,000 points. The judges, who travelled to Jasper in July, rated the community on six criteria: tidiness (130 out of 150), environmental action (127.5 out of 150), heritage conservation (133 out of 150), urban forestry (147 out of 175), landscape (156.5 out of 200) and floral displays (141 out of 175).
To receive five blooms, a community has to tally at least 820 points.
The judges selected Jasper for innovation in urban forestry protection because, during their visit, they recognized that there are unique challenges to maintaining the community’s trees.
In their evaluation, Lucie Gagné and Piet Boersma wrote: “Being a small town in a national park, the Municipality of Jasper has to follow certain rules and overcome a number of obstacles such as elk, deer or even bear. But still, the tree cover is diversified on account of the municipality’s care and protection.
“The use of wire mesh cages around the trees along the median and the fencing of parks allow for a good tree protection. The sidewalk trees are also protected by a cage and the sidewalk grid allows for good root development.
“The choice of plants in addition to being fruit-free and drought tolerant also reflects the natural surroundings. Such a diversity in urban forestry is commendable considering the numerous obstacles Jasper has to deal with.”
Jasper’s Communities in Bloom committee was also awarded a prize for the best exhibit at the conference.
“That’s another feather in our cap,” said Lettner, who credited Colleen Green for putting the exhibit together.
Lettner also presented at the conference, talking about the CN EcoConnexions program that Jasper was selected for in 2012. Jasper was one of 25 communities to receive a $25,000 matching grant to green an area along CN’s rail line.
With the grant, 104 fir trees were purchased and planted at the east end of town.
Lettner said he used the opportunity to tell the audience about the program, as well as Jasper’s long rail history.
Nicole Veerman
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