Jasper got “top kudos” at the Communities in Bloom symposium last week when it received the Outstanding Achievement Award for Community Involvement.
The award, which was presented to members of Jasper's Communities in Bloom Committee, recognizes a town that demonstrates excellence in community involvement in all aspects of its community.
“We're very, very pleased with that one,” said Colleen Green of Jasper's Communities in Bloom Committee. “That was top kudos, I'd say.”
As a prize, Home Hardware's Mark Cullent, a spokesperson and horticulture expert, will pay Jasper a visit sometime next spring or summer.
Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement. Each year, the organization hosts a symposium and awards ceremony where it recognizes communities competing at the provincial, national and international levels.
Jasper has been competing at different levels within the annual competition for nearly a decade and has been recognized on both the provincial and national levels and has spent the last three years vying for the international title.
This year the community competed against Ahoghill, Ireland; Estes Park, Colorado; Stettler, Alta.; and Trail, B.C., with Trail coming out on top.
Although it was disappointing to play second fiddle for a third year in a row, Green said she was happy with Jasper's ranking and the committee is keen to try again next year.
“We've come this far, we might as well keep going,” she said.
The judges rate communities on six criteria: tidiness, environmental action, heritage conservation, urban forestry, landscape and floral displays, all while considering the community’s involvement within each category.
The judges—Ted Zarudny from Orangeville, Ont. and Lorna McIlroy from Grande Prairie, Alta.—came to town in July. Their tour stopped at the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives, Alpine Summit Seniors Lodge, the community garden, the cemetery, the wastewater treatment plant, and numerous other locations throughout the town.
In their evaluation, Zarudny and McIlroy singled out the community garden and seniors lodge as two of Jasper's highlights.
“The Jasper Community Garden, in a highly visible fenced location between the railway tracks and the main street, has been embraced by the community. It is a lively, creative spot where friendly conversations occur, children play in a central play space while watering duties and produce are shared.
“Knowledge is shared and good environmental practices are encouraged. Flowers and vegetables are grown in abundance and more importantly a sense of community grows!
“Another great growing location is the Alpine Summit Seniors Lodge where edibles, blooms and friendships flourish.”
To learn more about Communities in Bloom, visit www.communitiesinbloom.ca.
Nicole Veerman
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