Author: Alain Cappelle

The Communities in Bloom International Challenge involves municipalities who have demonstrated excellence, and wish to showcase achievements in green spaces. This programme provides opportunities to promote these achievements and to exchange information between all participants.

Over the years, participants have included Communities from Europe, Asia, and North America along with winners from different National Programs competing with each other based on population categories.

Communities in Bloom organizes the International Challenge (logistics, scheduling, and information) in partnership with America in Bloom, Britain in Bloom, Tidy Towns of Ireland and Commune Fiorito of Italy.

The programme consists of communities receiving information and being evaluated by an international jury on the accomplishments of their entire community (municipality, institutions, businesses and, most importantly, the citizens).

The evaluation, which normally takes place in June or July, is based on the following criteria: 
•Tidiness 
•Environmental Action 
•Heritage Conservation 
•Urban Forestry 
•Landscaped Areas 
•Floral Displays

The judges visit the community for one to two days (as community involvement is an important element) using the Communities in Bloom Evaluation Form. Registration information is available on line.

Communities receive a comprehensive report based on the evaluation criteria along with:

•Bloom rating (four or five blooms) along with Bronze, Silver and gold levels for evaluated communities who will have obtained five blooms
•Opportunity to submit for Outstanding Achievement Awards and Special Recognitions.

The Awards are presented during the Communities in Bloom Symposium and Awards, to be hosted by the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association, in Regina, Saskatchewan from October 26 to 29, 2016. International Finalists are provided with promotional opportunities during the events.

For further information, please visit the Communities in Bloom International Challenge website or contact Raymond Carriere, Founding President via email at bloom.fleurs@sympatico.ca or by calling 001-514-912-6535.