Top Communities in Bloom Honors for the Flower City

The City of Brampton has won the International Communities in Bloom title for the first time ever. Not only has the City retained its five-bloom status, it has also received Special Mention for its Front Garden Recognition Program. This year Brampton was competing against Aberdeen, Scotland, Prince George, British Columbia, Stockton-on-Tees, England, Strathcona, Alberta, and Toronto.

Communities in Bloom International judges, Rick DeVan and Bob Ivison, traveled around the city judging it in eight criteria which included: floral displays; turf and groundcover; environmental awareness; community involvement; tidiness; landscaped areas; natural and cultural heritage conservation; and tree and urban forest management.

Brampton scored an overall 92.05 per cent, the highest awarded to a city in the large category. Some of the comments on Brampton’s evaluation included:

• The extent of urban forest coverage as viewed by the judges during their helicopter ride;

• The Clean City Committee and the numerous programs that enhance the beautification efforts;

• Green initiatives such as AcceleRide, eRide and the new Sandalwood transit facility;

• The focus on youth programs and initiatives;

• Involvement of seniors in the community; and

• The floral coverage.

“Our success in the Communities in Bloom competition is yet another indication of how beautifully this City works. City staff, community and corporate partners, and our volunteers all come together to showcase our diversity and vibrant culture. I urge all our residents to come out for our Brampton Day celebrations and have a great day,” commented City Councillor John Hutton, who received the award on behalf of the Mayor and Council in Lethbridge, Alberta.

“I am thrilled that our hard work and dedication has paid off once again and Brampton continues to be recognized as Flower City, a national and international leader in Communities in Bloom. I congratulate and thank all our partners and volunteers who worked so hard to achieve this,” commented Regional Councillor Gael Miles, Chair of Communities in Bloom, City of Brampton.

“Communities in Bloom is not just about flowers and beauty, it is about community spirit and civic pride. The special mention for our Front Garden Recognition Program is particularly exciting as this is volunteer-driven. The citizens here play a very important role in making our City a great place through their involvement in projects that not only beautify our surroundings but also add to our quality of life,” commented Carole Spraggett, Community Chair, Communities in Bloom.