Judging Criteria
Expert, trained judges visit participating municipalities in the summer and look for efforts in a judging category that are exceptional, or that showcase a unique initiative created by the community. The judges determine the winners according to the following eight criteria:
1-Floral Displays
2-Turf and Groundcovers
3-Landscaped Areas
4-Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation
5-Tidiness
6-Environmental Awareness
7-Tree/Urban Forest Management
8-Community Involvement |
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| Floral Displays
Arrangements of flowers and plants (annuals, perennials, bulbs, ornamental grasses), originality, distribution, location, diversity and balance, harmony, quality and maintenance of flowerbeds, carpet bedding, containers, baskets, planters and window boxes.
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Turf and Groundcovers
Quality, naturalization, use of groundcovers and wild flowers; turf management (manicured to rough), maintenance (mowing height and frequency), Integrated Pest Management (IPM); fertilization programs, irrigation, water restrictions in areas that include private homes, public buildings, municipal and private grounds, sports fields and athletic parks.
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Landscaped Areas
Creating an environment where plants form an essential element of the overall surroundings. Elements include overall design and suitability for location and use, native and introduced plant materials; balance of plants, materials and constructed elements; harmony (colour, texture and shape); tasteful integration of hard surfaces and art elements; and high standards of maintenance, site rejuvenation and rehabilitation.
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 Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation
Preserving heritage within the community. Support and attention to historical societies, museums, archives, history books and interpretative programs, heritage policies, bylaws and natural heritage management plans; preserving and restoring buildings, homes, churches, cemeteries, parks, heritage gardens, trees, monuments and artefacts; preserving traditions and customs; festivals/celebrations; heritage foods and the arts. Brampton is a City that has always been proud of its heritage and by using the Flower City strategy, is willing to embrace and remember its flower town roots. How Brampton has contributed to the growth of the region of Peel can be seen first hand at the Peel Heritage Complex. Historic Bovaird House is also a living example of an 1840’s Georgian-type farmhouse that would have been in Brampton since its humble beginnings as a farming community. Our largest cultural festival is Carabram, which allows visitors the opportunity to experience the food, music and crafts of Brampton’s much cultural community such as Bulgaria and India. Other cultural festivities that Bramptonians look forward to are: the Jerk Food Festival, Savannah Festival of Rhythms, and the Flower City parade.
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Tidiness
An overall tidiness effort including tidiness of green spaces, medians, streets, sidewalks, ditches, road shoulders, signage, vacant lots and buildings with regards to garbage, weeds, maintenance and repair, dog droppings, notices/posters, graffiti and vandalism.
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| Environmental Awareness
Sustainable development, policies and by-laws, 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, friendly transportation.
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Tree/Urban Forest Management
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. Written policies, by-laws and short- and long-term regulation plans. Having qualified personnel available (volunteer or on staff) for professional help with maintenance, pruning, Plant health Care, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and trouble-shooting.
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Community Involvement
Involvement in various community projects for the betterment and enjoyment of the whole community. Participants may include horticulture and garden clubs, service organizations, recreation and sports clubs, school children, teens, seniors, municipal workers, places of worship, and local businesses. Volunteers can be involved in long-term or short-term projects (Spring and Harvest Clean-Ups, Adopt-a-Park, etc.) and recreational programs (coaches, team managers, etc).
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