The community of Blaine Lake was honoured to welcome Communities in Bloom (CIB) judges Kay Robertson and Ken Turner, Aug. 11, for the annual judging. Both judges are prolific gardeners with a wealth of experience and knowledge in the horticultural industry. They evaluate each participating community on its overall performance in the categories of tidiness, environmental action, heritage conservation, urban forestry, landscape, turf and groundcovers, floral displays and community involvement. Robertson has been judging CIB categories for two years. Turner has 13 years experience judging at all levels of competition from provincial up to international levels.
Blaine Lake Town is one of two provincial competitors in the town 1-500 category. Blaine Lake Communities in Bloom representatives Kitty Larson, Marj Pool and summer employment staff, Christie Glencross, took the judges on an extensive tour of the community. The tour included sites such as the library, landfill, SARCAN recycling depot, water treatment facility, cenotaph, golf course/campground, cemeteries, private yards, school grounds and a number of recreational facilities.
The murals were described by the judges as a 'good historic memory for the town' and the hanging baskets, although labour intensive, were deemed as impressive and judge Turner commented that Blaine Lake does not have to feel second to any for their beautiful hanging baskets.
The detailed evaluation reports identify the community's strengths and provide suggestions for improvement, contributing to the exchange network with other participants. The results, including bloom ratings, criteria award recognitions and winners, are announced at the National Awards Ceremony.
Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement with focus on green spaces in the community setting. The community of Blaine Lake is proud to have dedicated volunteers to oversee the CIB program in its community along with the financial support of Town council.
