Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement and an annual national program that challenges communities to enhance green spaces.
The Communities in Bloom competition consists of municipalities being evaluated on the accomplishments of their whole community (municipal, corporate and individual citizens) any of the following criteria:
- Community Appearance
- Environmental Action
- Heritage Conservation
- Tree Management
- Landscape
- Plant and Floral Display
All residents, community groups and interested partners are encouraged to participate. Projects can be any size, no project is too small. Let’s show our community pride and keep Barrie blooming!
2025 Campaign: Edible Gardens
Submissions for the 2025 campaign closed on June 20. Everyone is encouraged to continue planting edible gardens, as well as pollinator and native plants to showcase our Communities in Bloom spirit, and help create a healthier ecosystem!
View the 2025 Communities in Bloom publication and see the 2025 Gallery.
Judges' Tour
The National Communities in Bloom judges will tour Barrie in July 2025 to evaluate the accomplishments of the whole community (municipal, corporate, organizations and individual citizens) on the following criteria: landscaped areas; floral arrangements; tidiness effort; urban forestry development; environmental effort; and heritage conservation. Barrie's 2025 Communities in Bloom judges are Susan Ellis and John Lohuis.
Communities in Bloom Advisory Committee
The Communities in Bloom Advisory Committee helps facilitate the development of Barrie, in the Communities in Bloom National Municipal Beautification contest, with a focus on flowers, landscaping, gardens, beautification and environmental awareness.
City of Barrie Greenhouse
The City opened its new greenhouse at the Operations Centre on June 12, 2025, which features 14,000 square feet of growing space and four climate controlled zones.
The plants grown by Horticultural staff in the City’s greenhouse are used throughout Barrie for beautification and to enhance our profile in the annual Communities in Bloom competition.
Did you know? The City saves approximately $350,000 dollars each year by growing our own plants rather than purchasing plants grown in private commercial greenhouses.
What You Can Do
Barrie residents, businesses and organizations can participate in Communities in Bloom each year by preparing for the Judges' Tour:
