Communities in Bloom 2017

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.

2017 is the City's 20th year participating in the Communities in Bloom competition. Let’s show our community pride and keep Barrie blooming! All Barrie residents, community groups and interested partners are encouraged to register to participate. Projects can be any size, no project is too small!

Little gardeners are also encouraged to showcase their green thumbs!  The “Little Bloomers” Container Gardening Contest is open annually for children ranging in age from 2–5 and 6–10. Their unique and colourful efforts are showcased during the community luncheon with the visiting judges on Wednesday July 26, 2017.

Judges' Tour

International CIB judges Alain Cappelle and Cliff Lacey will tour Barrie on July 25 and 26, 2017. They'll evaluate the accomplishments of the whole community (municipal, corporate and individual citizens) on any of the following criteria: landscaped areas; floral arrangements; tidiness effort; urban forestry development; environmental effort; and heritage conservation.

	Alain Cappelle, Landscape Architect Born in Nieuwpoort, Belgium, Alain Cappelle graduated in 1988 as a professional bachelor of Landscape and Garden Architecture (University College Gent), thanks to his passion for flora, planning and design. Read more.
	Cliff Lacey, Retired Parks Manager Cliff retired from his position of Parks Manager, Strathcona County in 2007. In his role there, Cliff was involved in the Communities in Bloom program since Strathcona entered the program in 1998. Read more.

What You Can Do

Regardless of whether you choose to register, here are ways residents and businesses can help Barrie dazzle the judges on July 25 and 26, 2017:

Tidy Up: Pull those weeds, sweep your sidewalk and pick up litter in neighbourhood green spaces, vacant lots and local parks.

Show Off your Creativity: Spruce up your flowerbeds, baskets and planters. No project is too small!

Respect our Environment: From policies and by-laws to naturalization projects, any effort towards protecting and conserving the environment will help impress the judges!

Join the Community: Judges look for public involvement in the beautification and betterment of our community. Horticulture clubs, sports and recreation clubs, service groups, municipal staff, and local business involvement all score points.

Celebrate our Heritage: This category includes heritage policies, by-laws and management plans; preservation and restoration of buildings, structures and sites and cultural events.

Support Urban Forestry Efforts: Judges also examine trees and woodlots, both young and old, for variety, suitability, planting, preservation and care.

2017 Communities in Bloom (CIB) Events

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