Communities in Bloom 2018

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.

2018 is the City's 21st year participating in the Communities in Bloom competition. This year Barrie is participating in the Circle of Excellence category.  Let’s show our community pride and keep Barrie blooming! All Barrie residents, community groups and interested partners are encouraged to register to participate. Registration closes Friday June 29th,  2018.  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 25, 2018.

Judges' Tour

National CIB judges Bob Lewis and John Lohuis will tour Barrie on July 24 and 25, 2018. 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.

Bob Lewis, Retired National Capital Parks Director Bob is retired from the National Capital Commission (NCC) in Ottawa where he was the Director for Capital Urban Parks & Green spaces.  Bob's first career was in the Canadian Forces as a Military Engineer where he served in various locations across Canada as an Army Engineer and Facility Manager.  Read More

John Lohuis, BA, MBA, CMM III, Retired GM/CEO of Niagara Parks Commission John was most recently GM/CEO of the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) from 2012-2016 which oversees 1500 Ha along the Niagara River from Fort Erie to Niagara-On-The-Lake.  Operations included the Niagara School of Horticulture, horticultural services, Niagara Parks Police, parking, attractions, culinary services, heritage services including landmarks such as the Laura Secord House, and bus transportation (WEGO) along the Niagara Parkway.  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 24 and 25, 2018:

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.

2018 Communities in Bloom (CIB) Events