Communities in Bloom

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.

2019 was the City's 22nd year participating in the Communities in Bloom competition. Barrie participated in the International Challenge Large Category. Participants showed community pride and kept Barrie blooming! All Barrie residents, community groups and interested partners were encouraged to register to participate. Projects could be any size, no project is too small!

Little gardeners were 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 were showcased during the community luncheon with the visiting judges on Wednesday July 24th, 2019.

Judges' Tour

National CIB judges Alex Pearl and John Lohuis toured Barrie on July 23 and 24, 2019. They evaluated the accomplishments of the whole community (municipal, corporate and individual citizens) on the following criteria: landscaped areas; floral arrangements; tidiness effort; urban forestry development; environmental effort; and heritage conservation.

Alex Pearl, Educator in Centreville, Ohio USA Alex Pearl, Centerville, Ohio has been an America in Bloom judge since AIB's inception. He is among the founding individuals. Alex's affiliation began as a judge during AIB's 2001 pilot program under the tutelage of Communities in Bloom. Read MoreRead 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 MoreRead More

What You Can Do

Regardless of whether you chose to register, below are tips for residents and businesses to help Barrie dazzle the judges on July 23 and 24, 2019:

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.

2019 Communities in Bloom (CIB) Events