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.
2023 Event
The 2023 Communities in Bloom awards ceremony took place September 30 at the national conference in Alberta, where the City was recognized with a Circle of Excellence – 5 Blooms Gold award. Barrie also received special recognition for its plants and floral displays. See the full Communities in Bloom awards results.
Purple was the 2023 Communities in Bloom colour of the year. Submissions for this year's campaign were accepted until June 28. Everyone is encouraged to continue planting purple, as well as pollinator and native plants, to showcase our Communities in Bloom spirit, and help create a healthier ecosystem.
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.
Judges' Tour
National Communities in Bloom judges tour Barrie each July to evaluate 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.
This year's national judges are Tina Liu, Senior Landscape Architect at the National Capital Commission and Susan Ellis, National Chairperson, CiB Board of Directors. Judges will tour Barrie between July 25–27, 2023.
What You Can Do
Barrie residents, businesses and organizations can participate in Communities in Bloom each year by preparing for the Judges' Tour:
