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!
2024 Event
The City of Barrie was recognized at the 30th anniversary of the Communities in Bloom National & International Awards Ceremonies in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
Barrie won in the International Challenge Large category, earning a 5 Blooms – Gold and a special mention for the Waterfront Strategic Plan. The City also received an Outstanding Achievement Award for the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association Green Cities Award. See the full Communities in Bloom awards results.
Submissions for this year's campaign were accepted until June 28. Everyone is encouraged to continue planting orange, as well as pollinator and native plants to showcase our Communities in Bloom spirit, and help create a healthier ecosystem!
See the 2024 Digital Publication
Judges' Tour
The National Communities in Bloom judges toured Barrie July 23–25, 2024 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. Thank you to the 2024 judges, Dr. Andrea Bocsi and Alain Cappelle.
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.
What You Can Do
Barrie residents, businesses and organizations can participate in Communities in Bloom each year by preparing for the Judges' Tour:
