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
Submissions for this year's campaign are now closed. 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!
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Communities in Bloom, and Barrie's 25th anniversary of participating! This year, the City is also entering the International category. This category focuses on community engagement and the following criteria: Community Appearance, Environmental Action, Heritage Conservation, Tree Management, Landscape, and Plant and Floral Display.
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 this year's 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.
There are currently vacancies on the Communities in Bloom Committee! Interested in joining? Learn how to apply.
What You Can Do
Barrie residents, businesses and organizations can participate in Communities in Bloom each year by preparing for the Judges' Tour:
