(Barrie, ON) - The City of Barrie was recognized over the weekend at the Communities in Bloom (CiB) National and International Symposium and Awards Ceremonies in Stratford, Ontario.
The City received the Healthier, Livable Cities Award with a Five Blooms – Gold rating, as well as a special mention for City’s ice storm tree recovery efforts.
“It is an honour for Barrie to be recognized with the Healthier, Livable Cities Award,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “This achievement reflects the care our residents show for their neighbourhoods and the dedication of City staff and community partners who work every day to make Barrie a cleaner, greener, and more welcoming place to live. Together, we are building a city that not only grows but thrives.”
“I’d like to share my appreciation and thanks to staff, Committee members, and community partners who came together to host the judges during the City’s evaluation tour over the summer,” noted Ann-Marie Kungl, Ward 3 Councillor and Communities in Bloom Committee Chair. “The City built on the success and awards received last year to be able to enter into this new category, and we’re exceptionally pleased to have been awarded a rating of Five Blooms to recognize our healthy and livable city.”
In July, CiB judges evaluated the contributions of the city’s municipal departments, local businesses, and volunteers based on the following criteria: Community Appearance, Environmental Action, Heritage Conservation, Tree Management, and Landscape and Floral Displays.
In 2024, the City of Barrie won in the International Challenge Large category, received a special mention for its Waterfront Strategic Plan, and also garnered an Outstanding Achievement Awards as part of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association’s Green Cities program.
To learn more about Communities in Bloom, visit communitiesinbloom.ca. Find more details about how the City participates and previous awards at barrie.ca/CommunitiesInBloom.
