A group of volunteers met on April 19 to discus the Communities in Bloom (CIB) program 2012 sponsored by the District of Barriere.
Councillor Virginia Smith chaired the meeting, and although not all of the committee members were present, those who did attend had a constructive discussion about the upcoming event which will be a first for the community.
It was reported that preceding the meeting there had been a teleconference call with Gay Pooler, a member of the Kamloops CIB, who said she had great success with this program for several years. She gave advice on how best to focus public attention to the program, and also spoke about the importance of a community profile book to give to the judges when they come to the community. Another suggestion was to start a scrapbook to show the judges, although it would remain at the District office.
It was noted flyers with information about the CIB event are now ready to be distributed to local businesses and organizations to encourage their participation in the program, and Councilor Smith volunteered to drop them off.
Barb Buchanan told the group that she has started 300 to 400 marigolds for the program, which will make a great show somewhere in Barriere.
The group is looking for people “with strong backs” when planting time begins, and they ask anyone interested in helping with some of the physical labor involved to please contact the District office at 250-672-9751. The next meeting of the group will take place on May 17, 3 p.m. at the District office in the Ridge.
Communities in Bloom (CIB) is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement and the challenge of a national program, with focus on the promotion of green spaces in community settings.
In July and August, qualified volunteer judges will visit participating communities and evaluate each one on its overall performance within the following criteria: tidiness, environmental action, heritage conservation, urban forestry, landscape, turf and groundcovers, floral displays, and community involvement.
The evaluation is based on the local conditions and achievements of citizens, businesses, organizations, institutions and the municipal government working together towards common objectives.
The communities become part of an extensive information exchange network with other participants in a dynamic and rewarding process for continuous improvement.