Blooms, blooms, blooms across rural Alberta! Whitecourt has received provincial recognition for its participation in Communities in Bloom and won the 2009 title in the 6,001 to 12,000 population category. Whitecourt actually won FIVE blooms- the highest number awarded.
Other ACE Communities that received bloom recognition include: Warburg, Thorsby, Trochu, Wainwright, Sylvan Lake, and Sangudo.
Communities in Bloom is a provincial program hosted by Alberta Recreation and Parks Assocation and is also a national program http://www.cib.arpaonline.ca/.
Communities who enter and participate in the contest focus on more than blooms. "Communities in Bloom promotes involvement and action by citizens of all ages, the municipal government, local organizations, and businesses. The program strives to improve the tidiness, appearance, and visual appeal of Canada's neighbourhoods, parks, open spaces, and streets through the imaginative use of flowers, plants, and trees. A focus on environmental awareness preservation of heritage and culture is also an integral part of its success, resulting in improved quality of life."
When people take more pride in their community and focus on beautification and environmental programs such as this, the outcomes are more than the blooms. The outcomes are about collaboration, decreased crime rates, cultural and heritage awareness, and increased local economic benefits. When people's quality of life is increased community flourish... and bloom!
Keep up the dedication to making ACE Communities and rural Alberta beautiful!
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