The City of Lewisburg received a rating of 5 Blooms and a special mention for Lewisburg Foundation during the 2022 National/International Symposium and Awards Ceremonies in Victoria, British Columbia. The City of Lewisburg participated in the International Challenge Small category along with Dauphin MB Canada; Glaslough Ireland; Ingria Italy; Sussex NB Canada and Velika Polona Slovenia.
Communities are evaluated using a “bloom” rating determined by the total score of the evaluation: 0 to 55 % = 1 Bloom, 56 to 63 % = 2 Blooms, 64 to 72 % = 3 Blooms, 73 to 81 % = 4 Blooms, and 82 % and over = 5 Blooms. There are four levels of 5 Blooms exclusive to the National and International Edition: 5 Blooms: 82 to 83.9%, Bronze: 84 to 86.9%, Silver: 87 to 89.9%, Gold: 90% and over.
Over the summer, trained volunteer judges travelled to participating communities to evaluate the overall contributions of municipal council and departments; industry; businesses and the private sector – including volunteer efforts – regarding the following criteria: Community Appearance, Environmental Action, Heritage Conservation, Tree Management, Landscape and Plant & Floral Displays.
Following their evaluation, volunteer judges Susan Ellis and Alex Pearl wrote, “The Lewisburg Foundation, community volunteers and the three garden clubs have worked together for many years, shaping the lovely look and feel of the town. First time visitors are greeted with a clean, well-kept community with cheerful floral displays, and plantings, and honour paid to preserving its past. The streets are very walkable, clean and cared for, and the eclectic mix of shops, services and restaurants that are in the downtown contribute to the busy, friendly vibe that draws both visitors and residents into the core.”
Lewisburg in Bloom coordinator Shannon Beatty added, “The Lewisburg in Bloom Committee had fun getting ready for the Communities in Bloom judges and enjoyed showing them our favorite place to live. Our Public Works crews and volunteers worked so hard to get ready. They were so proud to show off their hometown.”
All those involved in the Communities in Bloom program can be proud of their efforts, benefitting all of society by providing real and meaningful ways to mitigate climate change
For a complete list of the results, please visit www.communitiesinbloom.ca