REGINA — The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) has announced the winners of Saskatchewan’s Communities in Bloom program in 2023 and recognizes all 33 of the provincial participants after a successful year.
Participants enhanced their communities and were evaluated by the following criteria: Community Appearance, Environmental Action, Heritage Conservation, Tree Management, Landscape and Plant & Floral Displays. Participants are recognized with a Bloom Rating, and through the program’s Special Recognition Awards and Photo Contest.
Communities in Bloom Provincial Winners:
Three Provincial Winners excelled in all six criteria.
In the population category 501 to 1,000, Eastend earned four blooms and a special mention for tree management and natural tree nursery.
Shellbrook earned three blooms in the 1,001 to 2,000 population category as well as a special mention for a tree planting partnership project at the golf course.
Moosomin earned four blooms in the 2,001 to 3,000 population category. The committee also received a special mention for community/business support and volunteers.
In the Special Recognition Award category, Coronach earned awards for Community Appearance, Old Coronach Street Festival Museum Murals and Volunteer Recognition for the Old Coronach Street Festival Committee.
Also recognized were:
- Craik (Heritage Recognition) – Communities in Bloom Peace Pole Project
- Eastend (Environmental Action) – Southwest Waste Management Authority Regional Landfill
- Moosomin (Floral Displays) – Floral displays in Moosomin and District Regional Park
- Moosomin (Volunteer Recognition) – McNaughton High School’s Environmental Science Class
- Saskatchewan Beach (Community Spirit) – For Communities in Bloom activities and excitement of residents.
Rosa B. Vázquez of Eastend took first place in the “Take a Shot!” Photo Contest, with second going to Gwen Eyre of Craik. The third prize went to the Town of Coronach with co-credit to Canadian James Photography.
Also acknowledged are the communities of Wolseley, Kinistino and Melfort, who represented Saskatchewan in the 2023 National Communities in Bloom competition. Their achievements were recognized at the 2023 CiB National Symposium on Parks and Grounds and national and international awards ceremonies on Sept.30 in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, Alta.
Kinistino earned special recognition for recycled tire material used on Playground and walkway surfaces.
The community was also winner of the Teck Community Appearance Award with a five-bloom, bronze rating.
Wolseley also earned a five-bloom, bronze rating and special recognition for heritage conservation.
Melfort participated in the Circle of Excellence, a non-evaluated program.
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