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Communities in Bloom committee searching for winners

Communities in Bloom committee targets environmental action
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Wyatt Colson

The local Communities in Bloom (CiB) committee has another commitment for the competition and that is focusing on "environmental action."

It involves showcasing the efforts and achievements by the municipality, businesses, institutions and residents of the community.

When the judges look at this section of the competition in each community, they consider policies, bylaws and best practices, and the 3-Rs (reduce/reuse/recycle). They also look at initiatives, such as waste reduction, landfill sites, hazardous waste, water conservation, naturalization, environmental stewardship activities, and environmentally friendly transportation. All of this comes under the guiding principles of sustainable development.

"Our town is fortunate to have a community garden on donated land behind The Lodge, where area residents have an opportunity to grow and share maintenance of garden plots.

"We also have the Community Kitchen program, which is run by volunteers, where many community members enjoy learning how to cook with natural foods and share great meals together."

Trish Chung has put in a lot of hours and made tremendous achievements in this program, including the organization of Seedy Saturdays and working with the Horse Lake Community Farm Co-operative.

"This is a great example of 'environmental action' in our community."

If your business or community group has been placing an emphasis on environmental action, please let the local CiB committee know what you are doing. You can contact us by calling 250-706-2044 or dropping an e-mail to 100milecib@gmail.com.

The CiB judges will be assessing the four sectors of our community, including local government, business, service groups and citizens, to evaluate their efforts.

Meanwhile, nominate your neighbours, a business or nominate your own garden, so our judges get a chance to see them on the tour.

Residential contest categories include: Best Balcony/Patio; Best Herb/Vegetable Garden; Best Xeriscape (dry landscape); Best Front Yard Design; Best Backyard; Tidiest Block; and Best Overall.

Registration forms available online at www.100milehouse.com, or can be picked up at the District or Chamber of Commerce offices.

The deadline for registrations is July 11.

Remember our upcoming community barbecue on the evening of July 19 in Centennial Park to welcome our judges.

Next week's concentration will be on heritage conservation, so get your stories ready.

Angela Cole is a member of the local CiB committee.