Communities in Bloom is a nation-wide contest to foster environmental awareness, beautification and pride in the community. Last year, Whistler was awarded four out of four blooms in the provincial category, which qualified the municipality to move up to the national competition this year. Judges from the national competition will be in town from July 25 to 27, looking at turf and flower landscaping, tidiness, environmental programs, heritage programs, urban forest and community involvement. Both public and private lands will be judged. There will also be a children’s category. Whistler is in the 5,000 to 10,000 population category, along with Kincardine, Fergus, and Carleton Place, all in Ontario; Stratford, PEI; and Labrador City and Carbonear, Nfld. Judges will use a point score system to award blooms, so Whistler won’t be judged against the other municipalities. However, the community awarded the most blooms wins the designation. Parks and Recreation have several more special events planned, including this weekend’s display in the Village Square, a colouring contest for children, and a heritage display at Rainbow Park. Entry forms and details are available at municipal hall, Meadow Park Sports Centre and throughout the community. Free wastewater treatment plant biosolids fertilizer is available to residents from the plant, open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry deadline is July 15, and judging will take place the following week. Winners will be announced July 25 at a reception for the national competition judges on Blackcomb Mountain. For further information on the garden contest, drop by the display booth this weekend or call Paul Beswetherick, horticulture supervisor at 932-2423.
