Coquitlam clinched three outstanding achievement awards last week in the 2023 Communities in Bloom competition.
Coquitlam was up against municipalities across Canada, Ireland, Italy, Slovenia and South Korea for a prize at the Communities in Bloom national and international awards ceremonies held Sept. 30 in Alberta.
Coquitlam captured outstanding achievement accolades for:
- environmental action
- tree management
- Plants You Love Contest (third place, recognizing the Inspiration Garden and new garden walk at Town Centre Park)
As well, it earned the coveted 5 Blooms – Gold award in the non-competitive Circle of Excellence category for the Immigrant Link Centre Society's work on the People’s Food Pantry; that volunteer-based program distributes healthy food to new Canadians.
Coquitlam’s submission this year focused on community volunteerism, including stewardship programs that encourage residents to keep public spaces tidy, the Park Spark programs, community gardens and the Coquitlam Munch — an edible planter system in the Austin Heights neighbourhood.
Meanwhile, the top national and international Communities in Bloom winners for 2023 were:
- Cold Lake, Alta. (up to 20,000)
- Commune di Sorradile, Sardinia, Italy (international challenge, small)
- Ennis Town, County Clare, Ireland (international challenge, medium)
- Sejong City, Republic of Korea (international challenge, large)
- Trail, B.C. (class of champions, small)
National chairperson Susan Ellis thanked the participating civic staff and volunteers for beautifying and improving their communities.
"The past few years have tested our strength and resilience as we have faced a global pandemic and numerous extreme weather events," Ellis said in a news release.
"Together, we have persevered and emerged stronger and more determined in 2023 as we make new and lasting contributions to the places in which we live, work and play by making them healthier and more livable."
Last year, Coquitlam took five awards from the 2022 Communities in Bloom gala in Victoria:
- 5 Blooms – Gold, grand champion category
- Outstanding achievement: green cities
- Outstanding achievement: 2022 Year of the Garden contest (second place)
- Special mention: Coquitlam Tree Spree Program
- Special mention: Hoy Creek Hatchery
