Communities in Bloom

Evaluates the community's efforts to address environmental concerns. Judges evaluate initiatives related to waste reduction, landfill diversion, composting, hazardous waste management, water conservation, energy conservation, and sustainable development practices, particularly in green spaces.

Evaluates the community's efforts to preserve natural and cultural heritage including policies, plans and actions concerning all elements of biodiversity and associated geological structures and formations. Cultural conservation refers to the heritage that helps define the community including the legacy of heritage buildings, monuments, memorials, cemeteries, artifacts, museums, traditions, customs, festivals and celebrations. 

Evaluates the planning, design, construction and maintenance of parks and green spaces in the community. 

Evaluates the design and arrangements of flowers and plants (annuals, perennials, bulbs, ornamental grasses, edible plants, water efficient and pollinator friendly plants) in the context of originality, distribution, location, diversity and balance, colour, and harmony. This pertains to flowerbeds, carpet bedding, containers, baskets and window boxes in the community.

Evaluates the overall aesthetic appeal of the community. Judges assess factors such as the maintenance of parks, green spaces, medians, boulevards, sidewalks, streets, municipal, commercial, institutional, and residential properties. They also consider measures taken for weed control, litter cleanup, graffiti prevention and removal, and vandalism deterrence programs.

Based on the evaluation, communities may be awarded ratings from one to five blooms, five blooms being the highest rating. Based on their ranking, communities can move on to the national and international competitions. Communities may also be eligible for special awards based on specific criteria such as sustainability, biodiversity, or community involvement.