Overview

“People, plants and pride growing together”

Communities in Bloom is a volunteer based, Canadian non-profit organization, committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility, beautification and to improving quality of life through community participation and the opportunity to participate in a national program. The Alberta Recreation and Parks Association oversees the Alberta's Provincial Edition of the Communities in Bloom initiative.

Established with the guidance of Britain in Bloom, Tidy Towns of Ireland, and Villes et Villages Fleuris de France, Communities in Bloom held its first edition in 1995, and 29 participating municipalities were honored at the first awards ceremony on Parliament Hill.

The program now includes more than 500 municipalities across the country and an international challenge involving municipalities from the United States, Japan and several European countries.

Communities are invited to participate in the provincial or national editions, within their population category.

Communities have recognized numerous benefits from participating in the program including:

• Increased civic pride and community involvement.
• Participation from all ages and walks of life.
• Citizens, groups, organizations, business and municipal government all mobilized and working together.
• Year-round projects and continuous improvement for the entire community.
• Information and cultural exchange within the community and with neighbouring, national and International communities.
• Valuable information and feedback from the judges.
• Decreased vandalism.
• Economic development and increased property values.
• Marketing and promotional opportunities.
• Positive benefits for the tourism, hospitality and retail industries.
• Improved quality of life.

ARPA proudly recognizes the support of Encana Corporation for Alberta's Provincial Edition of Communities in Bloom.