After 17 years of coordinating the provincial program for Communities in Bloom in Alberta, the ARPA Board of Directors made the decision to transfer the responsibilities for the program coordination to a non-profit organization to bring some new energy into the program.
The program transition took place in 2024 with Sharon Miller taking over coordination duties from long-time provincial coordinator Karen Snethun. Sharon developed a new society, the Communities in Bloom Alberta Society, and brought together an energized Board of Directors to take over leadership of the provincial program.
The program continues to be strong here in Alberta and across the country. The 2023 provincial program had 15 communities participate with 9 volunteer judges.
ARPA has been fortunate to help coordinate such a wonderful program that saw over 100 Alberta communities participate during our involvement. These communities participated by enhancing and sustaining the visual appeal of their neighbourhoods, parks, and public spaces – all while building community, economic development, and civic pride.
We want to sincerely thank all of the communities, volunteers, sponsors and partners who have been a part of and supported the program over the past 17 years. ARPA will continue to help the provincial and national programs grow and have a community development impact into the future.