Submitted to the Castlegar News
Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement and the challenge of a national program, with focus on enhancing green spaces in communities.
This year Castlegar celebrates 10 years of participating in this national program.
With beginnings in 2004, Castlegar Communities in Bloom volunteers, continue to ignite and engage our community in improving the quality of life in the city.
From tidiness efforts to art projects, citizens are noticing the change from what Castlegar used to be.
Sculpture Walk
Sculpture Walk began with Communities in Bloom installing the first sculpture in Castlegar in 2008, now Castlegar is known as the Sculpture Capital of Canada.
According to the organization, volunteers make it happen.
Communities in Bloom
In 2014, Castlegar was recognized as a 5 Bloom International Small Population Category winner.
This year Castlegar is entered in Class of Champions competition, the second highest competitive level in the program.
Celebrating Volunteerism is the theme for 2015 and there already a lot of volunteers engaged in this year’s projects.
Raise the Flag
Fundraising for a flag pole, with Canadian Flag and a plaque honoring those who have worked for many years, began early last year. Communities in Bloom and special guests will Raise The Flag at the Robson Interchange site, at 9 a.m. on Monday July 27.
Eco Sculptures
Eco Sculptures have become a part of our community, with a partnership with the City of Burnaby. Frogs, eagles and a butterfly proudly share another form of art expression in Castlegar.
Peony Show
The organization also hosted the 2015 Canadian Peony Show June 27 in Castlegar and the first juried show in BC was “hugely successful” stated show chair Holly Pender-Love.
Art Diversity
Art Diversity, coordinated by student Syerra Postnikoff, and sponsored by a Youth Action grant from Columbia Basin Trust, showcases the talents of students and staff at Stanley Humphries Art Program.
The resulting works with “Waters from the Columbia River” as a theme, are simply phenomenal.
This art will be displayed on Columbia Avenue in the 2200 block.
Naturefest
Castlegar Garden & Naturefest, has been supported by Communities in Bloom for the past six years. It is getting bigger and better every year.
Partnerships
Partnerships with schools, teaching, mentoring and supporting in various ways, have educated local youth on the environment and its future. Distributing trees at Blueberry Community Hub and having a special program to celebrate the life of a tree, was a very fun event for all.
“We are proud of our association with this outstanding national organization and our committed group of volunteers. I cannot think of anything that has had more of a positive impact on our city than this program,” said Darlene Kalawsky, coordinator for Castlegar’s CIB Program.
“The biggest benefit is the entire community working together to make Castlegar the BEST City to live, play and work.”