
Region is named winner of the International Challenge in the Medium/Large category awarded 5 Blooms!
The 2022 Communities in Bloom Symposium took place this past weekend and Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo went home with multiple awards!
The region received an overall 5 Blooms – Silver rating and was named the winner of the International Challenge in the Medium/Large category with special mention for Cultural and Natural Heritage and Indigenous Community Involvement. The region also received two Outstanding Achievement awards, the Heritage Conservation Award and the National Capital Commission’s Plant and Floral Displays Award.
Winners were announced on Oct. 22 at the 2022 National Symposium and Awards ceremony held in Victoria, BC. The region competed in the International Challenge category along with Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium, Citta di Alba, Cuneo, Italy, Leduc AB and Stratford, ON.
Following their visit and evaluation, Community in Bloom judges Bob Ivison and Tina Liu wrote:
“The First Nations play an essential role in the history of Wood Buffalo. The RMWB has demonstrated a prime example of a positive Truth and Reconciliation process with the Indigenous communities in the region. The evidence of respectful relationships between all members of the municipality including Aboriginal, non-Aboriginal, immigrants, and other community groups are present everywhere. Indigenous representation in the City Council exhibits joint leadership and collaboration of Indigenous culture are the way of life in the RMWB.
Indigenous heritage is preserved and promoted through public infrastructures, such as crosswalks, murals, and artworks in public facilities, schools, businesses, and green spaces. Multilingual signages in Cree, Dene and English are used in RMWB. The many events hosted by different Indigenous communities are well supported and advertised by the municipality and service groups with substantial participation of local government representatives. Indigenous traditions are illustrated via these events and story-telling opportunities to involve other community members.”
Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo will host the 2023 National and International Communities in Bloom Symposium and Awards in September. More details will be shared as they become available.
About Communities in Bloom
Communities in Bloom is a Canadian volunteer and partnership-driven non-profit organization that encourages community pride through a multi-tiered competitive evaluation process.
For more information about Wood Buffalo Communities in Bloom and local beautification initiatives visit rmwb.ca/cib.
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