Register for the Communities in Bloom Symposium and Awards!
Sept. 27 to Oct. 1, 2023
Registration for the 2023 Communities in Bloom Symposium and Awards is now open to Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo residents! This is typically a closed event, however, limited spots are available for community members. Deadline to register is Sept. 17. Act fast, and reserve your spot today by clicking on the button below.
Review the Registration Package to learn more about the event.
Tips to help you register
- Select "Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo resident" when filling out the form.
- Select "Full Conference Registration Option" if wanting access to all events and activities (not including Pre-conference tours and activities)
- Select "Pay "A la carte" Option" to pick and choose your experience
- Note: Pre-conference social activity and tours are not included in the Full Conference Registration package. Please select these separately to participate.
What can attendees expect at the Symposium?
The theme for this year’s Symposium is Northern Blooms, honouring the northern culture and Indigenous heritage of the region. Attendees will learn about gardening and sustainable initiatives with opportunities to network with national and international guests and speakers. The Symposium will offer:
- Unique adventures such as a guided boat tour down the Athabasca River and an informative and activity filled land-based holistic experience at McMurray Métis Local 1935.
- Fun, interactive workshops for attendees to learn how to make traditional foods, art and more.
- Multiple opportunities to network such as the Welcome Reception, Community Showcase and Dinner and Awards at the Fort McMurray Golf Club and the Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony at Shell Place.
- Opportunities to learn through workshops and technical tours.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is proud to host the 2023 Communities in Bloom Symposium and Awards at Shell Place from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1, 2023. With a scheduled filled with exciting opportunities to network, learn and grow together, we look forward to welcoming guests and celebrating northern blooms!
Growing great places together
Wood Buffalo Communities in Bloom is the local chapter of the national Communities in Bloom program. Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-for-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement and the challenge of a national competition, with a focus of enhancing green spaces in communities.
In 2022, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo received 5/5 Blooms and was named the winner of the International Challenge in the Medium/Large category with a special mention for Cultural and Natural Heritage and Indigenous Community Involvement. The region also received two outstanding achievement awards, the Communities in Bloom Heritage and Conservation Award and the National Capital Commission’s Plant and Floral Displays Award.
The awards recognized the efforts of staff, council appointed committees, community organizations and countless volunteers in creating initiatives that engages, enhances, and beautifies the region.
Nominate your Neighbour
The Nominate your Neighbour program recognizes residents for contributing to community beautification throughout the summer and winter months. Communities in Bloom programs run twice per year. The program will reopen for winter holiday displays and decorations on November 15.
- Summer program (landscapes and floral displays)
July 15 to August 15 - Winter program (holiday displays and decorations)
November 15 to December 15
Please come back to Nominate your Neighbour during one of those time periods.
2023 Flower of the Year is Purple Alyssum / Lobularia Maritima
This year's Flower of the Year, the magnificent Purple Alyssum, is sure to bring bursts of vibrant colour to your flower beds. The
seed packet also contains Purple Beans seed.
Alyssum growing instructions:
- Start seeds on soil surface.
- Seeds require light to germinate – do not cover.
- Seeds can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting.
- Transplant after last frost.
- Select a location with full sun or partial shade.
- Plant seeds on well-draining, loamy soil.
- Space seedlings 10” apart.
- Germination takes 5 to 14 days.
Alyssum care instruction:
- Water plant frequently.
- Cut back plant to encourage second growth.
Purple Beans growing and care instructions:
- Plant seeds directly into soil after last frost, 1” deep and 20” apart.
- Select a location with full sun, and well-draining soil.
- Beans will be ready for harvesting in approximately 55 days.
- Water often and harvest beans regularly.
About this year's Flower of the Year:
The variety of Purple Alyssum selected this year contains short, moss-like mauve flowers that are suitable for flower and vegetable gardens. They are easy to grow and great for filling in garden spaces. Alyssums attract pollinators and grow 2" to 4" tall.
Where to find Flower of the Year seed packets:
The Flower of the Year seed packets are available at the following locations:
| RMWB Municipal Offices |
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| RMWB Rural Contact Offices |
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| Local Businesses |
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Volunteer
Helping hands are always appreciated, whether your time commitment is with the Communities in Bloom Committee, or as a casual volunteer. Contact Pulse to find out more.
