Strathmore awarded top marks

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

Four Communities in Bloom members – including Strathmore – became a part of history last month. Recent judging results showed four communities in the 6,001-15,000 population category walked away with the highest ranking, scoring within four per cent of each other and resulting in a tie for the top spot between Taber and Coaldale.
The results were momentous for the Canadian non-profit organization, where two winners in the 6,001-15,000 population category is unprecedented.
Strathmore, Taber, Coaldale and Morinville were the only communities judged in their category and all received five blooms. They were among 14 other Albertan communities being judged in the province this year.
While Strathmore didn’t win the top award, judges were impressed with current green initiatives, 21st-century amenities, and the level of participation and commitment of politicians, town staff and volunteers.
“It wasn’t just council and staff of the municipality, but also the volunteers and they all worked together,” said Sharon Miller, one of 16 Communities in Bloom judges and one of two judges who visited Strathmore in early August.
“You find it in other municipalities but it was really big in Strathmore. It takes a lot to bring politics together with volunteers.
“For the first time in history we had to award two winners in that category. I think everyone is a winner. Getting a certificate in a frame isn’t the biggest deal, but it’s the participation in the community.”
Communities in Bloom has hundreds of participating communities focused on fostering civic pride, environmental stewardship and beautification. Members are required to be evaluated by the national Communities in Bloom organization within a four-year period to keep their membership status.
Miller and fellow judge Bob Cote visited Strathmore in early August. Due to downtown revitalization, improvements to parks and pathways, and green initiatives – such as composting and recycling – the scoring wasn’t a bolt from the blue for some residents.
“I can’t say I was surprised,” said Rob Pirie, chair with Strathmore Communities in Bloom. “Strathmore has made a lot of improvements in the past years; more trees, pathways, community clean-up (and) encouragement of composting. It instils pride in the community. Five blooms should be advertised – it could encourage people to consider visiting or taking up residence.”
Strathmore’s Communities in Bloom is currently focused on the birth forest and a revitalization of north Lambert Park.