Mar 18

Written by: Joe Longo
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 

Communities in Bloom is a non-profit Canadian organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community participation and the challenge of a friendly competition.

National beautification programs have flourished in Europe for decades, and were the inspiration for Communities in Bloom in Canada. It began in 1995 with 29 Canadian communities and has grown to involve over 800 communities. This summer our City will participate, and be judged, in the Ontario program within our population category.

Communities in Bloom promotes involvement and action by citizens of all ages, the municipal government, local organizations and businesses. The program strives to improve the tidiness, appearance and visual appeal of Canada's neighbourhoods, parks, open spaces and streets through the imaginative use of flowers, plants and trees. A focus on environmental awareness, sustainability and preservation of heritage and culture is also an integral part of its success resulting in an improved quality of life.

Niagara Falls is committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community participation and the challenge of provincial competition.

This month at the Victoria Avenue Library, photographs of Communities in Bloom related projects including Community Clean Sweep day, Arbor Day, and previous Trillium Award winners in Niagara Falls will be on display in the glass cases by the entrance. Additional information about Communities in Bloom, and how to get involved, will also be available. Alternatively, contact Mark Richardson of the City's Parks, Recreation and Culture office at 905- 356-7521 or at mrichardson@niagarafalls.ca.

In April the Niagara Falls Horticultural Society will have a display there followed in May and June with a display by the Niagara Peninsula Geological Society.

In May, Ruth Stoner from the Niagara Parks Commission will display in the Sir Harry Oakes Room interesting photographs of Niagara Parks called “Then and Now”.

Library book displays promote seeds and soil in March, landscaping in April, annuals in May, perennials in June, decks, fences, pools & outdoor projects in July and pests, pruning and planning for Fall in August.

Borrow library books, magazines, dvds and videos about recycling, composting, waste management, water and energy conservation, alternate forms of energy, high efficiency vehicles, bicycles, public transit and air quality.

Our City’s cultural heritage is represented by the library’s Local History Collection and the Historic Niagara Digital Collections on our website www.nflibrary.ca/nfplindex/

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A free two-part resume writing workshop will be held on March 25 and April 1 from 9 to 11:30am at the Victoria Avenue Library for the first 15 people who register by calling 905-356-8080. You will receive a paper and electronic copy of your resume. The Library offers this with the Business Education Council and Service Canada.