September 29, 2008

Environmental innovation, Heritage Mile cited by judges

 

It was announced Saturday night in Lethbridge that Strathcona County is a runner-up in the 2008 Communities in Bloom International Challenge, Large Category, ranking with Aberdeen, Scotland; Stockton-on-Tees, England; Prince George, B.C.; and Toronto, Ontario. Brampton, Ontario was the overall winner.

 

     Strathcona County received a five-bloom rating, the highest number of blooms awarded in the Communities in Bloom Competition. The County also received a special mention for the Heritage Mile along Broadmoor Boulevard commemorating the community's history.

 

     Among the other features noted by the judges were the environmental work the County is doing. The community energy system serving Centre in the Park and the plans for Emerald Hills were seen as very progressive. The Strathcona Wilderness Centre was singled out as an example of the County's leadership in providing environmental and outdoor education for children and youth.

 

     The judges also congratulated Strathcona County on the strong volunteerism in the community and the link between business, volunteers, groups and the municipality to deliver a strong program.

 

     "Competing internationally at this level makes us a winner," says Mayor Cathy Olesen." It is a credit to our County staff and the volunteers who worked so hard on this program. I cannot remember a summer when our community looked better than it did this year." 

 

     The Communities in Bloom judges visited Strathcona County on August 5, 6 and 7. Their tour included the Patio Series at Festival Place and awards for local homeowners judged to have the best front gardens in the community.

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Contact: Mayor Cathy Olesen, 780-464-8000