Communities in Bloom seeks new members

The Manitoba Communities in Bloom (CIB) program is actively urging more rural municipalities to join its ranks, emphasizing that participation offers significant economic advantages, access to exclusive grants, and expert consultation at an affordable cost.

After a brief pause during the pandemic, the program hopes to expand its membership, which currently includes less than ten communities: Portage la Prairie, Southport, Niverville, Warren, Gimli, Baldur, and St Jean Baptiste. Carman and Virden are also eyeing a return in 2026.

CIB board member and Portage la Prairie local committee Chair Cathie McFarlane says the program is a powerful tool for civic beautification that extends far beyond floral displays.

“The Communities in Bloom program is internationally recognized by visitors and tourists,” McFarlane said. “By participating, your community is allowed to advertise that you are a participant through use of the ‘Communities in Bloom’ name and logos.”

McFarlane explains how studies show that CIB registration suggests a high standard of tidiness, beautification, and environmental effort, making passersby more likely to stop and spend money in the community.

“Participating municipalities are encouraged to use social media and highway signage to promote their status, which yields direct economic advantages,” she said.

Beyond boosting tourism, CIB membership provides access to tangible financial benefits and grant opportunities unavailable to non-participating communities.

One of the most practical benefits is the Scott’s Miracle-Gro Best Gardens program. This national partnership allows local communities to run their own “best garden” contest using supplies provided entirely by Scott’s. This program furnishes customized yard signage and full-sized Miracle-Gro products for up to 12 winners, saving the municipality up to $1,700 on contest prizes and branding.

Participants also gain access to exclusive funding streams from the national CIB office and affiliated partners. Current examples include a 50 per cent wage subsidy grant through the Green Jobs Initiative, designed to help communities hire summer students specifically to maintain or enhance local beautification projects. Other funding sources include community grants from Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Green Municipal Fund for tree planting and environmental projects.

The core value of the program is the comprehensive and objective review provided by CIB’s volunteer judges. Two expert judges — often veteran gardeners or horticultural professionals — are assigned to each community for a single-day assessment.

The judging criteria are tailored to Manitoba’s rural environment and focus on six areas: community appearance, environmental action, heritage conservation, tree management, landscape, and plant/floral displays.

The result is a detailed, 24-page evaluation that provides an independent review, highlighting areas of success and offering strategic suggestions for improvement. Communities are assigned a “Bloom rating” ranging from one to five blooms, with a percentage score that dictates further recognition (Bronze to Gold) for those reaching the maximum five-bloom level.

Additionally, the program provides guidance on annual national themes. The 2026 theme is Therapeutic Gardens, which encourages communities to develop green spaces — such as a garden at a personal care home or a renovated commemorative space — that are recognized for their stress-relieving effects on residents and visitors.

Participation costs are scaled based on population, making the program highly accessible compared to the national competition.

Registration fees range from $250 for communities of 1,000 people or less up to $500 for those exceeding 5,001 people. While the community is responsible for minimal judging costs, such as providing lunch, the local nature of the Manitoba program keeps travel expenses minimal.

Manitoba CIB also hosts an annual conference, which was held in Gimli in 2025 and is projected for Niverville in 2026. The conference provides invaluable networking and learning opportunities for volunteers and municipal staff, with registration fees typically under $50 per person, including meals.

Communities interested in joining or rejoining the Manitoba Communities in Bloom program can contact program co-ordinator Cathy Shaluk at coordinator@mbcommunitiesinbloom.ca.

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