Town of Minto wins National Communities in Bloom Title
Population 8,001 - 10,000 
2009 Judges Evaluation - click here Minto – “Where Your Family Belongs”. This motto is the guide by which the Town of Minto has been working to create a cohesive community from the amalgamation of three towns within a rural municipality. The citizens and the administration have met the challenge with patience and a determination to succeed. Careful thought has been put into strategically planning how to make a whole from many parts then move forward to make all parts function to create a ‘sense of place’ that the citizens of Minto call home. The residents of the Town of Minto told us that they attribute their success, in part, to Communities in Bloom as it is a programme that addresses eight categories upon which community is built. It became a template common to all parts of the municipality upon which to build community and track successes. The Town of Minto has developed a Vision Statement and Statement of Core Values. These values are the touchstone of the actions being taken by the municipality to develop and grow. The Town knows this is a long process and engages citizens in the development of strategic plans. Such things as sustainable transportation, rural economic development, marketing, and efficient recreation facilities are all examples. One contribution of the CIB committee is to have a single colour theme of flowers throughout the municipality and launch town wide competitions. The trail system will soon physically link all communities in the Town. The lifestyle in Minto is marketable as a tourist destination with the trails, locally grown farm produce, unique natural heritage, festivals and recreation facilities, local artisans, andbeautiful visitor accommodation – not to mention that it is a Communities in Bloom town! The CIB committee provided us with an excellent tour that allowed us to witness examples in all eight categories under evaluation. The profile book was well laid out and informative. We suggest this book be available to the general public, perhaps in the libraries; and also make realtors aware of it as it gives an accurate portrayal of the community. We enjoyed and appreciated the barbeque to meet a great cross section of people and the winners of competitions. We loved “The Great Minto Tree Hunt”! Thank you for your warm and friendly hospitality and for sharing your town with us. And, thank you for participating in Communities in Bloom!
For a complete list of the National Winners visit www.communitiesinbloom.ca
Minto in Bloom Winners
Residence in Bloom - Ethel & Don Weber, Clifford
 Farm House in Bloom - John & Ann Hieter, Minto Township
Commercial Property in Bloom - Royal Bank, Clifford
 Container in Bloom - John & Bep Klein, Harriston
 Churches in Bloom - Knox United Church, Clifford
 COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM FUNDRAISER - Baby Blue Spruce
Click here for details. RAIN BARRELS
The Minto in Bloom Committee is offering residents of Minto the opportunity to purchase 45 gallon rain barrels at a discounted rate of $75.oo, taxes included.
While pollution and drought threaten our water supply, rain water provides a healthy alternative promoting better soil and plant growth. WHAT IS COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM?
Communities in Bloom is a Canadian, volunteer-based, non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community participation. Judged against each other participating communities of similar population competitors are evaluated on their municipal, commercial and private citizens' accomplishments on a scale of one to five blooms in: floral displays, landscapes, turf, urban forestry, community involvement, heritage conservation, environmental awareness and tidiness. Tidiness
Tidiness of green spaces (parks etc.), medians, streets, sidewalks, ditches, road shoulders, signage, vacant lots and buildings with regards to garbage, weeds, maintenance and repair, dog droppings, notices, posters, graffiti and vandalism. Environmental Awareness
Includes sustainable development, policies and by-laws, waste reduction, landfill sites, hazardous waste collection, sewage disposal, transfer/recycle stations, recycling initiatives, Plant Health Care, Integrated Pest Management, water source treatment and conservation, naturalization, environmental clean-up activities, and environmentally friendly transportation. Community Involvement
Includes citizens and their involvement in various community projects. As well as volunteers involved in long and short term projects. Landscaped Areas
Includes efforts in creating an environment where the plants form an essential element of the whole surroundings. The overall design must be suitable for the intended use and location. Landscape treatments should include native and introduced plant species and show harmony (colour, texture, and shape), and a tasteful integration of hard surfaces and art elements. Landscape design should harmonize the competing interests of municipal, commercial and residential sectors of the community and be maintained at a high standard. Tree/Urban Forest Management
Written policies, by-laws and standards for tree planting and care. Long and short-term plans. Inclusion of tree inventory, qualified/trained staff, Plant Health Care and Integrated Pest Management, heritage memorial and commemorative trees, hardy species, variety, succession planting, suitability, planting and care of school grounds. Floral Display
Includes arrangements of flowers and plants, originality, distribution, location, diversity and balance, harmony, quality and maintenance. This pertains to flower beds, carpet bedding, containers, baskets, window boxes, annuals, perennials, bulbs, ornamental grasses etc. Turf & Groundcovers
Includes quality naturalization, the use of ground-covers and wildflowers, turf management, maintenance, (mowing height/frequency, Plant Health Care, Integrated Pest Management, fertilization programs, irrigation, water restrictions). Natural & Cultural Heritage Conservation
Heritage policies, by-laws, and natural heritage management plan. Preservation and restoration of buildings, homes, churches, monuments, artefacts, sites, parks, heritage gardens, trees etc. Interpretive, cultural heritage, signage, Open Door Programs and initiatives. Preservation of traditions and customs, festivals/celebrations, heritage foods and the arts. The presence of a Historical Society and/or Heritage Advisory Committee.
GET INVOLVED!
There are many things that citizens of Minto can do to get involved and at the same time increase our point total. Maintain your lawn Keep sidewalks and roads clean Get involved in your local Horticultural or Historical Societies Reduce, Re-use, Recycle Add planters or hanging baskets to your home or business Add a fresh coat of paint where needed Enter the Minto in Bloom Contest Adopt a road or garden in your community Keep everything weed free Plant a garden Volunteer as a member of the Minto Communities in Bloom Committee
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you are interested in this program please contact the Communities in Bloom Administrator Louise Bexton at 519-338-2511 ext. 48. |
