Portage La Prairie Evaluation Form Manitoba Communities in Bloom

Transcription

1 Portage La Prairie Evaluation Form Manitoba Communities in Bloom

2 Community: Province: Portage La Prairie Manitoba Category: Population over 5000 The evaluation is based on 6 criteria: Tidiness / Environmental Action / Heritage Conservation / Urban Forestry / Landscape / Floral Displays / Total / Percentage: 70% Bloom rating: 3 Blooms Special Mention: Urban Forest With Inclusion of Fruit Trees For All Bloom ratings: [Up to 55% -1 bloom: 56% to 63% - 2 blooms: 64% to 72% - 3 blooms: 73% to 81% - 4 blooms: >82%: 5 blooms] For 5 bloom evaluated communities only: [82 to 83.9%: 5 Blooms. 84 to 86.9%: 5 Blooms (Bronze); 87 to 89.9%: 5 Blooms (Silver); 90% and over: 5 Blooms (Gold)] Representative (s) of Community Name: James Kostuchuk Function: CIB Name: Victoria Olsen Function: Portage Community Revitalization Name: Arishya Aggarwal Function: PCI Student Judges Name: Glenda MacPhee Name: Wendy Menzies Evaluation date: July 28, 2 P a g e

3 IMPORTANT NOTES: - Evaluation is adjusted to the climate and environmental conditions of the community. - Some aspects of the evaluation might not be applicable: scoring will be prorated. - The score will vary from the previous year based on the facts that the evaluation form is subject to modifications each year and that the evaluation is based on the perception of the current judges. SECTORS OF EVALUATION Municipal: - Municipal properties, parks and green spaces, streets, streetscapes - Properties owned and run by municipality such as museums, historical sites Business and Institutions: Properties owned and managed by - Business: commercial sector, shopping centres, commercial streets, industrial parks, manufacturing plants - Institutions: schools, universities, churches, hospitals, service and community organization buildings (such as YMCA, Legion), private museums, government and Crown corporations buildings (such as Canada Post) - Tourism bureaus and Chamber of Commerce offices - Farms: in rural communities, farms can be considered in this section Residential: - Citizens and citizen groups acting within their own properties - Residential property owners, rate payer groups Community Involvement: The principle of community involvement is so fundamental to the program that it is considered in each segment of the evaluation. - Individuals, community organizations and citizen groups all contributing to various aspects of community improvement, including municipal spaces maintained through the efforts of volunteers and community - Organized clubs such as horticultural societies, garden clubs, community associations - Service clubs such as Rotary, Lions, Optimist - Participation (financial and/or in-kind or employee participation) by the municipality, businesses and institutions. 3 P a g e

4 GENERAL COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS We had a very interesting and well organized tour. It was very evident that a great deal of thought and preparation was dedicated to the planning of this tour. This committee has a very unique membership. All of the representatives, James (teacher), Bill (filmmaker), Victoria (Portage la Prairie Community Revitalization Corporation) and Arishya who accompanied us through the day contributed their own expertise and knowledge to this initiative. Arishya, the Youth Ambassador contributed so much to the tour! It was wonderful to experience her passion for this community and enthusiasm the Communities in Bloom program! We also appreciated having city council representatives, Mayor Irvine Ferris and Councillor Wayne Wall participate in the tour as well. Councillor Melissa Draycott attended the evening barbeque. The support shown by city council is so important to the viability and growth of this program. The community gardens spread throughout the city are testament to the gardening interests of residents. Senior life lease residents have expressed that they like having control of their own space. What a wonderful gift the initiators of this project have given these seniors. Kudos, also, to Portage and Area Beautification group for reclamation of industrial areas along main street east. Members of this Community in Bloom committee have also been able to achieve support and partnership with the local media and with two of the local nurseries. Congratulations upon these endeavors! Your hardcover photo book offers a marvelous glimpse of the community of Portage. The stories and photos included details to what we were shown as well as added to the parts we may not have been able to see during our tour. Recommendations: While the photo book was wonderful, a profile book that describes and documents the historic and present day highlights of this community can include even more details that can t always fit into the tour day. It is an enormous task which could be shared with several organizations throughout the community. It is a bit easier to edit and adapt each year. In addition, if digital versions are made available to judges in advance, links could be added with extra information such as the following site that the judges stumbled upon These publications can be part of a tourism package. Many communities have added these to the reading material at local libraries, businesses, offices, waiting rooms etc. It would be another way to promote this wonderful community and a great resource for any visitor to the area. 4 P a g e

5 TIDINESS Tidiness includes an overall tidiness effort by the municipality, businesses, institutions and the residents throughout the community. Elements for evaluation are parks and green spaces, medians, boulevards, sidewalks, streets; municipal, commercial, institutional and residential properties; ditches, road shoulders, vacant lots, signs and buildings; weed control, litter clean-up (including cigarette butts and gum), graffiti prevention/removal and vandalism deterrent programs. Municipal Tidiness, order, cleanliness and first impressions 10 8 Community anti-litter awareness programs 10 7 Effective bylaws, programs and policies and enforcement; litter control, unsightly private property maintenance by-laws, graffiti prevention and eradication, graffiti removal kits to residents Cleanliness of public green infrastructure: parks, streetscapes (sidewalks, planters, urban signage and furniture such as benches, litter and recycling containers etc.) Visual appeal, and condition of municipal buildings and properties (including City Hall grounds), Business & Institutions Max Tidiness, order and cleanliness and first impressions Condition of buildings (exterior maintenance), grounds, sidewalks and parking lots Condition of urban furniture: benches, litter and recycling containers 5 4 Residential Tidiness, order and cleanliness Condition of buildings, grounds and yards Community Involvement Public participation in community, neighbourhood or individual street tidiness, clean-up programs, activities and annual maintenance (including promotion, organization, innovations involving youth and seniors, etc.) Support financial and/or in-kind or participation by the municipality, businesses and institutions for community clean-up programs Actual Tidiness Total P a g e

6 TIDINESS Observations: The city of Portage la Prairie is generally quite tidy thanks in part to the 1700 registered participants in the spring community clean-up and a responsible Green Team; who constantly monitor graffiti and are on the lookout for exemplary yards. By putting interactive artwork on the walls at the William Glesby Centre and library the graffiti problem area was dealt with. The restoration of the Pao Garden with students doing work to develop the area helped to develop pride and responsibility in youth. This is a win-win situation for the community and the business owner. On the other side of the building a hazardous road area was turned into green space. So many practical solutions to downtown issues! Well done! Effective bylaws are in place to deal with buildings and yards that are not maintained adequately. While this is never a fast process, eyesores were not obvious on the judging tour. Most yards appeared to be well cared for. Newspaper and radio participation in community efforts is a huge asset. This helps relay the message for positive community action. Many hands make light work. The public art benches created with local artists as part of your Canada 150 projects are nicely spread throughout the city and so unique. They are well thought out and have practical placements. Be sure that the public knows about the Canada 150 artwork benches and mural. Recommendations: While the judges were shown many beautiful public spaces it would be helpful to see a bit more of the residential areas in order to effectively determine tidiness scores. Some litter was observed in the duck pond duckweed. Try to have such removed regularly so that it doesn t become a dumping ground. Your Chamber of Commerce is obviously active in your community. Could Chamber come on board to encourage businesses to manage weed control in front and behind their buildings? We can walk by areas so often they become too familiar and may not realize that the growing weeds are not leaving positive first impressions. While many businesses clearly address this on a regular basis, there are a few that could benefit from these reminders. Perhaps a group of keen students could volunteer to help out with weed management when business owners are not able to add this to their already busy lives. We would encourage more financial support from the city council. 6 P a g e

7 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION Environmental action pertains to the impact of human activities on the environment and the subsequent efforts and achievements of the community with respect to: policies, by-laws, programs and best practices for waste reduction and landfill diversion, composting sites, landfill sites, hazardous waste collections, water conservation, energy conservation, and environmental stewardship activities under the guiding principles of sustainable development pertaining to green spaces. Municipal Sustainable development strategy: policies, programs, guidelines, long-term planning/vision; effective bylaws/policies and their enforcement; and public education programs and activities Waste reduction to landfill and results (3-R: reduce, reuse and recycle), municipal composting programs, including activities such as composting sites, yard waste collections, mulching of wood debris (Christmas trees, hedge trimmings, etc.), reclamation of cut trees, and handling of hazardous waste including e-waste collection and reuse of compost material Water conservation and use-reduction programs such as promotions, efficient irrigation, use of non-potable water, water restriction policies Energy conservation programs such as alternate forms of energy (ex. geothermal, biomass, wind, solar) and initiatives such as: efficient appliances initiatives, shielding for night skies issues, efficient street lighting Environmental initiatives, innovations and actions such as: - Development and expansion of sustainable mobility and active transportation network such as bike lanes and multi-used pathways; - Horticultural practices such as green roofs, green walls, green lanes, living fences, buffer zones; re-use of sites; engineered wetlands, bio-swales, permeable surfaces and rain water management - Brownfield redevelopment, remediation, land reclamation - Air quality programs such as anti-idling, reduction of greenhouse gas emission (carbon reduction). Business & Institutions Participation in the environmental effort: such as waste management (reduce, reuse and recycle), water conservation, energy conservation, brownfield management Corporate environmental innovation/stewardship, initiatives, activities (ex. environmental clean-up activities) Max Actual Residential Participation in the 3-R (reduce, reuse and recycle) initiatives and composting 10 7 Adoption of water conservation practices such as rainwater collection and rain gardens 15 8 Community Involvement Public participation in public forums and policy development on environmental issues Public participation in community, neighbourhood or individual street environmental activities and programs (including promotion, organization and evidence of taking ownership, etc.) Support financial and/or in-kind or participation by the municipality, businesses and institutions in public environmental activities and programs Environmental Action Total P a g e

8 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION Observations: All told, there are about 22 km of walking trails which will eventually be connected throughout the city. With some kept clear in winter, this active transport system provides an excellent opportunity for the public. When groups such as the Junkyard Dogs groom cycling paths it shows the importance of these trails. Ten percent of all new developments must be designated green space. Trees were already planted in the courtyard of the new development on 4 th Ave East. Having them in place before anything else begins speaks to the commitment to this requirement. Most of the waste in Portage is managed effectively. Recycling is sorted to reduce recycling errors and cross contamination. This makes it a much more profitable business. Compost is sifted so it is ready and available for use, while old asphalt is ground and made available for repurposing. The city is looking at kitchen waste management. Commitments have been made for water and waste treatment upgrades, Memorial parks have been rehabilitated and repurposed and beet juice has effectively replaced road salt. At the museum, even the Richardson ground squirrel has found refuge. While wood branches are burned, mulch from the arborist is available to public. Continue to explore ways to better manage the wood and branches brought to the compost sites. Crescent Lake is being effectively managed and monitored despite public misconceptions that it needs to be changed. Rotary Park bioswales deal with drainage for a very extensive area. The LED lights are providing safety to the public without light pollution and high energy consumption. Consider sharing the environmentally responsible example of Percy Gregoire-Voskamp s yard with the public. While few home gardeners would venture into such an immersed extent, his xeriscape and permaculture concepts are very sustainable practices. Perhaps he already shares this information through his library programs. Recommendations: Continue workshop development for environmental issues such as home composting. Green action centre provides free composting workshops if mileage is covered. These would be helpful for home gardeners and school programs. Pursue kitchen waste pick-up for those who cannot compost at home. Is there a way the city could encourage use of rain barrels? Could the city explore rainwater collection for planters and newly planted trees? The 8 th Street NW Community Gardens need adequate water sources. Perhaps a large water supply could be placed, such as the tank which was placed by the Portage la Prairie Community Revitalization Corporation at the Good Shepherd Church Community Garden. 8 P a g e

9 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION Recommendations (continued) It would be good to know more information about La Verendrye School outdoor courtyard grant and inschool garden. We would like to hear more about the chemical free turf management. Does this apply only on Island Park or is this practice used on Rotary sports fields as well? How are weeds managed? Is there a group that monitors and controls invasive species such as purple loosestrife? There were several sightings of this plant that should be removed throughout the community. With your lake being such a central focus it would be disappointing if loosestrife gained a foothold. 9 P a g e

10 HERITAGE CONSERVATION Heritage conservation includes efforts to preserve natural and cultural heritage within the community. Preservation of natural heritage pertains to policies, plans and actions concerning all elements of biodiversity including flora and fauna ecosystems and associated geological structures and formations. Cultural conservation refers to the heritage that helps define the community including the legacy of tangible (built/hard assets) elements such as heritage buildings, monuments, memorials, cemeteries, artifacts, museums and intangible elements such as traditions, customs, festivals and celebrations. The participation of groups such as historical societies and conservation groups is considered. Municipal Max Actual Natural heritage policies, by-laws and their enforcement and effective programs 10 6 Natural heritage management plans and preservation initiatives: including eco systems, eco parks, protection of sensitive habitats, species at risk, support for at risk pollinators, grasslands, naturalization, wetlands, urban agriculture/farming, and wildlife Management and promotion of natural heritage (through communications, information and support programs, economic development/tourism) including activities and programs (year-round) for education and use of natural heritage sites for and by the public Cultural heritage polices, by-laws and plans and preservation initiatives for heritage buildings, cemeteries, artefacts, museums, monuments, heritage trees and gardens, including their integration with streetscapes and landscape Cultural heritage initiatives throughout the year including festivals and celebrations along with preservation of traditions and customs Business & Institutions Conservation, restoration and integration of natural heritage, including eco parks, conservation areas, heritage gardens, trees and landscapes. Conservation, restoration and reuse of heritage buildings and artefacts including their integration with the built/hard, streetscapes and green landscapes Residential Conservation/restoration and reuse of heritage buildings, artefacts on residential lands 10 8 Community Involvement Public participation in community, neighbourhood or individual natural heritage programs including developing policies and plans, site improvements and management, conservation and education initiatives Support financial and/or in-kind or participation by the municipality, businesses and institutions (including environmental groups) in community-initiated natural heritage activities and programs Public participation in community, neighbourhood or individual cultural heritage programs including year-round heritage community events/activities, festivals and celebrations along with preservation of traditions and customs Support financial and/or in-kind or participation by the municipality, businesses and institutions (including historical societies) in community initiated cultural heritage activities and programs Heritage Conservation Total P a g e

11 HERITAGE CONSERVATION Observations: What a beautiful city, rich in culture and heritage! The first notable evidence of historic conservation is the mature cottonwoods that line the main street, Saskatchewan Avenue. These tall sentinels, along with the native oak, remind us of the efforts of the forefathers of the area so many years ago. The city contains many various examples of heritage trees that provide shade and splendor for all residents. Congratulations on the efforts in establishing an inventory of the heritage trees that exist within the city. We were so pleased to visit the natural forest, a feature of Island Park. Natural forests are precious to the health and well-being of any eco-system along with providing a much needed space for reflection and rejuvenation for any human being. We enjoyed the historical facts presented to us by Darryl and Cornel, the opportunity to visit the graves of the three Indigenous Chiefs and appreciated the collaboration between cultures. This was one of the many special moments of our tour. This Park is surrounded by an oxbow of the Assiniboine River known as Crescent Lake. This lake was created in the late 1800 early 1900 s and exists as an important part of the city s historical, commercial, recreational, environmental and scenic attractions. Having Mayfair farm that supplies local, fresh produce within these same city limits is an extra bonus. In addition to the natural heritage, Portage la Prairie has several heritage buildings and homes that have been preserved. The Land Titles building, built in 1889, remains an impressive part of the commercial area of the city. Its vaults contained precious historical information regarding settlement of the city and surrounding agricultural areas. In addition to the Land Titles building, the community has committed to preserving other heritage buildings such as the City Hall ( ) and the Bank of Montreal (1907). These buildings are architectural treasures of the past. Driving through many of the streets of Portage la Prairie, there is evidence of many homes that were built in the late 1800 s. One of these homes, the Arthur Meighen Home has been thoughtfully and carefully restored by its owner. This restoration is the result of over 20 years of effort. Many other majestic, older homes also appear well maintained. In another location a church was converted to a home. The railway system through Portage has been a historical hub of economic activity for the city of Portage, the province, the prairies and the nation. It was great to see the efforts made to make this area an inviting space to enjoy with the wonderful trails, shrubs and trees while restoring the ecosystems along tracks. Volunteers are coordinating efforts to preserve the Canadian Pacific Railway Station (1893) constructed of Manitoba sandstone and brick. Fort la Reine Museum exhibits many architectural and historic buildings of the area. We were impressed by the extent and variety of buildings and plans for a natural, prairie tall grass habitat and efforts to coexist with the wildlife of the area. 11 P a g e

12 HERITAGE CONSERVATION Observations (continued): Bill and James are wonderful resources for historical facts regarding the city. Many thanks for all of this information! The dozen or so memory gardens with plaques that identify loved ones throughout town will stand as a lasting legacy for others. Kudos to the funeral home that has carried on this thoughtful tradition. The city council has ratified By-law No that has established a Portage la Prairie Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee with anticipated roles and responsibilities. This is a significant indication of the importance of the preservation of the historical sites and facts of this community. Congratulations on all of these efforts. Recommendations: Portage la Prairie has a wonderful history and is a significant component of the settlement and development of Manitoba as a province in Confederation. We are so pleased to learn that there exists a Heritage committee that is committed to protecting the historical treasures of the city. Congratulations to the volunteers on its efforts in identifying and researching the historical buildings and landmarks of the city. We would recommend continued efforts to identify these buildings, homes and landmarks and perhaps expand on the present signage to develop a historical/ architectural walking tour to inform and educate visitors. This could include the natural historic features of Portage as well. The settlement of Portage la Prairie is rich with cultural diversity. Continue to collaborate with the various cultural components of the city to discover the possibilities of creating cultural events that celebrate these diversities and can attract visitors to the city. Many fascinating stories were told on our tour. These stories need to be accessible to public. 12 P a g e

13 URBAN FORESTRY Urban forestry includes the efforts of the municipality, businesses, institutions and residents with regards to written policies, by-laws, standards for tree management (selection, planting, and maintenance), long and shortterm management plans, tree replacement policies, pollinator friendly tree selection, tree inventory, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM), heritage, memorial and commemorative trees. Municipal Overall impact, benefit and first impression of the urban forest 10 8 Policies, regulations and tree by-laws, tree protection and planting on public and private lands Urban forestry plan and design, including integration with overall green infrastructure landscape plan, and measures to preserve, protect, manage and expand overall tree inventory, including woodlots. Plan of action: procurement, species diversity (including native trees), selection of hardy and pollinator habitat tree species, recommended tree list and tree planting standards. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) / Plant HealthCare (PHC): plan of action for invasive pest detection and control, information on current infestations and diseases Public information programs: good planting techniques, best practices and maintenance programs Max Maintenance best practices with proven results Qualified personnel (including seasonal staff) and/or in place training programs 5 4 Business & Institutions Contribution to expanding overall tree inventory, with consideration of design and diversity including native and hardy species of trees, on properties owned by business and institutions Maintenance programs, best practices with proven results: watering, pruning, IPM 10 5 Residential Contribution to expanding overall tree inventory, with consideration of design and diversity including native and hardy species of trees on residential properties 15 9 Maintenance best practices with proven results 10 7 Community Involvement Public participation in tree planting and conservation programs such as Green Streets Canada, Arbor Day, Maple Leaf Day, and other tree planting and maintenance programs and activities on public lands (including promotion, organization etc.) Support financial and/or in-kind or participation or promotion by the municipality, businesses and institutions for community tree planting and conservation programs on public lands Actual Urban Forestry Total P a g e

14 URBAN FORESTRY Observations: It is so apparent that the development and care of the urban forest is a significant focus for this community. We were so pleased to learn of the development of the tree inventory that will be a great resource for the management of the trees within the city. We noticed that several trees had been identified for removal and that the city participated in the province s DED management program. We were also pleased to learn that the city employs an arborist and is supportive in the education of staff in this area. This contributes to the enhancement and protection of your tree inventory and also gives staff the confidence that accompanies additional skill development in their work for the city. Congratulations on the planting of the additional 400 trees in your community! It was great to see the use of trees for beatification and shade along the numerous walking trails, the east entrance of the city and the development of the beautiful green space with the addition of 95 fruit trees along Fisher Avenue. The availability and opportunity for the residents of Portage to have access to locally grown fruit is a wonderful concept! One of the highlights of our tour was visiting Dave s yard of the week and touring Island Park to view the unique trees that were able to thrive the extremes of Manitoba weather! Imagine seeing mature aronia/mountain ash cross (Ivan s Beauty), ginkgo, Kentucky coffee and butternut trees on the harsh prairies. Several of these trees were planted in memory of a special citizen of the community. There were several memory parks throughout the city. The lovely memory park along the east entrance fulfilled many purposes including the restoration of previously contaminated land. The arboretum on Island Park was most interesting with a variety of trees that enhanced that area. The preservation of the natural forest, the tree population along the riparian areas of Crescent Lake and the rows of trees in the Wallace Nursery is commendable. All of these efforts and succession planting indicates forethought and careful management to protect the existing trees and prepare for future endeavors to ensure the tree population in spite of weather damage, insect infestation or disease. It is so wonderful to hear of your use of the grants available to facilitate the purchase of trees for your community and the partnerships that you have development with Jeffries and Norquay Nurseries. When former students such as Arishya can point out the tree that her class planted when she was a student at Ecole Crescentview it shows the significance of education programs. 14 P a g e

15 Recommendations: We would recommend that you continue to identify and explore areas in your city where new trees can be planted. Continue to explore planting different species of trees to add variety, color and texture to your urban forest. It would be wonderful if the trees in the arboretum could be identified or named on a mapping system to educate the citizens of your community or visitors to the area. This would be a wonderful resource for the citizens of Portage and help assist in the appreciation of the value of trees within their community. It could also help citizens when making effective tree planting choices for their own yards. Seeing the mature planted trees in a park is quite different from seeing a small potted tree in a nursery. Include best planting practices in the arboretum as well. Continue to partner with those organizations or businesses to plan and hold workshops for anyone who would like to learn about the benefit and care of trees. Portage has access to great resources at the local nurseries. With the library already hosting a few planting workshops, they might welcome further suggestions. It has been an extremely hot and dry July, and we noticed that several of the younger trees were showing signs of distress. Is there a plan to apply water to these trees during times of drought? 15 P a g e

16 LANDSCAPE Landscape includes planning, design, construction and maintenance of parks and green spaces suitable for the intended use and location on a year-round basis. Elements for evaluation include: native and introduced materials; balance of plants, materials and constructed elements; appropriate integration of hard surfaces and art elements, use of turf and groundcovers. Landscape design should harmonize the interests of all sectors of the community. Standards of execution and maintenance should demonstrate best practices, including quality of naturalization, use of groundcovers and wildflowers along with turf management. Municipal First impressions of the community including gateway/entrance treatments Sustainable designs (seasonally adjusted year round): energy efficient, use of green materials, naturalization, xeriscaping, suitable plant varieties (including pollinator friendly), 10 7 traffic calming, bank stabilisation Urban and civic design standards for streetscape and public places: flags, banners, public art, fountains, site furnishings, signage, seasonal design and décor, walkways and paving 10 7 materials Landscape Plan: integrated and implemented throughout the municipality 10 7 Turf management programs, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Plant Health Care (PHC), alternative solutions to diseases and infestations when appropriate, increased naturalization and adapted maintenance programs 10 7 Landscape maintenance policies, standards, best practices and programs 10 7 Landscape maintained to appropriate standards, specifications and best practices Qualified personnel (including seasonal staff) and/or in place training programs Demonstrated year-round opportunities and programs for education and use of parks and green spaces (urban agriculture, community gardens, parks and recreation programs) Business & Institutions Sustainable designs (seasonally adjusted year round): energy efficient, use of green materials, naturalization, xeriscaping, alternate groundcovers, urban agriculture Contribution to urban and civic design and public green spaces above requirements: such as public art, streetscape, site furniture, fountains & innovation in concept & design Adequate ongoing life cycle management (ongoing maintenance, ground & asset management, rehabilitation & replacement ) of all landscape elements Residential Max Streetscape appeal of landscapes (year-round, seasonal, themed) Maintenance of properties: lawn care, trees and shrub maintenance (with proven results) Selection of plant material (native, local, innovative, edible and pollinator friendly plants) 10 7 Community Involvement Public participation in community programs such as: urban agriculture, community gardens, "yard of the week", volunteer park maintenance, holiday illumination & decoration (promotion, organization, etc.) Recognition (by municipality and/or by volunteer groups) of volunteer efforts in all aspects of the Communities in Bloom Program including activities in all evaluated criteria Actual Landscape Total P a g e

17 LANDSCAPE Observations: There are a variety of nicely landscaped areas scattered throughout Portage. An inviting outdoor classroom at Ecole Crescentview School offers a lovely, shaded place for children to learn in an outdoor setting. While it needs a little maintenance, the maturity of the trees insures the plantings can withstand the rigors of little children playing nearby. Gladys Crampton Memorial Garden at Douglas Campbell lodge offers seniors and their visitors beautiful shrub borders that are well pruned and free of weeds with rock mulch; perennials such as peonies carefully mulched with wood chips; beds of annuals; benches for sitting and paths for strolling all surrounded by shady trees. In addition there are raised planters of flowers and vegetables for the residents to adopt, plant and tend. Portage is host to so many lovely landscaped areas. The grasses, shrubs and hostas at Good Shepherd Catholic Church were sustainable, low maintenance choices. The carpet of impatiens beneath the sign attracts immediate attention. Low maintenance shrubbery and grasses were also used at Fort la Reine museum. The wildflower and grass meadow will be an addition to look forward to. Pao garden s trees, shrubs and sustainable perennials offer a shady retreat in the heart of the city and soften the sharp edges of nearby concrete buildings. The Sunset Palliative Care Garden in Island Park is a calm and relaxing place to remember loved ones. The benches along the water of Crescent Lake are very inviting and appear to be in excellent shape. The eye-catching Yard of the Week sign draws the focus of passersby. Showcasing these yards will help to encourage others to put that extra effort into yard beautification and start conversations. With photos from a keen Green Team, publicity from the local paper and Jeffries gift certificates to give out your recognition program should be off to a wonderful start. The yard that was toured displayed lush growth and careful maintenance. A fine example for others. Recommendations: Be sure that all city planters are on the watering route. Some around Stride Place seemed to be struggling in the heat. The city maintains many beautiful planters and baskets on Saskatchewan Avenue. In ground plantings seem to be mostly limited to trees and shrubs. While these are well maintained with good variety, well planned and mulched perennial beds of grasses such as the grass on the south side of Stride Place, and low maintenance perennials can be manageable and add dramatic interest as well. An area that could benefit from tall swaying grasses and colourful daylilies or Echinacea is at the base of the sign at Rotary Park. 17 P a g e

18 FLORAL DISPLAYS Floral displays evaluates efforts of the municipality, businesses, institutions and residents to design, plan, execute, and maintain floral displays of high quality standards. Evaluation includes the design and arrangements of flowers and plants (annuals, perennials, bulbs, ornamental grasses, edible plants, water efficient and pollinator friendly plants) in the context of originality, distribution, location, diversity and balance, colour, and harmony This pertains to flowerbeds, carpet bedding, containers, baskets and window boxes. Municipal Integration into overall landscape plan and distribution through community. Concept and design including sustainable design Diversity of displays: flowerbeds, raised beds, planters, hanging baskets, window boxes, carpet bedding, mosaics Diversity of plants: annuals, perennials, bulbs, grasses, woody plants, natural flora, pollinator friendly plants Quality, maintenance to appropriate specifications and standards, best practices: watering, weeding, edging, dead heading, etc. Max Qualified personnel (including seasonal staff) and/or in place training programs 10 7 Business & Institutions Concept and design (including arrangement, diversity, colour of display and plants) on grounds 15 8 Contribution to, and integration with, overall community floral program 10 6 Quality of planting and maintenance: watering, weeding, edging, dead heading, etc Residential Concept and design (including arrangement, diversity, colour of display and plants) on residential properties Pollinator gardens and/or inclusion of pollinator plants in gardens Quality of planting and maintenance with proven results Community Involvement Public participation in community projects, volunteer initiatives, outreach programs in floral displays (including promotion, organization, etc.) Support financial and/or in-kind or participation by the municipality, businesses and institutions for community floral displays activities Actual Floral Displays Total P a g e

19 FLORAL DISPLAYS Observations: We noticed a variety of lovely planters along the median of Saskatchewan Avenue and many hanging planters. For the Canada 150 Celebrations, the planters and hanging baskets were filled with mostly red and white petunias, a wonderful celebratory display! A few of the businesses along Saskatchewan Avenue had floral plantings as well such as the planters at Shapansky s Florists and the office for the Association of Manitoba Municipalities. Congratulations to those commercial entities and organizations for these efforts of beautification. The flower beds at the Douglas Campbell Lodge were colorful and neatly kept. These beds bring immense enjoyment to the residents of this home. Recommendations: We would recommend that the committee continue to find opportunities to work with organizations and volunteers to develop ideas to increase the participation in floral displays throughout the community. Is there an opportunity to work with the Chamber of Commerce to develop an idea or program, or challenge amongst the businesses to add beauty to the entrances of their business with hanging baskets or planters? Are there opportunities to incorporate wild flower or native flower beds into the city s landscaping scheme? With plans to expansion the Community Avian & Pollinator Habitat started by the Oakville 4-H Beef Club beside Stride Place, perhaps a section could be devoted to native plants such as monarda, brown eyed susan, milkweed, joe pye weed, asters, hyssop, and purple coneflower. With labels or interpretive signage, this could be an opportunity to educate the public as well. It is encouraging to see the significant community partnering that is happening with this project. The youth may also be interested in researching and developing a garden specifically designed to attract butterflies. Planning a garden of flowers that will continue to bloom throughout the seasons is also another avenue to involve the youth of the community. Continue to organize and support workshops that educate your residents on designing flower beds or planning and planting a hanging basket or planter for the yard or front door. 19 P a g e

20 Canada 150 Special Edition Award NOTE: The Heritage Canada 150 Special Edition is scored separately and is not included in the overall bloom calculation. The community with the highest score out of 100 will receive the Canada 150 Special Edition Award. Canada 150 Special Edition Award Canada 150, includes all community activities celebrating the 150 Anniversary of Canadian Confederation and/or celebrating the heritage of the community in Canada's Confederation. Elements for Canada 150 evaluation include legacy projects, special events, festivals and activities, special green projects (floral displays, tree planting) and special museum/heritage displays. Municipal Canada 150 projects: legacy projects, events, activities and festivals and special green projects such as floral displays and tree planting Business & Institutions Canada 150 projects: legacy projects, events, activities and festivals and special green projects such as floral displays and tree planting Residential Canada 150 projects: special green projects such as floral displays and tree planting Community Involvement Max Actual Participation in Canada 150 programs: public participation in community, neighbourhood or individual events, activities, festivals and celebrations Canada 150 Points Total Maple Leaf rating: Up to 55%: 1 Leaf. 56% to 63%: 2 Leaves 64% to 72%: 3 Leaves 73% to 81%: 4 Leaves >82%: 5 Leaves 20 P a g e

21 CANADA 150 SPECIAL EDITION AWARD Observations: Portage la Prairie has completed significant projects in celebration of Canada 150. Grants were obtained to bring some of the projects to fruition. 1. Wheelchair accessible playground 2. Expansion of Splash Island 3. City-wide Community Breakfast 4. Special Fireworks 5. Coordinated City Floral Displays 6. Display of 150 red and white artworks at local art centre. (Yvette Cuthbert-artist) trees donated by the Canadian National Railway 8. Canada 150 Community Mosaic (Stride Place) Here is a link to the story on the Stride Place Mural: 21 P a g e

22 THANK YOU FOR YOUR INVOLVEMENT Communities in Bloom is made possible by: The commitment of local, provincial and national volunteers The support of elected officials and municipal staff The dedication of judges, staff and organizations The contribution of sponsors and partners Thank you to our Sponsors National Scotts Canada - Home Hardware CN Provincial Equinox Industries Ltd. Gold Jeffries Nurseries Silver T & T Seeds Vanderveen s Greenhouses Recreation Connections Bronze Playgrounds R Us Manitoba Hydro Collet Transport for EcoSolutions Bronze People, Plants and Pride Growing Together 22 P a g e