Evaluation. Form. Jasper AB

Transcription

1 Evaluation 2013 Form Jasper AB

2

3 2013 Evaluation Form Community: Province: Category: Municipality of Jasper Alberta International Challenge (Small) The evaluation is based on 8 criteria, divided into the 6 following sections, assessing 4 sectors of the community: Tidiness / Environmental Action / Heritage Conservation / Urban Forestry / Landscape / Floral Displays / Total / Percentage : 82% Bloom rating: 5 Blooms Bloom rating: Up to 55%: 1 bloom. 56% to 63%: 2 blooms. 64% to 72%: 3 blooms 73% to 81%: 4 blooms. >82%: 5 blooms. Mention : Heritage Preservation St. Mary and St. George Church Representative (s) of Community Name: Gerry Lettner Function : CIB Committee Chair Name: Colleen Green Function : Environmental Services Name: Shannon Greer Function : Committee Member Judges Name: Evelyn Alemanni Name: Steve Preston Evaluation date: July 29, 2013

4 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, 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 & Service and citizen groups all contributing to various aspects of community improvement - 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.

5 2013 Evaluation Form GENERAL COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS Congratulations on your achievements in the Communities in Bloom (CiB) program and for earning a prestigious FIVE BLOOM rating. Three years at the Provincial level, two years at the national level with one as the winner, have prepared you for the honour of international competition. You can be very proud to compete at this level, against towns in Canada and three other countries. Well done! Situated inside Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Jasper is the commercial centre for the area. Because it is inside the park, the town has the unique situation of being governed by the federal government and a specialized municipality. The town is faced with the challenges of two levels of ordinances those of the town and those of the National Park Service. Because of the limited land area for the town, restrictions have been developed for residency only people working in town can live there. Only people who have lived in the town can be buried in the town cemetery. These are just some of the ways the town is dealing with the challenges of ~2 million visitors annually. Residents of Jasper that the judges met are so proud of their town and couldn t imagine living anywhere else. The natural beauty surrounding the town draws visitors from around the world who come for the amazing natural beauty the mountains, forests, rivers, and abundant wildlife. We appreciate having your profile book electronically it saves paper and printing costs, and makes searching for data so much faster. We also appreciated that you took the time to have everyone wear nametags. It makes our job so much easier. Please understand that international competition is more rigorous than the national Communities in Bloom competition. The fact that there were several construction projects ongoing during evaluation day is a testament to the fact that Jasper is not standing still. Soon there will be a new school, new library, and new landscaped median at the entry to town. Because you have a sister city in Japan, you might encourage them to participate in Japan in Bloom. CiB has had several Japanese participants in the international competition in the past and they have greatly enjoyed the experience. We wish you a bright and vibrant future and encourage your continued participation in Communities in Bloom.

6 TIDINESS Tidiness includes an overall tidiness effort. Elements for evaluation are green spaces (parks, etc.), 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 and vandalism programs. Max Actual Municipal Tidiness, order, cleanliness and first impressions Community anti-litter awareness programs 5 3 Effective bylaws, programs and policies and enforcement; litter control, graffiti prevention and eradication, appropriate and attractive signage Cleanliness of public green infrastructure: parks, streetscapes (sidewalks, planters, etc.) Condition of urban signage and furniture such as benches, litter and recycling containers Business & Institutions 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 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 Tidiness Total

7 2013 Evaluation Form TIDINESS Observations: Residential areas were neat and tidy, homes appear to be maintained with pride. Residents help with cleanup events and service groups help maintain playgrounds. Friends of the Park help with trail maintenance. Because of the abundant wildlife, trash receptacles are sturdy metal, bear proof containers. These are in abundant supply, everywhere they would be expected. Some offered opportunities for recycling. Construction site fences were partially screen with artwork by children, a very nice touch and great way to display large paintings. Based on research prior to the judges arrival review of the municipal website, community profile book, tourism websites, and more, and knowing that Jasper is within a national park and a UNESCO world heritage site, our expectations were high. However, our initial impression during a walk downtown was a bit disappointing. Litter detracted from storefronts. Weeds in sidewalks and tree wells indicated lack of care. Graffiti spoiled the appearance of trash receptacles and utility boxes. Curbs and fire hydrants need a fresh coat of paint. Sidewalks needed to be swept. The downtown area needs more attention because it is where tourists must come for supplies before they head out into the national park. Railroad properties are challenging for every town. The railroad bridge just outside of town desperately needs paint. You may want to contact the Brampton (Ontario) Economic Development group and ask them how they worked with the railroad to get permission to wrap the railroad bridge with attractive graphic banners. It would do a lot to enhance one of your gateways. The judges were not made aware of anti-litter programs.

8 Recommendations: Please see the landscape section for recommendations about weed control. Utility boxes were marked with graffiti. Consider wrapping them with graphics as a graffiti deterrent. Painting the fire hydrants is a good volunteer project perhaps one of the local artists can create an attractive design that would be easy for volunteers to replicate. For graffiti removal, you may want to experiment with a product called taginator. ( It removes the graffiti without damaging the underlying surface. We admire the dedication and determination of the one municipal employee tasked with litter control. But picking up after 2 million tourists is not an easy job. If it isn t already being done, have the Chamber of Commerce hire someone to help with litter control downtown. A comprehensive maintenance plan should be developed, detailing the appropriate equipment required, such as MadVacs to vacuum sidewalks, and when the work should be performed; i.e., before stores open in the morning. There are only two or three primary areas that need this attention. Five years ago, a stamped pattern was created at some of the downtown crosswalks. In the intervening years, traffic has worn parts of the pattern off leaving a patchwork appearance on the street. Consider repaving these sections as funding becomes available to create a more uniform appearance. A better way to visually mark crosswalks is by using a variety of paving materials, such as bricks, etc., which would offer a permanent solution.

9 2013 Evaluation Form

10 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION Environmental action includes efforts and achievement with respect to: policies, by-laws, programs and best practices, 3-R initiatives (reduce/reuse/recycle), waste reduction, composting sites, landfill sites, hazardous waste collections, water conservation, naturalization, 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 management programs such as 3-R (recycling, re-use, reduce), composting (backyard and municipal), landfill site management, and including activities such as composting sites yard waste collections, shredding of Christmas trees, handling of hazardous waste including e-waste collection Water conservation and use-reduction programs: efficient appliance incentives or promotion, efficient irrigation and 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, shielding for night skies issues, efficient street lighting and energy audits. Environmental initiatives, innovations and actions such as: Development and expansion of bike lanes and recreational pathways. Green roofs, green walls; re-use of sites; engineered wetlands and bio-walls. Brownfield redevelopment, remediation, land reclamation. Air quality programs such as anti-idling. Business & Institutions Participation in the environmental effort : such as waste management (recycle, reuse, reduce), water conservation, energy conservation, brownfield management Corporate environmental innovation / stewardship, initiatives, activities (Ex. Environmental clean-up activities) Residential Max Actual Participation in the 3-R (recycle, reuse, reduce) initiatives and composting Adoption of water conservation practices & policies including rainwater collection Community Involvement Public participation in public forums and policy development on environmental issues 5 4 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

11 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION Observations: 2013 Evaluation Form Commendations to the town for including environmental integrity as part of the town s vision statement bylaw. Jasper is a leader in sound environmental practices. Residents and visitors respect the inherent value of Jasper National Park and accept and honour their environmental responsibilities. This speaks volumes about your priorities and commitments. The dark sky initiative and creation of the dark skies preserve is commendable and will do much for the health of wildlife and people. The park ranger who explained the program was not aware of the major health effects for people. Studies on the health effects can be found at Curbside trash pickup is not offered because of the wildlife. However, recycling centres are plentiful and well-appointed, accepting nearly all materials. Recycling opportunities are also available at campgrounds. Neighborhoods have metal bins for kitchen and small yard waste. Larger yard waste such as branches can be dropped off at the recycling center. Bottles can be returned at a bottle depot, or dropped off at the recycling center where the proceeds are donated to a different community group each month. The Reuse It facility is a great idea that is becoming more common throughout Canada. We would have liked to visit it. The SEED program (Sustainability Education Every Day) is an important initiative in Jasper schools that relies on a modular classroom which is designed to have a zero carbon footprint. Students learn about sustainable living. The classroom, valued at approximately $200,000, was a gift from a group in Seattle. The town issues an annual environmental stewardship report to summarize all environmental activities during the past year. It is available on the town website and is an impressive list of accomplishments. Like the community profile book, it is a snapshot of environmental efforts in Jasper. The town is bicycle friendly by necessity. Due to tourist traffic, it s often difficult to find a parking space and traffic can slow to a crawl. Bike racks are abundant. Commendations on the zero waste Canada Day festivities. The bicycle recycling program is a practical solution to the numerous bikes that are abandoned in town. New bicycles are given away during Bicycle Week in June.

12 Recommendations: Add recycling bins at schools to make it convenient for parents to drop off recycling when they take their children to school. As funds become available, ask local sculptors to develop bike racks that can also serve as public art. In the busy downtown corridor, there are no bike lanes. As you work on your master plan, look for opportunities to create large, screened parking lots on the edges of downtown to reduce traffic and make biking safer. Make the development of a trail network master plan a priority so that neighborhoods, parks, schools, churches, and shopping are all linked by convenient walking and biking trails. Be sure to incorporate wayfinding signage. Encourage hotels to save and recycle leftover toiletries for a program such as Clean the World ( Programs such as these keep toiletries out of the landfill and make soap, shampoo and lotions available to people in third world countries. You could even donate some of the products to homeless shelters. With all the environmental efforts being undertaken, we didn t hear anything about energy audits. If they aren t being done, consider starting with the municipal buildings and be sure the newspaper covers the success you ll have in energy savings as a result of new initiatives. Then expand the program to businesses and residents.

13 2013 Evaluation Form

14 HERITAGE CONSERVATION Heritage Conservation includes efforts to preserve heritage within their community. Priority in evaluation is given to natural heritage, as well as the integration of landscape and streetscapes as it pertains to the built heritage of a community. Also consists of preservation of cultural heritage which includes monuments, memorials, artefacts, museums and history, archives, traditions, customs, festivals and celebrations. The evaluation includes: - natural heritage management plans: sites, parks, cemeteries, heritage gardens and trees, native plants; - the relationship of the landscape to the built heritage; - overall preservation of traditions and customs through year-round festivals and celebrations, events and parades. As well, the participation of groups such as Historical societies, Conservation groups are considered. Municipal Max Actual Heritage policies, by-laws and their enforcement and effective programs Natural and cultural heritage management plan and preservation initiatives: including cultural landscapes, use of native plants, heritage gardens, heritage trees, cemeteries, museums, heritage sites Management and promotion of heritage (through communications, information and support programs, economic development / tourism) including natural and cultural heritage initiatives throughout the year, and preservation of traditions, and customs Interpretative and signage programs, walking tours, festivals/celebrations (year round) Activities and programs (year-round) for education and use of natural heritage sites for and by the public New programs and initiatives to promote local heritage 10 7 Business & Institutions Conservation, restoration and reuse of heritage buildings and grounds Promotion of local heritage, including heritage gardens, native plants, and heritage trees Residential Conservation / restoration and reuse of sites / buildings Conservation of cultural and heritage elements pertaining to their own private lands and structures Community Involvement Public participation in community, neighbourhood or individual in cultural and natural heritage programs including heritage community events/activities, including year round cultural festivals & celebrations and 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, natural and cultural heritage activities and programs including cultural festivals & celebrations throughout the year and preservation of traditions and customs Heritage Conservation Total

15 HERITAGE CONSERVATION Observations: 2013 Evaluation Form Jasper National Park is one of the parks named as a UNESCO world heritage site. This designation brings with it increased tourism as well as increased responsibilities. Although the entire town is on the historic register, buildings from every decade of the 20 th century can be seen. Many of the old buildings from the early 20 th century are still in use as a bank, visitor center, chamber of commerce, and more. Commendations on your efforts to preserve these buildings. An old steam locomotive is on display at the train station which is also a heritage building. In Jasper, natural heritage may be more important than built heritage. Parks Canada assumes responsibility for its protection. As owner of all the land in town, Parks Canada also administers all the land leases, and provides standards for architectural design including colors and materials to assure that new construction is compatible with the heritage buildings. The town museum is run by volunteers and has attractive, well designed permanent displays as well as new exhibits periodically. The current exhibit about Marilyn Monroe s time in Jasper during the filming of The River of No Return incorporates the personal anecdotes of many residents who were there during that time. Plaques and signage are plentiful and informative.

16 Recommendations: To make learning about your heritage even more appealing to the current generation, consider adding QR codes to signage. There are many stories to be told by past explorers and residents. Perhaps the local newspaper could offer a weekly history column. Videotape your older residents and capture their stories about past days in Jasper. Be sure to transcribe the recordings to make the information searchable. An opportunity for a museum exhibit or even at the train station could relate to the impact of trains and transportation on the development of the town. Work with some students to create a smartphone or i-pad app for self-guided walking tours.

17 2013 Evaluation Form

18 URBAN FORESTRY Urban Forestry includes the efforts with regards to written policies, by-laws, standards for tree management (selection, planting, and maintenance), long and short-term management plans, tree replacement policies, tree inventory, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), heritage, memorial and commemorative trees. Municipal Max Actual Overall impact, benefit and first impression of the urban forest Policies, regulations and tree by-laws, tree protection and planting on public and private lands Urban forestry planning and design, including integration with overall landscape plan Measures to preserve, protect, manage and expand overall tree inventory, including woodlots Plan of action: procurement, species diversity (including native trees), selection of hardy species, recommended tree list Integrated Pest Management (IPM) / Plant HealthCare (PHC): plan of action for invasive pest detection and control, information on current infestations and diseases Public information program on good planting techniques and maintenance programs Qualified personnel and/or crew training Business & Institutions Design, species diversity and planting of trees in landscapes Maintenance programs and best practices: watering, pruning, IPM 10 8 Inclusion of diversified (including native), hardy species for planting on properties 10 8 Residential Design, species diversity and planting of trees in landscapes Inclusion of diversified (including native), hardy species for planting on residential properties 10 8 Maintenance best practices 10 8 Community Involvement Public participation in tree planting and conservation programs such a Green Streets Canada, Arbour 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 Urban Forestry Total

19 2013 Evaluation Form URBAN FORESTRY Observations: Because of the situation of the town being within the national park, the judges were not clear about the responsibility for trees in the town. Parks Canada has an ordinance that requires a one-for-one replacement of removed trees and also requires a permit for tree removal. However, we were unable to find out anything about tree protection. Trees on commercial and residential properties are generally in good condition. At several of the hotels, trees were used effectively to provide privacy. Parks Canada offers a list of recommended trees and shrubs. Throughout town, new tree plantings are protected by fencing to prevent damage from wildlife. A CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up grant resulted in an attractive tree planting by volunteers along the railroad track.

20 Recommendations: Due to fire hazard, Parks Canada has started to thin the forests on the edge of town to protect people and wildlife. Langford, BC has a similar issue of forest/urban interface and has developed an extensive policy that you might want to review and adapt. The level of tree maintenance in town needs attention. Downtown trees are in dire need of trimming and revitalization. Several dead trees were seen downtown and in the parks. Dead branches need to be removed from trees in playgrounds for safety and liability reasons. The pine beetle is making its way to Jasper. Best practices should be established in terms of management and eradication. Tree wells need to be cleaned of litter and weeded. Tree grates need to be inspected as some need repair. Install a porous weed cloth in the tree wells and cover it with river rock to prevent weed regrowth. Tree guards are in need of repair and in some cases are leaning against trees. In conjunction with Parks Canada, conduct a tree inventory in the town to give you a baseline on which to develop tree planting and maintenance programs and budget for needed work. As the community garden expands, consider inviting people to donate fruit trees to create a community orchard within the fenced space.

21 2013 Evaluation Form

22 LANDSCAPE This section of the evaluation supports all efforts to create an environment showcasing the overall surroundings. The overall plan and design must be 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, turf management and maintenance. Municipal Landscape Plan: integrated and implemented throughout the municipality 10 8 Turf management programs, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Plant Health Care (PHC), alternative solutions to diseases and infestations when appropriate, increased naturalization, 10 8 adapted maintenance programs and water management First impressions of the community including gateway / entrance treatments 10 7 Landscape maintenance policies, standards, best practices and programs Sustainable designs (seasonally adjusted year round): energy efficient, use of green materials, naturalization, xeriscaping, suitable plant varieties Urban and civic design standards for streetscape and public places: flags, banners, public art, fountains, site furnishings, seasonal design and décor, walkways and paving materials Max Actual Landscape maintained to appropriate standards and specifications Demonstrated year-round opportunities and programs for education and use of parks and green spaces (parks and recreation programs, city festivals and events) Qualified personnel (including seasonal staff) and/or training Business & Institutions Sustainable designs (seasonally adjusted year round): energy efficient, use of green materials, naturalization, xeriscaping, alternate groundcovers 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 Streetscape appeal of landscapes (year-round, seasonal, themed) Maintenance of properties: lawn care, tree and shrub maintenance Selection of plant material (native, local, innovative, including edible gardening) Community Involvement Public participation in community programs such as: "yard of the week", volunteer park maintenance, holiday illumination & decoration (including promotion, organization etc.) Recognition (by municipality and/or by volunteer groups) of volunteer efforts in all aspects of the Communities in Bloom Program including tidiness, environmental action, urban forestry, landscape, floral and natural & Cultural Heritage activities. Support financial and/or in-kind or participation by the Municipality, Businesses and Institutions for community landscape programs and activities 10 8 Landscape Total

23 2013 Evaluation Form LANDSCAPE Observations: Landscaping in Jasper has many challenges including a short growing season, extreme cold, and hungry wildlife. That is compounded by millions of visitors, so landscapes must be tough but at the same time, the expectation is that they must be attractive. Generally landscaping in Jasper is in fairly good condition. There is good integration and transition of formal settings and parkland and naturalized areas. The community garden, sited downtown, supports the locavore movement and demonstrates a spirit of cooperation as plot tenders water plots for each other and insert stakes to indicate that produce needs to be harvested. Some of the produce is grown for the food bank. The downtown site helps the garden serve as a teaching tool. Visitors see gardeners in action and are encouraged to come in and tour the garden. Commercial landscapes are attractive; businesses know that by looking good, they will attract more customers. Residential landscapes are nicely maintained. Sports fields are well maintained and safe for participants. The beautiful grounds of the Jasper Park Lodge set the standard for commercial landscapes.

24 Recommendations: At one of the heritage buildings, consider recreating the grounds to look as authentic as possible. The Visitor Centre would be a good candidate for such a makeover. Playgrounds are inconsistent. Each has a different surface. Develop a guideline and standard for playgrounds so consistent materials are used. Because of the ban on herbicides, consider converting more areas to naturalized plantings and meadows. Then reallocate the hours spent on maintaining these areas to other tasks. You may want to experiment with wildflower sod as a quick way to establish natural looking areas. There is an issue along the medians of weeds in the curbs. It was mentioned to the judges that the only way to do effective weeding is by string trimming or hand pulling. Take a look at Aquacide, a steam machine that kills weeds with steam. This is a quick and efficient way to remove weeds in sidewalks and curbs and on playgrounds. This will significantly reduce labor and free up time for other activities. Or try using a pressure washer. When creating new planting beds, install a layer of cardboard or newspapers under the mulch (we liked the pinecone mulch!) to prevent weeds. It s a great way to recycle these materials and they decompose nicely. The formal landscaped area around the information center has weeds. We were told that IPM was not permitted. However, practices such as mowing, aerating, overseeding, and topdressing are effective in reducing the growth of weeds and spreading of weed seeds into surrounding landscaped areas. Establish landscape maintenance standards so that everyone (council, staff, contractors, and Parks Canada) is clear about expectations and practices. The cemetery will soon run out of space and is looking to expand. As you plan the expansion, consider adding a scatter garden for cremains.

25 2013 Evaluation Form

26 FLORAL DISPLAYS "Floral Displays" evaluates efforts 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) 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 Max Actual Diversity of plants: annuals, perennials, bulbs, grasses, woody plants, natural flora 10 8 Quality, maintenance to appropriate specifications and standards, best practices: watering, weeding, edging, dead heading, etc Qualified personnel (including seasonal staff) and/or training Business & Institutions Concept and design (including arrangement, diversity, colour of display and plants) on grounds Quality of planting and maintenance: watering, weeding, edging, dead heading, etc Contribution to, and integration with, overall community floral program Residential Concept and design (including arrangement, diversity, colour of display and plants) on residential properties Quality of planting and maintenance 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 in community floral displays activities Floral Displays Total

27 2013 Evaluation Form FLORAL DISPLAYS Observations: Jasper s floral displays face the same challenges as other landscape elements noted in the landscape section. Nevertheless, the town knows that as an international destination, flowers are an essential and expected element of the streetscape. Town staff has worked diligently to find annuals that are elkresistant. In the centre of downtown, raised beds lift colourful annuals closer to eye-level and offer striking photo opportunities with the mountains in the background. Parks Canada has prepared an informative booklet about noxious weeds to help the public identify them and educate about the need for their removal. Many downtown businesses have enhanced their properties with hanging baskets, window boxes, and containers. Even the Shell gas station has petunias planted in old tires. Commendations to the following businesses for their floral displays: Jasper Pizza Jasper Brewing Jasper Park Lodge Karouzo s Alpine Village Lodge Best Western Austrian Haven At the Senior Lodge, gardening in raised beds is made possible by a donation from ATCO.

28 Recommendations: Consider planting a flower border around the community garden to attract pollinators. When the new school is completed, consider planting several types of demonstration gardens on the grounds including a xeriscape to show low water use, a native garden, and a garden to attract birds and butterflies. These gardens can be used in many ways to enhance the curriculum. When the new library is completed, consider an edible landscape. Fort St. John, BC has done this at its city hall and arena with great success. The annual garden tour sponsored by Friends of the Library could add business properties to the tour. Alpine Lodge and Jasper Park Lodge would be great additions. Even some of the storefronts are worth a visit. Consider adding vendors and artists in some of the gardens as an additional way to raise funds, and partner with another group to expand promotion for your event. There should be lots more interest. Because Jasper is such a bike-friendly town, consider a Tour de Fleurs, a bicycle ride past beautiful gardens and landscapes.

29 2013 Evaluation Form

30 THANK YOU FOR YOUR INVOLVEMENT Within the context of climate change and environmental concerns, communities involved in the Communities in Bloom program can be proud of their efforts, which provide real and meaningful environmental solutions and benefit all of society. COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM IS MADE POSSIBLE BY The commitment of local, provincial and national volunteers The support of elected officials and of staff in municipalities The dedication of our judges, staff and organizations The contributions of our sponsors and partners