Community Award of Excellence
2010 COMMUNITY AWARD OF EXCELLENCE PROJECTS
TOWN OF WASAGA BEACH
Project: To beautify the Mosley Street Garden
Our program objective was to beautify an existing garden on the Town's most heavily traveled corridor, Mosley Street. Conveniently, Schooner Town Heritage Site, an Ontario Provincial Parks site, is prominently featured on Mosley Street and was in need of renovation.
The Schooner Town Heritage Site had signage but was in a state of disrepair. Existing plant materials, including 2 horizontal junipers and 3 Mugo pine, had not been pruned since install, date unknown. A full replacement of signage and plant material was needed.
Drawing from local ecologist Scott Martin, the town gardener was able to develop a concept plan for the area. Plant material selections were based on indigenous plant species to Wasaga Beach. Furthermore, all plant materials were purchased from local growers boasting true genetic heritage to within 100km of Wasaga Beach.
The site demolition and preparation was executed by Ontario Provincial Parks staff. In addition to the removal of all existing plant materials and signage, 15 yards and 7 yards of mulch set the stage for the new garden install. Community volunteers, grades 7 & 8 from the local primary school, town staff and Ontario Parks staff installed the over 600 9cm herbaceous perennials.
The amended site now displays new signage conforming to Ontario Provincial Parks logo and colors. Informational plaques on the back-side commemorate Schooner Town's archeological dig and its place in history as a naval establishment. Solar lighting, a first 'green' initiative for the town, was also installed to provide lighting to the garden after dark.
The native habitat garden showcases 15 plant species native to the Wasaga Beach area and demonstrates how they can successfully be used in an attractive garden without the use of chemicals and supplemental water. The plant material will provide nectar sources for hummingbirds, butterflies and bees as well as seeds for birds. Many of the plants also have heritage uses by First Nations and early settlers of the area.
Schooner Town Heritage Site is a highly visible area to the community as hundreds if not thousands of vehicles cross the Schooner Town Bridge and flow past this location daily. It is expected that the Town, provincial park and community volunteers can jointly refer to this site as a model for agency cooperation and partnership towards environmental, community heritage and energy stewardship.
FRIENDS OF PELEE
Project: Beautification of Pelee
The main objective of the volunteer group “Friends of Pelee” is to present a welcoming image to visitors upon their arrival & give our downtown area a much needed improvement while building on our existing asset of a beautiful natural environment. This spring the Township of Pelee constructed flower boxes & purchased flowers. Volunteers have diligently planted and maintained those planters and planted an additional garden. The “Friends of Pelee” is a growing group of volunteers who have shown creative & proactive thinking to contribute to their community. The committee is very organized and keeps maintenance schedules for their volunteers. This enthusiasn has been contagious and has inspired others. For example, an island resident designed and constructed an enormous Innushuk sculpture that has been constructed on the west shore of Pelee Island. Their flower boxes have been distributed around the island from the ferry dock to the Township office, cemetery, campgroud and Heritage Centre and have really added to area appeal.
CITY OF HAMILTON
Project: Community Clean Trailer
Each year over 20,000 volunteers collect litter, remove graffiti, plant trees and beautify our parks, trails, roadways and our neighbourhoods in an effort to keep Hamilton Clean & Green. Volunteers participating in Hamilton’s Clean & Green programs needed the tools and equipment to do their work effectively.
In late 2009, the Operations & Waste Management Division of Hamilton’s Public Works Department created and introduced an innovative solution to meet the needs of the volunteers...a Community Clean Trailer.
The Community Clean Trailer is equipped with landscape tools and supplies for litter & debris clean-up, graffiti removal and beautification projects. The Community Clean Trailer is available for loan to volunteer community groups to remove debris, graffiti and beautify their streets, neighbourhoods, parks and our community.
The Community Clean Trailer has…….Rakes, litter pickers, wheelbarrows, shovels, brooms, pruners, hoses, garbage cans, first aid kit, graffiti removal kits, a tent and so much more.
There is equipment to prune bushes and shrubs, trim trees, beautify a shrub bed, remove graffiti or pick up litter. All the equipment and supplies in one trailer!
The Trailer is also a mobile advertisement for the Clean & Green Programs. The trailer is requested by the volunteer groups and is delivered to the park or neighbourhood by Public Works staff. Many of our volunteer groups involved in the Adopt-a-Park program use the trailer on a regular basis. Adopt-a-Park volunteers remove graffiti and litter from their adopted parks as well as prune and weed shrub beds.
The annual spring clean up this year featured the Community Clean Trailer at over 25 Tim Hortons stores in greater Hamilton. The Community Clean Trailer located at a Tim Hortons was the pickup location for registering and picking up supplies for the Tim Hortons Team Up to Clean Up program coinciding with Earth Week.
The Community Clean Trailer has been very well received by our volunteer groups and is an outstanding resource for volunteers and a great benefit for our community. The amazing efforts of our volunteers have helped keep Hamilton Clean & Green!
CITY OF HAMILTON
Project: Extreme Park Makeover
Partnerships yield great rewards. The Extreme Park Makeover is a unique partnership, involving Public Works Staff, Sponsors and Volunteers. Woodlands Park was the site for the second annual Extreme Park Makeover. The park has been renewed for the enjoyment of area residents and the community.
Woodlands Park located in the inner city of Hamilton looked rundown, hosted a variety of non savoury characters and was in need of a makeover. Graffiti and overgrown shrub beds was the view from the street. An Extreme park Makeover was needed!
With sponsorship and volunteer support from Siemens, volunteers from AAT School and the Barton Village BIA, the month long park makeover resulted in improved shrub bed areas, tree planting, the application of mulch and turf grass seed, the removal of graffiti, the installation of benches, refurbished signs and pathways, and the City’s first GreenGym.
It's highly accessible. It supports a healthy and active lifestyle. And best of all - it's free! It's Hamilton's first GreenGym - an outdoor gym which provides an opportunity for parents, siblings, grandparents and nannies to get some exercise while their children are playing in a park nearby.
During the Extreme Park Makeover 22 new tress were planted, several park benches added and an enhanced park gateway with plant material was added. Over 25 graffiti tags were removed, 27 bags of litter and 235 yard waste bags were collected from the park.
The Barton Village BIA has adopted Woodlands Park as part of Hamilton’s Adopt-a-Park Program and will continue to do litter and graffiti abatement, weeding of shrub beds and be the eyes of the park.
The Extreme Park Makeover is an initiative of Hamilton's Operations & Waste Management Division of the Public Works Department that partners community groups with City staff to rejuvenate neighbourhood parks. Special thanks to our Environmental Services Section staff for all of their assistance and expertise in helping create the Extreme Park Makeover.
"This is truly a great day for the residents of the Woodlands Park neighbourhood and the City of Hamilton," said Ward 3 Councillor Bernie Morelli. "The generous financial support from Siemens and the hard work by all the volunteers, community organizations and local businesses in revitalizing this park is greatly appreciated. I would especially like to commend the dedicated area residents who have assisted in maintaining the park throughout the past several years.”
A celebration event was held to unveil the makeover and to officially open Hamilton’s first GreenGym at Woodlands Park. Local residence, children and the business community came together to revitalize and celebrate this great park.
CITY OF HAMILTON
Project: Trillium Awards Program
One of the oldest and largest beautification programs in North America, the Hamilton Trillium Awards Program has been a Hamilton institution since 1956. Now, a half-century and thousands of Trillium Award Recipients later, the program continues to generate civic pride.
The Hamilton Trillium Awards Program recognizes those residents who, by landscaping and maintaining their property, have contributed to a more attractive neighbourhood and community. The program is operated by volunteers and supported by the City of Hamilton, donations from corporations, individuals and organizations.
How does the program work?
The City is divided into zones and each property in every zone is judged. The specific criteria for judging a property include: curb appeal, landscape maintenance and landscape design. In each zone there are one or two volunteer judges whose qualifications for being a White Trillium Judge are the love of gardening and attendance at the very informative judges’ workshop in June.
Hamilton Trillium Award Categories.....
White Trillium Award:
White Trillium judging is done during the first three weeks in July. Two properties receiving the highest score in each zone are awarded a White Trillium. This award applies to single family residential properties across the City.
RBG Pink Trillium Award:
The White Trillium winner in each zone with the highest score is nominated for a Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) Pink Trillium. One Pink Trillium is awarded in each ward unless high density of residential properties exists. Pink Trillium judging occurs during the first week of August by experienced White Trillium judges.
Red Trillium Award:
All properties awarded an RBG Pink Trillium are judged by a "select" panel, including the Chair of the Executive Committee, the Red Trillium Winner of the previous year, and three experts in the field of horticulture. Red Trillium judging is done at the end of August and one Red Trillium is awarded for the entire City of Hamilton. The Red Trillium winner will be ineligible to participate in the Trillium Awards Program again.
Awards of Excellence – Corporate Award Program
Awards of Excellence are awarded to selected nominees from industrial, commercial, institutional and multi-residential properties across the City Of Hamilton.
Hamilton Farm Trillium Award - Nominations only!
The City of Hamilton's Trillium Awards program recognizes those properties which are Farm/Agriculture sites which have contributed to a more attractive community by landscaping and maintenance of their property. This category is by nomination only.
TOWN OF HUNTSVILLE
Project: The Brunel Historic Lift Locks Renewal
After their creation, the Brunel Community Centre Board sent out 2,500 questionnaires to Brunel residents asking them what their priorities were for Brunel Ward. The three key priorities were to make sure the historic Brunel school was properly maintained, to improve access to the water for Brunel and Huntsville residents, and to renew the Historic Brunel Lift Locks that were established in 1874.
Many residents of Brunel as well as the entire community of Huntsville have fond memories of a previous time when the Brunel Locks were a place where people would go to get close to the water, enjoy the view of boats going through the Locks and even have wedding party photo's taken. However, for no particular reason the gardens, the lawns as well as the structures were allowed to decline.
In response to a questionnaire many improvements were made to the Brunel Community Centre both cosmetic and structural. As well five floating boat/swimming docks were installed at various water access points in Brunel Ward. Three of these docks also accommodated boat launches. The floating docks replaced old docks in poor and unsafe condition. Not only was the access to water greatly improved, but public safety and the environment were addressed. Through the use of floating docks, and using shoreline cribs, there was no impact on fish habitat areas.
In the winter of 2009 and the spring of 2010 the Brunel Community Centre Board turned its attention to the Historic Brunel Lift Locks. Requiring some expertise they turned to the Parks Department of the Town of Huntsville as well as two of their partners in the community, the Huntsville Horticultural Society and Muskoka Master Gardeners. All three of these organizations were responsible for Huntsville’s successful history of participating with Communities In Bloom.
Manager of Parks, Cemeteries and Environment, Colleen MacDonald was directed to ask the Muskoka Master Gardeners if they would assist in reviewing the Historic Lift Locks property and design a plan for implementation in the spring of 2010. This was done, and based upon the submitted design by the Muskoka Master Gardeners and municipal 'request for proposal' was put out to community landscaping companies for installation of irrigation, on site pruning of the property, removal of the old Locks master shed, installation of new garden beds lined by Muskoka rock, and restoration of the original swing bridge. The proposals were received and early into 2010 the work began. By the middle of May 2010 most of the structural work was completed as per the design of Muskoka Master Gardeners.
And then the call went out to the Huntsville Horticultural Society, who with the assistance of the Huntsville Parks department lead hand Horticulture, and the department manager, planted literally thousands of flowers as per the directions of Muskoka Master Gardeners. Garden beds along the 'locks riverway' and at the end of the locks themselves, several smaller flower beds along with 'floral cubes' dotting the landscape. But the focal point has to be the two large installations at the base of the Canadian Flag on a lovely bank facing the boats as they go through the locks by boat.
Of the two large flower beds, the 'floral Canadian Flag' has caught the community’s interest. This large floral red and white flag in the design of our Canadian flag was significant in that it paid tribute to the community of Huntsville's opportunity to host the highly successful G 8 World Summit. The design and installation of the floral Canadian flag was provided by the Town of Huntsville's lead hand horticulture. Residents and visitors from all over the community are returning to the Historic Brunel Lift Locks to picnic, view the landscaping and gardens and just watch the boats go through as they sit in Muskoka chairs.
One local man appreciated what was taking place so much he had a wooden bench created for under a shade tree in memory a former Locks master. A second bench was donated on behalf of the young lady who lived across from the Locks for her 13th birthday. Friends of another individual had a maple sapling planted in his honour. Even the company who were providing some electrical work got into the spirit by installing and donating solar lighting for the gardens.
The final piece of significant work to be completed was the entire sanding of, and repainting and re-decking of the historic old swing bridge. Care was taken by the contractors to ensure that the water was protected from any debris.
The return of the residents of the community of Brunel and Huntsville to visit and enjoy the Historic Lift Locks was such that the Brunel Community Centre Board held a public celebration on Canada Day offering proper recognition to all the volunteers who participated through their organisations, as well as town staff who provided expertise, guidance and their personal time. Along with free boating through the Locks, and free food and drinks, a very large turnout of the community attended to celebrate not only the Locks themselves for the efforts of so many in the community.
CITY OF MARKHAM
Project: Grandview Park Woodlot Restoration
The Grandview Park Woodlot Restoration Project was begun by a small group of interested GARA volunteers in cooperation with the Markham Parks Dept. in March 2005. The goal was and continues to be general stewardship of the woods with a focus on the removal of invasive non-native tree and plant species that were beginning to dominate the 2 acre forest.
For the last 6 years volunteers have pulled, dug up or cut down several hundred Buckthorn trees that were creating a thicket along the edge of the woods and blocking any view into it.
Native trees and plants have been reintroduced by volunteers to fill some of the gaps left as the non-natives were removed. The ongoing restoration of this “natural” park to its earlier “native” state has involved dedicated community involvement of 100s of volunteer hours.
In addition, GARA-organised woodlot clean-ups are a fun, annual spring event involving the wider community while beautifying our neighbourhood.
GARA woodlot volunteers also work with Henderson Ave Public School to educate and involve the students in forest stewardship projects wherever possible. The largest project was the planting of hundreds of trees and shrubs at the north end of Grandview Park in the spring 2009 and the biannual aftercare of weeding and mulching the area. This planting is part of the Town of Markham’s effort to increase the tree canopy for a healthier environment.
CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS, PARKS IN THE CITY COMMITTEE
Project: The Olympic Torch Run Legacy Trail
In 2004, a Community Improvement Background Report was prepared which identified Community Improvement Areas, including the “Ryerson Area” immediately south of Downtown. A Community Improvement Area is defined in the Niagara Falls Official Plan as “an older area of the municipality that shows signs of building deterioration and general lack of property maintenance”. The Ryerson Area is predominantly residential in nature, including detached houses (appearing to date from the turn of the century), townhouses, converted dwellings and apartments built in the 60’s and 70’s. Building conditions were reported to be generally good; however some properties along the former rail corridor along Palmer Avenue were noted to be in poor condition.
In 2009, Parks, Recreation and Culture staff identified the abandoned rail corridor (commonly known as the Palmer Avenue Trail) in the Ryerson Area as a potential revitalization project. The project would use the existing abandoned rail corridor to link the Downtown (including bus and train stations) to the Victoria and Clifton Hill Tourist districts as well as all residential areas in between. The 1.3 kilometre, 3 metre wide paved asphalt trail would also promote healthy active lifestyles (walking, bicycling, running, roller blading, etc.) as well as the use of alternative forms of transportation and link key community areas. It was also envisioned that staging and community events (i.e. MS Walk, Cancer Run, etc.) would take place along the trail.
On Saturday December 12, 2009, representatives of City Council, the Mayor’s Youth Advisory and the Trails & Bikeways Committees participated in the official ribbon cutting ceremony to open the first section of the new trail. The project would commemorate the Legacy Project in the City of Niagara Falls and be associated to the Olympic Torch visit to the City on December 20 2009. Fittingly, the trail was renamed the “Olympic Torch Run Legacy Trail”.
In April 2010, rejuvenation of the Ryerson Area through the Olympic Torch Run Legacy Trail continued with students from a local elementary and secondary school planting more than 40 native trees along the first section of the trail. At the ceremony, representatives of the Niagara
Falls Canadian Federation of University Women and members of the Park in the City Committee also planted ceremonial trees to recognize the transformation of a brown field for the betterment of generations to come. Two weeks later, representatives of the Niagara Falls View Casino Resort’s Green Team planted an additional 15 “park size” native trees along the second section of the Trail to recognize the ongoing efforts to improve the City’s natural environment and to promote unity between the city’s communities (i.e. Downtown, Clifton Hill & Victoria Area).
CRYSTAL BEACH BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE
Project: Crystal Beach Streetscaping
Ten years ago a project was launched to encourage a community in despair for a decade over the closing of the Crystal Beach Amusement Park. The people desperately needed to be affirmed and self- images needed to be boosted.
It all started when one individual planted 35 planter along the two main streets of the village. Today that project has grown to several (6-8 as a core group) volunteers with additional part time helpers who raise much of the funding, plant and maintain 90 planters and more. At the village entry is a theme oriented sign, a boat surrounded by floral billows, On down the street is an avenue, a block long of pavement red roses, day lilies, Russian Sage, sedum. and more. What a welcome!
Where the two main streets intersect a cluster of planters crowned by red canna lilies, red dragon wing begonias and geraniums along with chartreuse potato vine provide a striking display. As well the junction marks the beginning of coordinating hanging baskets of purple, white, and red petunias. Below the hanging baskets are 86 heavenly blue morning glories climbing a wrought iron fence. An extension of this street is marked by 70 flowering shrubs. All of this is fertilized, mulched, and fully maintained by volunteers. Volunteers have watered for 8 years: only last year and this year assistance has come from the town for partial coverage of watering staff. These volunteers have served with passion and have done an outstanding job for their community. The project is extraordinary!
KINCARDINE TOWNSHIP - TIVERTON ENVIRONMENTAL GREEN SCHOOL
Project: KDSS Recycled Garden
KDSS Recycle Garden was initiated in 2007 at Kincardine & District Secondary School (KDSS). Three gardens took three years to complete because they were overgrown with weeds and had not been managed for several years. I was a member of the Tiverton CiB so decided to take this on as a community project with assistance from Anabelle, Kincardine Master Gardeners & Horticulture Society who helped detect what was a weed and what would be good to keep in certain areas with the appropriate sun and shade. My plan was to bring the garden into a manageable sustainable state. I realized the gardens needed to contain self sufficient perennials that did not rely on the students who rotate in and out each year with no commitment to continuity for plant care but could take pride in the beautification around their school.
Tidiness, Environmental Awareness & Landscaped areas:
Reshaping and amending all the beds with manure & nutrient rich residue from Municipality Digesters to bring life back into depleted soil; then covered with straw for the winter. KttEGSP’s green initiative the Green Cone Digester program is in partnership with Municipality of Kincardine, were we are educating the benefits of keeping organic waste in your backyard and out of the garbage. This project showed students/residents the full cycle of organic waste from table to garden.
Floral Displays & Turf and Groundcovers:
2010 spring welcomed scattered tulip bulbs sprouting through the straw. They had been worked into the beds and would be pulled in the spring for a more managed grouping plant in the fall. Turning soil and adding more seasoned compost made a beautiful planting bed for our newly divided selection of perennials from Anabelle’s personal garden. Our selection of perennials was incredible; Coreopsis, Iris Reticulate, Sedum/ Dragon's Blood, Perovskia/Russian Sage, Chrysanthemum, Maximum/Shasta Daisy, Festuca Glauca/Blue Fescue, Hemerocallis Species/Daylily, Hosta Species/Plantain, Lily, Heuchera Sanguinea/Corabells, Echinacea Purpurea/Purple Coneflower, Dicentra Bleeding Heart, Alchemilla Species/Lady's Mantle. Sprinkling seasoned compost on grass surrounding the gardens to enhance grass growth, added flat stones and mulch to sit in gardens.
Environmental Awareness & Tidiness:
The Theme “Recycled Garden” took shape with the commitment to not purchasing and work with everything donated or recycled from the landfill. Our purpose to show the high school students what is being thrown away into valuable $75.00-$100.00/cubic meter landfill space, and what can be done with a little paint and creativity to renew into beautiful outdoor furniture. Trips to the landfill over several weeks with everyone keeping an eye for good stuff, we managed to create several new sitting areas for the students to sit and enjoy the outside environment this spring. Each week it was fun to see what we could find or create from someone else’s refuse.
Floral Display, Tree/Urban forest management, Landscaped areas & Community involvement:
A well established Hosta garden was split in the fall creating two new shade gardens under the Maple trees. The Municipality of Kincardine Horticulturists contributed four flats of annuals for a little splash of colour and beautiful mulch to hold the moisture in the beds. Another local school donated 400’ of watering hose/sprinkler and several beautiful cement stones were brought for the bench/table to sit on.
What we found was people will get involved if you invite to participate so we invited our local media to cover story to bring awareness about our project to our community.
MUNICIPALITY OF SOUTHWEST MIDDLESEX
Project: 2010 Open Garden Tour
Southwest Middlesex Communities in Bloom is submitting a fairly new venture as our Community Showcase project. 2010 is the second year for the Open Garden Tour project. This project is all about People, Plants and Pride and is a tremendous example of Community Involvement.
A booklet of local privately owned gardens has been developed in cooperation with the Southwest Middlesex Communities in Bloom Committee and the Glencoe Horticultural Society for the viewing pleasure of anyone interested. The booklet has a total of 16 private gardens and 8 municipal gardens. The gardens range from small backyard gardens to landscaped two acre yards so there is something for everyone to relate to no matter how big or small the property. The garden tours showcase the hard work of local gardeners and give us an informal way to hand out accolades for their creativity, for their effort and for opening their gardens to the public – a huge undertaking as anyone who gardens knows. Tours are free of charge with the suggestion that a donation be made to the Glencoe Horticultural Society.
Special signage was developed to indicate each property hosting an open garden. The signs are provided to the property owner free of charge and when the year ends, they are asked to return the signs so that they can be stored and used again the following year.
The local gardener has full creative freedom on how they manage their open garden. Some stay out all day long welcoming guests, some provide tours, some provide layouts and drawings of their gardens, some provide refreshments and others are content to have you roam around their yard on your own.
This project was developed to give a little recognition to hard working gardeners in the area and it has grown into a tourist attraction that draws people into the community from other areas. We understand that the Canada Day open garden tours brought people in from St. Thomas, Strathroy-Caradoc, Chatham-Kent and other areas. From the feedback we also understand that many age groups are sharing this time – it is a time for family and friends.
The first year we developed approximately 50 booklets and this year we have produced over 250 which have gone as quickly as they have been produced. We would encourage other communities to give this a try for several reasons. The most important reason is to provide those who open their garden gates with praise from the public. The second reason is to build interest in your community – economic development. One additional reason is the motivation that it stirs in people who take the tour; it truly encourages others to plant and beautify their properties and we have all experienced the struggle of getting people to take part. We encourage keeping it free given the economic times we are in – it can provide someone who has little money an enjoyable day out.
This program also promotes physical activity and getting in touch with nature.
We look forward to the rest of 2010 and to 2011 as we hope to continue to grow and try new things to keep this program fresh and interesting for the gardeners and their audience.
TOWNSHIP OF NORTH GLENGARRY
Project: Beautification of Alexandria Town Hall
Alexandria and District Chamber of Commerce, Home Hardware Employees, and the Public Works Dept. for the Township , came together to work on a project for the enhancement and beautification of the front of the TOWN HALL in Alexandria, located at 90 Main St. S.
The chamber donated flag poles to be installed, and Home Hardware employees created some of the plantings. The public works dept. did the installations and preparations for the flag poles as well as having to design the front of the building to make it handicapped accessible to the public.
Last summer, the public works dept. built cedar flower boxes and installed them on the roof of the Town hall, which can be seen in one of the photos. It brought a great deal of pleasure to the employees and community alike. Everything from watering the plants to selecting the planting was a group endeavour. Since joining the CIB program 1 year ago, Alexandria has become inspired to do more projects. After reviewing the comments from the judges who visited in 2009, we took on projects in 2010 that involved the local youth from the schools with a pitch in clean up of public parks and township property , which took place in early June this year.
Following that, the Chamber of Commerce, The Township public works dept. and park staff, along with volunteers and owner of the local Home Hardware store got together to come up with the project ideas for the front of the Town hall. In addition, they created a new garden in Island park, and are currently adding plantings and flag pole to the little Island with the Gazebo that last year’s judges visited.
We are looking to the future with many projects of beautification that involve the store business owners, the schools and residents for 2011 and we look forward to having the judges come back and visit us in the full program in 2011. We have just concluded our residents home garden contest, which we started last year, and will be giving out the awards at a Council meeting in Sept. The local groups are already meeting to organize the winter version of CIB – WinterLights, and have new displays already being built. North Glengarry thanks the CIB program for their support and encouragement.
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY COMMUNITY GREENSPACE
Project: Picton Shire Hall Parkette
In 2006 (and until 2009) an old derelict building was demolished and the lot sat empty, beside our City Hall. A nightmare of a possible parking lot, prompted the PEC Community Greenspace Group to propose to Council, to build a park, at no cost to the Municipality and it was approved.
With much local business support (dollars & in kind services) private resident, and BIA support, the park is now a reality.
A fabulous fund raiser, “The Green Gala” included garden, floral and patio displays. Guests were educated and entertained “CBC Debaters” style, by 5 provincial and local horticultural experts including, Mark Cullen, Denis Flanagan and Stephen Poole. A fabulous evening of local food and wine rounded out the event and raised funds for the park.
Grade 4 students from a local Picton school planted lantana plants at a spring garden show, took them back to school, cared for them and returned them to the park.
With community and local landscape company’s help , our park is now “blooming” with a fabulous gazebo, celebrating our United Empire Loyalist history, with a flag designed into the gazebo by local designer Scott Wentworth.
Autumn blaze maples, blue spruce and hardy plant material are now flourishing. Benches, picnic tables and a bike rack complete the wheelchair accessible picture. Our residents and our many tourists are enjoying this oasis of green in our Town of Picton.
SARNIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
Project: Sarnia Horticultural Society Park Upgrade
The Sarnia Horticultural Society owns a park which was willed to it, by Mrs. Maud Hannah (a member) in 1947 and has been maintained by it since. In 2002 the Society decided upon an “upgrade project” for the park and thus expended $12, 000.00 total in the past six years, (money raised through plant sales). The project included a new public walkway, new fences (jointly installed with the neighbours) an addition to the sprinkler system and an attractive Park Sign. New trees and bushes were planted, including Native Species. Also landscaping, floral displays and turf management were renewed.
The park’s walkway provides a natural thoroughfare between College Ave. and downtown and thus thousands of people can experience its beauty. For the past 5 years the park was on the C.I. B. judges’ tour, who liked it very much. The maintenance of the garden is accomplished by 4weekly volunteers and a Spring and Fall clean-up crew of 16 members, using environmental practices.
WE encourage involvement in the park by neighbours and students. The park includes a Herb Garden which is maintained by the local Herb Society. Future plans include converting a part of the garden, into a Butterfly garden.
TOWN OF BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY
Project: The Bear Carving
The Bond Head Horticultural Society had an idea to bring a sculpture to Bradford in order to assist with the beautification plans of the town. They saw an old, dead tree in front of the post office and it suddenly became a perfect opportunity to have a beautiful carving done.
They set out to get permission to use the dead tree and locate the artist to do the carving, Jason Donnelly.
It was decided that the carving, which took two days to complete, would be that of a young polar bear.
At this point the society decided that the bear needed a name so they asked for the help of the community by having a “Name the Bear” Contest. There were over 200 entries with the final decision to be made by Jason Donnelly.
Once the carving was completed a naturalized garden was added surrounding the bear including the town flower, “The Black Eyed Susan”. As a finishing touch, a large rock has been added which will have a plaque placed on it with the name of the bear in the very near future.
This was a great way to recycle a dead tree into a carving for all to enjoy!
TOWN OF GODERICH
Project: Restoration of Goderich Lighthouse & Garden
In 2003 the Town of the Port of Goderich purchased the lighthouse and surrounding park lands. In 2009, after extensive research, local marine enthusiasts and our local Marine Heritage Committee approached the Town of Goderich to restore the lighthouse exterior to its original condition.
For over 160 years the Goderich Lighthouse has been the Port of Goderich’s most enduring symbol. Goderich remains the ‘busiest’ harbour on the Canadian side of Lake Huron and the Goderich lighthouse still serves its original function as an essential navigational aid for hundreds of commercial and pleasure craft annually.
A groundbreaking report and recommendations by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario was followed by ongoing public campaigns and awareness initiatives. In 2009 IR Construction from Bayfield was awarded a contract of $80,000 to restore the lighthouse and site. The Communities in Bloom Committee beautified Lighthouse Park with extensive gardens, thus enhancing the entire Lighthouse Point vista.
The Town of Goderich’s restoration work involved the following containment, maintenance and repair measures:
- researched and sourced appropriate breathable paint;
- identified soda blasting as the safest cleaning process;
- awarded the restoration contract;
- installed scaffold and erected containment taping for cleaning;
- uncovered a previously neglected copper dome;
- restored spalling stones;
- replaced existing mortar with period mortar;
- applied three coats of paint Thoroseal;
- replaced windows, door and the storage shed;
- excavated the base of the stone structure;
- repaired the steps from the Lighthouse bank to the waterfront;
- installed interactive signage designed by Goderich Marine Heritage;
- designed and installed new gardens with CIB volunteers;
- secured ongoing commitment to ongoing garden maintenance from new CIB volunteers; and,
- celebrated achievements at a grand public opening with the installation of a Heritage Plaque in June 2010.
TOWNSHIP OF RED ROCK
Project: Church Park Rehabilitation
The Church Park in the Township of Red Rock had been neglected for many years. It is located at the main corner entering the Township and is the first area that citizens and visitors view when entering the Township. At one time it contained gardens, walking paths and a fountain. The walking paths had grown over, the gardens perennials still bloomed but were weed filled and the fountain covered over.
When the local paper mill closed in 2008 the Township was devastated both financially and with the out migration of laid off workers. Many families are split apart as the breadwinner often works elsewhere while the families remain in Red rock.
VILLAGE OF NEUSTADT SPRINGS
Project: Keep Neustadt Bloomin’
The village of Neustadt with its heritage buildings and unspoiled charm has a population of only 500 people. It is situated on the southern border of Bruce/Grey Counties.
In the past the Horticultural Society had provided hanging baskets and planters for the down town core, but sadly this became too much for the aging society and things were not looking good.
In 2007 the small Neustadt Business group spearheaded by Neustadt Springs Brewery put forward a three year plan to take over the project of keeping Neustadt blooming. Therefore, with help from West Grey Council, fund raising, corporate sponsorship, community donations and hours and hours of volunteer work the project was started.
In 2007 the group started with only 25 hanging baskets in the down town core. A trailer was purchased and adapted into a watering tank, to be pulled behind a lawn tractor.
By 2008 12 planter boxes were made, 4 large wooden garbage boxes had been refurbished and painted, 3 benches with planter boxes attached had been made, in memory of three local business men who had over their life time helped shape the village and 45 unique multi season hanging baskets were purchased and planted.
2010 This year’s project was to take down the old wooden planter boxes from a small road bridge leading into the village and replace them with multi season basket’s creating the visual effect of a suspension bridge. 30 more multi season baskets were purchased and planted to extend the flower displays to the boundaries of the village. Also two street scapes were formed out of recycled metal pipes to create unique flower displays.
The German colours themed the flower displays this year, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Neustadt Brewery being the oldest still operating brewery building in Ontario.
CITY OF WATERLOO UNIVERSITY DOWNS NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION
Project: University Downs Park Playground
What started out as a fairly routine playground replacement turned into an exciting community project. The University Downs Neighborhood Association , along with staff from the City of Waterloo, local contractors, suppliers, college students and service clubs pulled together to build a new playground at University Downs Park. The community not only assisted in planning and fund-raising, but volunteers also generously committed their time to work with the City to erect this new playground. This project was about a neighborhood association doing more than just building a playground – it was about cultivating community, building partnerships and fostering community stewardship.
AND THE WINNER IS……………………………….
To Be Announced on September 25, 2010!
