Throughout 2021, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Communities in Bloom (CIB) Committee has completed various projects, successfully engaging citizens in gardening while improving the Town’s overall green spaces.
“The COVID-19 pandemic created challenges for the Communities in Bloom Committee, and I am so proud how we have adapted and continued to provide exciting and engaging opportunities to get Niagara-on-the-Lake gardening,” stated Vicky Downes, CIB Committee Chair. “Thank you to everyone for getting involved. We look forward to cultivating increased interest in gardening and fostering more green thumbs in our community.”
The four main projects in 2021 the CIB Committee would like to highlight are:
Garden of the Week: This contest was held virtually with judging completed online through the Town’s Join the Conversation platform. Residents submitted their gardens for consideration over 10 weeks. The public was then invited to vote on the top three selections to determine the final winners.
Gardens of Hope: This initiative involved the planting of yellow flowers and plants, the colour for hope, around the Town. Thanks to partners from the Niagara Pumphouse, the McFarland House, and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Horticulture Society, three Gardens of Hope were planted and maintained by volunteers over the summer.
Community Garden: In the Committee’s third year operating the Community Garden, located behind the Niagara-on-the-Lake Library, many varieties of vegetables were harvested from June through October. Over 700 pounds of vegetables were donated to the Newark Neighbours’ Food Bank, the HUB for farmworkers, and locals through the Niagara-on-the-Lake Library’s farm stand.
Witness Trees: This project documented types of trees in Niagara-on-the-Lake, along with the CIB Committee’s current efforts towards afforestation and reforestation programs to improve and protect the tree canopy and root system in and around the Town. For more information about the trees’ history, species, age and significance, visit https://notl.com/witness-tree-program.
In support of the National CIB’s commitment, Town Council has proclaimed 2022 The Year of the Garden in Niagara on the Lake. Red flowers and plants will be the focus in public and private gardens.
“I want to extend a huge thank you to Communities in Bloom for their efforts in the Niagara-on-the-Lake community,” stated Lord Mayor Betty Disero. “From beautifying the Town to donating harvested vegetables, Communities in Bloom understands the importance of celebrating our culture, preserving our heritage and protecting our environment to better our lovely Town. Thank you to all of those involved in the Communities in Bloom initiatives!” "The Town’s Communities in Bloom Committee has been an incredible asset to the Town,” stated CAO Marnie Cluckie. “We are very fortunate to have this group of volunteers who are dedicated to encouraging residents to develop their gardening skills, and who are committed to making Niagara-on-the-Lake’s green spaces flourish!”
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Communities in Bloom Committee looks forward to continuing with the successful projects already underway and to finding new, exciting opportunities to promote interest in gardening with flowers, plants, and food staples. The CIB Committee would like to extend special thanks to its sponsor, Scotts Canada, who rewarded the Committee with gardening products and donated prizes for winners of contests. The Committee is also grateful for the continued support of its founding sponsors for the community garden; Seaway Farms, Ravine Estate Vineyard, All-Green Irrigation and Sykes Landscaping.
Media Contact:
Marah Minor, Community Engagement and Communications Coordinator 905-468-3266 | communications@notl.com