"The national Communities in Bloom competition is an opportunity to showcase the beauty and uniqueness of Qualicum Beach on a national scale, we truly are a masterpiece in bloom" said 2013 Select Committee on Communities in Bloom Chair, Councillor Mary Brouilette.
The community is a 'Five Bloom' winner in multiple categories of the competition, has been a provincial champion, awards host, and mentor to other communities in the competition.
This year, the Committee added a local award for businesses to encourage decorated storefront displays, including window boxes, as part of its 2013 Communities in Bloom program.
The local "Best Blooming Business" award competition was organized and judged by Committee members who looked for originality, sustainability and the innovation use of materials.
The winner of the "Best Blooming Business" Award went to Mulberry Bush Book Store, with second place to Qualicum Stationers and third place to Let's Knit.
The remaining participating businesses were: Faye's Gifts, Fresh 'n' Fabulous, the Courtyard Café, MOD Apparel, Petite Pizzazz, Royal Canadian Legion, Bank of Montreal, Dolly's Home Hardware, Salvation Army Thrift Store.
Many Qualicum Beach residents take pride in their gardens and their home's curb appeal in preparation for the competition. In order to further promote the competition, doorhangers were delivered by Committee members to deserving homes that displayed great curb appeal by showcasing their wonderful yards.
The Committee achieved its goal of facilitating and promoting partnership, through the Best Blooming Business Award and through a joint project between volunteer artists from the Old School House Arts Centre and school students involved the design and painting of eighteen 4' x 4' plywood murals for display at various locations in Town.
These attractive murals are displayed at prominent locations in the downtown and at the beach front, where collaboration with a business owner, allowed for the beautification of a fence surrounding an empty lot.
When the Town first entered the competition in 1999, it envisioned that Communities in Bloom would not only raise local 'pride of place', but also provide an opportunity to pay tribute to those in the community who volunteer their and energy to enhance the Town's quality of life. Each year, the Town staff' hands out a "Street Style" award that recognizes curb appeal to a local resident.
Recognition to the winning business, along with the Street Style award will be given at today's Volunteer Appreciation Event organized by the Town.
Quick Facts
Contacts:
Heather Svensen Deputy Corporate Administrator Town of Qualicum Beach 1.250.752.6921 x.302 [email protected] Patricia Huntsman Cultural Development and Communications Town of Qualicum Beach 1.250.752.6921 ext. 312 [email protected]
