The Town of Minto received a Five Leaves – Silver rating and a special mention for the Green Legacy Program during the Communities in Bloom 2017 National/International Symposium and Awards Ceremonies.
The event was held Sept. 13 to 16 in Ottawa-Gatineau.
Minto participated in the Canada 150 category: a one-time special non-competitive category to provide communities with the opportunity to showcase achievements in greening their community and celebrate Canada’s 150th Anniversary.
Over the summer, trained volunteer judges travelled to participating communities to evaluate the overall contributions of municipal council and departments, industry, businesses and the private sector – including volunteer efforts – in regards to the following criteria: cultural heritage including Canada’s 150 anniversary, landscape including urban forestry, floral displays and environmental action.
Following their evaluation, volunteer judges Gaétan Deschênes and Jack Clasen wrote: “The ‘Green Legacy Program’ began in 2004 as a way to celebrate Wellington County’s 150th Anniversary. The original goal was to plant 150,000 trees throughout the county.
“However, the program has now planted over one million trees and is the largest tree planting program in North America.
“Educating youth is a key component of the program and high school students mentor younger students by teaching the important role of trees.
“School kids from grades 1 to 12 plant trees each year. Schools can achieve the ‘Gold School Award’ if every student in the school participates in planting a tree.
This is an excellent example of government, volunteer groups, and students working together to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”
A press release from Communities in Bloom states, “Within the actual context of climate changes and environmental concerns, communities involved in the program can be proud of their efforts, which provide real and meaningful environmental solutions and benefit all of society.
Communities in Bloom is a non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement and the challenge of a national program, with the focus on enhancing green spaces.
For more information visit communitiesinbloom.ca.
