Stratford, Ontario, Celebrates 31st Annual Communities in Bloom Awards
Event honours Canadian and international communities for excellence in beautification, sustainability, and heritage preservation.
Stratford, Ontario, Oct. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oct. 18, 2025 — The 31st annual Communities in Bloom (CiB) National and International Awards Ceremonies concluded today in Stratford, honouring communities from Canada, Ireland, Italy, and Slovenia for exceptional efforts in community beautification, environmental stewardship, and cultural heritage preservation.
The event recognized municipalities that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability, green space enhancement, and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage. Through a detailed evaluation process, CiB fosters community engagement and continuous improvement across municipal, residential, commercial, and institutional sectors.
“As we celebrate the 31st edition of Communities in Bloom, we proudly recognize and thank all the communities that took part in our provincial, national, and international programs. With the support of our board, judges, sponsors, and partners, your dedication to creating greener, healthier, and more sustainable places truly embodies our motto: Growing Great Places Together,” said Peggy Head, National Chair of Communities in Bloom.
Stratford, a founding CiB community, provided an ideal backdrop for the ceremonies with its cultural vibrancy, historic charm, and award-winning gardens. Events were hosted at venues including the Tom Patterson Theatre, featuring tours, scenic walks, and local hospitality that showcased Stratford’s horticultural spirit.
The symposium brought together community leaders, volunteers, elected officials, and industry partners to exchange ideas, share best practices, and celebrate excellence in community enhancement and sustainability. Attendees participated in educational sessions, learning tours, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation in community development.
Communities in Bloom also announced that the 2026 National and International Symposium on Parks & Communities and Awards Ceremonies will be held in Montréal and Rosemère, Quebec, where participants will explore new urban greening initiatives and celebrate the next generation of vibrant, sustainable communities.
About Communities in Bloom
Communities in Bloom is a volunteer- and partnership-driven non-profit organization that strengthens civic pride and environmental responsibility through a multi-tiered evaluation program. The initiative celebrates continuous improvement in green spaces, heritage conservation, and community involvement across municipal, residential, commercial, and institutional sectors.
National & International Award Winners
National Population - Up to 5,000: Town of Capreol, Ontario
National Population - Over 50,000: City of North Bay, Ontario
International Challenge (Small): Town of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
International Challenge (Medium): Bellaria-Igea Marina, Rimini, Italy
Class of Champions (Small): City of Castlegar, British Columbia
Grand Champions: City of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island:
Healthier, Livable Cities: City of Barrie, Ontario
Outstanding Achievement Awards & Contests Winners
Teck Community Appearance Award: R.M. of Wood Buffalo, Alberta
CNLA Environmental Action Award: City of Fredericton, New Brunswick
CiB Heritage Conservation Award: Town of Capreol, Ontario
CiB Tree Management Award: City of North Bay, Ontario
Scotts Turf Builder Landscape Award: R.M. of Wood Buffalo, Alberta
NCC Plant and Floral Displays Award: City of North Bay, Ontario
Scotts Youth Involvement Award: City of North Bay, Ontario
Scotts Community of Gardeners Award: City of Brandon, Manitoba
CiB Community Involvement Award: Village of Pugwash, Nova Scotia
The Butchart Gardens Land Reclamation Award: City of Stratford, Ontario
Municipal World WinterLife Award: Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, Alberta
CNLA Green Cities Award: Bellaria-Igea Marina, Rimini, Italy
Nutrients for Life School Garden Award: Off the Grid-Tommy Douglas Collegiate, SK
AiB 2025 Edible Garden Community Award: City of Trail, British Columbia
CiB International Community Involvement Award: Abbeyleix Tidy Towns, Co Laois, Ireland
Ball International Plant and Floral Displays Award: Bellaria-Igea Marina, Rimini, Italy
CiB Best Downtown Area Award: R.M. of Wood Buffalo, Alberta
Municipal World Great Canadian Landmark Contest: Treble Clef, Salmon Arm, British Columbia
About Communities in Bloom:
Communities in Bloom is a volunteer- and partnership-driven non-profit organization that strengthens civic pride and environmental responsibility through a multi-tiered evaluation program. The initiative celebrates continuous improvement in green spaces, heritage conservation, and community involvement across municipal, residential, commercial, and institutional sectors.
For a complete list of the results, please visit www.communitiesinbloom.ca
For further information and to obtain photographs, please contact: bloom@cib-cef.com or call us at 514-694-8871
Attachments
Sonia Parrino, Program Specialist Communities in Bloom - Canada (514) 694-8871 bloom@cib-cef.com
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