Past Results
We’re blooming with pride to announce that Coquitlam has claimed first place in the 2019 international Communities in Bloom competition, earning global recognition for our community’s civic pride and beautification efforts.
The City would like to thank everyone who has been instrumental in supporting the Coquitlam in Bloom program. For all the volunteers, community organizations, local businesses and Coquitlam in Bloom Community Committee, your efforts have helped showcase Coquitlam to the world.
Coquitlam scored a national win in the 2018 Communities in Bloom civic pride and beautification competition.
Announced on September 29, Coquitlam placed first in the Class of Champions category and received a “5 Blooms Silver” rating with a special mention for Town Centre Park. Coquitlam also received special recognition as Pollinator Friendly Community of the Year 2018.
The City would like to thank all the volunteers, businesses, club members and residents who participated in Coquitlam in Bloom events and community initiatives!
In 2017, Coquitlam participated at the international level and claimed second place. The City also received special mention for its tree risk management on Burke Mountain. View the video highlighting 20 local sights the judges toured and view the 2017 Coquitlam in Bloom Profile Book (PDF).
2017 Initiatives
2017 initiatives included:
- Canada 150 Floral Displays - Themed red-and-white floral displays were placed in parks and public building grounds across the city.
- Flower of the Year - The fuchsia was distributed free at community events and was selected to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary with its red and white colour and for its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
- Mosaic 150 - Coquitlam represented British Columbia during the MosaïCanada 150 exposition in Gatineau, Quebec featuring a living eco sculpture using plant material within a frame, which was modelled after the famous Bill Reid killer whale.
- Park Blitz - Events held during the summer included plantings, flag painting and other fun crafts and activities aimed to breathe new life and colour into parks undergoing renovation.
- Protect our Pollinators - Focused on raising awareness about the importance of planting gardens designed to attract and sustain pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
National Communities in Bloom Judges
Coquitlam rolled out the red carpet for a panel of visiting judges July 20 and 21 as it seeks a national Communities in Bloom win to mark the year of its 125th birthday. Hailing from Ontario and Nova Scotia, the judges received a 2016 Coquitlam in Bloom Profile Book (PDF) and toured City highlights such as:
- Austin Heights
- Centennial Rose Garden
- Coquitlam River
- Mackin House
- Mundy Park
- Place des Arts
- Riverview Arboretum
- Town Centre Park
At each stop, the judges were hosted by local business owners and community members. View the 2016 Coquitlam in Bloom video.
Awards
Announced October 29 at the 2016 Communities in Bloom National/International Symposium and Awards Ceremonies in Regina, Coquitlam was recognized as the winner of the national Over-50,000 population category of this year’s Communities in Bloom civic pride and beautification competition.
The City of Coquitlam competed against St. John’s, Newfoundland. Coquitlam received a “5 Blooms Silver” rating and a special mention for Mackin House Museum and Mackin Park.
Coquitlam received a “Five Bloom” award in the B.C. Communities in Bloom competition and was also given a special recognition award for excellence in the area of Heritage Conservation. Coquitlam received an overall mark of over 88%, an impressive score that earned the City the highest award. View the 2015 Coquitlam in Bloom video or see the 2015 Coquitlam in Bloom Profile Book (PDF).
2015 Initiatives
2015 initiatives included:
- Coquitlam in Bloom events at Mackin, Victoria and Como Lake parks
- Coquitlam Selfie Project
- Pop-Up Beach in Blue Mountain Park
- Scott Creek Community Garden
Community Committee Members
An inter-departmental task team worked with a Community Committee to prepare the submission and plan for the judges’ visit to Coquitlam. Community Committee members included:
- Carol Baillie, Fraser Pacific Rose Society
- Erin Davidson, Austin Heights Business Improvement Association
- Heather Edwards, eco-sculpture designer
- Doug Halverson, Como Lake Park neighbour
- Joy Kirkwood, local artist
- Aaron Robinson, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
- Cyd Smythies, Community Sports
- Wim Vander Zalm, local nursery owner