COQUITLAM, B.C., Oct. 24, 2022 – Coquitlam was recognized with the Green Cities Award, as well as a rating of 5 Blooms – Gold and second place in the ‘2022 Year of the Garden’ contest at the 2022 Communities in Bloom (CiB) National & International Symposium and Awards.
At the national CiB awards ceremony, held in Victoria this past weekend, Coquitlam was once again recognized for its achievements in community appearance, environmental action, heritage conservation, tree management, landscape, and plant and floral displays. The City of Coquitlam received the inaugural Green Cities Award from the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association in recognition of efforts in environmental action, including climate action, water conservation and sustainable initiatives. In addition, the Hoy Creek Hatchery received a special mention for the important volunteer-based programs and projects that monitor water quality, maintain fish populations, and create learning opportunities for the community.
These latest awards and recognition add to Coquitlam’s past wins at the provincial, national and international levels of CiB, a friendly competition between cities that encourages civic pride, beautification and environmental responsibility.
2022 Award Builds on City’s Legacy of Award-Winning Programs
Coquitlam has a long history of championing volunteerism in the community, with a number of programs that continue to benefit the community. This year’s CiB award submission also highlighted opportunities for the public to enhance community and environment, including volunteer stewardship programs that encourage residents to keep public spaces clean and litter-free, Park Spark public engagement programs, the City’s community garden program, and Coquitlam Munch, with edible planters maintained by Austin Heights businesses.
Community Engagement
As part of its annual CiB participation, Coquitlam plans a variety of community engagement and improvement activities each year through a Coquitlam in Bloom campaign.
This year’s campaign focused on promoting pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, as well as activities that encouraged residents to get outdoors and become involved in their community. Activities for 2022 included pop-up family and teen events in Coquitlam parks, Park Spark volunteer activities, and pollinator-themed selfie stations, fun fact signage and fence-panel painting.
About Communities in Bloom
Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering community pride, environmental responsibility and beautification. It uses friendly competition between communities to bring together local businesses, service clubs, residents and civic government to focus on enhancing their community. Coquitlam participates annually and has earned a number of awards at the provincial, national and international level. Learn more about the program at www.communitiesinbloom.ca. Coquitlam’s participation is outlined at www.coquitlam.ca/cib.
Media contact:
Wendy Wiederick
Parks Services Manager
604-927-6224
parks@coquitlam.ca
