Important Notice
Stage 2 Water Restriction

Communities in Bloom

Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility, beautification and to improving the quality of life through community participation and the challenge of competition.


Town of Pincher Creek - A "Community in Bloom"

History
Pincher Creek became involved in a beautification movement after the impact of the Flood of '95. A public meeting was held in spring 1996 to see what could be doone to 'spruce up' the town and build commuinity pride. In the fall of that year, a group of volunteers (which later became known as the 'Pincher Planters') started on their first project by creating a flower bed around the metal 'pincer' statue on Main Street. In 1998, the Planters went on to beautify Cenotaph Park, Pioneer Cemetery and the Museum grounds. The Planters' efforts were contagious and soon businesses and residents were out gardening, planting flowers, and improving their properties. Other volunteer groups got involved with parks and community improvements.

In 2000, the Town of Pincher Creek and Pincher Planters decided to enter the Provincial Communities in Bloom competition, and in 2001 the Town won the category, earning 5 Blooms and an invitation to Nationals.

The Journey Continues
To complement the work of the Pincher Planters and to promote the Communities in Bloom program, a formal Committee was organized in 2002. The role of this group was to prepare for the annual judges visit each year and to encourage ongoing community initiatives in areas such as tidiness, tree planting, environmental awareness, etc.

Pincher Creek has continued to compete at a Provincial and National level, winning a National title in 2009! In 2010, Pincher Creek was honoured with the National Home Hardware "Community Involvement Award," recognizing the many groups and organizations that contribute to the betterment and beautification of Pincher Creek. Our latest achievement is winning the 2015 Class of Champions and special recognition of our Lebel Mansion Rose Garden. We also competed in the International Challenge in 2016, receiving an Honourable Mention.


How are we evaluated each year?

Each summer, Pincher Creek is evaluated by a volunteer jury of trained professionals. The Town Council, Staff, and Communities in Bloom Committee Members meet with the judges to highlight and tour the many accomplishments of the community in the following areas:

  • Tidiness - clean-up litter, weed removal, etc.
  • Environmental Action - composting, recycling, pest management, community waste reduction, etc.
  • Heritage Conservation - preserving the legacy of yesterday and today
  • Urban Forestry - tree management, planting and maintenance
  • Landscape - environment showcasing parks, grounds and green spaces
  • Floral Displays - design, arrange and maintain flower beds, containers, baskets and window boxes
  • Community Involvement - volunteer programs, Pitch-In week, Tidy Tuesdays, etc.

Other Committee Projects:
  • Pitch-in Month
  • Flower of the Year
  • Summer Yard, Residential and Business Competition
  • Winter Lights Competition
  • Light up Cenotaph Park and Lebel Mansion
  • Downtown Historical Tour
  • Walking Tour Brochures
  • Shoreline Clean-up
  • Tidy Tuesdays

How can you help? Pitch-in!
  • Recycle
  • Pick up litter
  • Paint, repair and improve your property
  • Remove or trim weeds, mow lawns
  • Add a pot, planter, bed or tree
  • Volunteer!

Benefits?

Committee members feel a sense of community pride and accomplishment when participating in Communities in Bloom projects.

Everyone is a winner for contributing!


Pincher Creek Participation in Communities in Bloom

2000 - Provincials                    3 Blooms
2001 - Provincial Champion     4 Blooms
2002 - Nationals                       4 Blooms
2003 - Nationals                       4 Blooms
2004 - Friends Category   
2005 - Did not enter
2006 - Provincials                      5 Blooms
2007 - Provincial Champion      5 Blooms
2008 - Nationals                        5 Blooms
2009 - National Champion         5 Blooms
2010 - Circle of Excellence        5 Blooms
2011 - Circle of Champions        5 Blooms
2012 - Circle of Excellence        Not Evaluated
2013 - Circle of Excellence        Evaluated
2014 - Circle of Excellence        Not Evaluated
2015 - Class of Champions        Winner
2016 - International Challenge   Evaluated
2017 - Circle of Excellence        Not Evaluated
2018 - International Challenge   Evaluated


For more information on this initiative, please contact the Pincher Creek Recreation Office at (403) 627-4322, or rec@pinchercreek.ca.

Also, feel free to visit the Communities in Bloom Website or their Facebook page for pictures and information on the organization and other competing communities


Upcoming Events

MAR
25
6:00 PM
Council Meeting

Public Notices

(view all)

Livingstone Landowners Group
March 11, 2024
The Livingstone Landowners Group presents "Dried Up, What Now?" a documentary by Yvan Lebel and Kevin Van Tighem.
Winter Activities in the Gym
January 26, 2024
Come out and enjoy these indoor winter activities at the Town Office Gym | 962 St. John Avenue.

Public Information Release - Water Situation
September 13, 2023
Pincher Creek Regional Emergency Management Organization - Public Information Release
September 13, 2023
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