Efforts by volunteers in North Bay have paid off this weekend as the City earned top honors in the national Communities in Bloom competition.
Over the summer, trained volunteer judges travelled to Canadian communities to evaluate participants.
See: Let's spruce up the city! Communities in Bloom judges are coming
The City got a rating of five out of five Blooms and a special mention for Northern Pines Crisis Centre during the 2024 National/International Symposium and Awards Ceremonies in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
North Bay participated in the National Population category along with Capreol ON; Devon AB; and St. Paul AB. The community also received an Outstanding Achievement Award for the TECK Community Appearance Award.
Following their evaluation, volunteer judges Colleen Stockford and Christine Isaac wrote: “The Northern Pines Program is operated by the Crisis Centre North Bay. Northern Pines is a 60-unit transitional and supportive housing campus located in North Bay. The campus was developed in three phases that focus on life skills development. Northern Pines aims to prevent and reduce homelessness and provides relief and support for tenants with addictions and mental health concerns. The service delivery model uses the best leading practices in this field such as Health Quality Standards with supportive housing and trauma-informed care. Key benefits include reductions in hospital stays, emergency room visits, visits to community-based health providers, incarceration and police contact.”
North Bay also received an Outstanding Achievement Award for Community Appearance.
Representing the community at the event were Hariett Madigan, Chair of Clean Green Beautiful North Bay, Deputy Mayor Maggie Horsfield, and City Parks Manager Mark Thomas.
“On behalf of CGB and CiB committees, we are over-the-top proud of our community. We won the outstanding Achievement National Award for Community Appearance,” said Madigan. “That took the collective efforts of so many individuals, businesses, institutions, CGB North Bay and our municipality. A million thank yous to all involved. You each truly made the difference.”
North Bay was also a top three finalist in other Outstanding Achievement Award categories, including
- Plant and Floral Displays
- Tree Management
- Community of Gardeners
- Environmental Action
- Youth Involvement
"This is a perfect example of what happens when our community unites — volunteers, businesses, the City, and various organizations all working together,” said Deputy Mayor Horsfield. “This achievement showcases the beauty and welcoming spirit of our community to the entire country, and it’s something we can all take pride in."
