North Bay was under the Communities in Bloom spotlight as a pair of national judges toured multiple locations in the city of North Bay on Monday.
However, Colleen Stockford and Christine Isaac's most interesting stop was at the Northern Pines transitional housing property on Chippewa Street in North Bay.
Jamie Lowery, is the local Communities in Bloom North Bay lead and is involved with Clean, Green and Beautiful.
He says this tour is not just about tourism. The judges got a glimpse at the unique community garden located on the property.
"The name communities in bloom is a bit of misnomer because what the judges are looking for is the signs of a healthy community," explained Lowery, who is a North Bay city councillor.
"So they're using the physical appearance of our you know, in our tree inventory, our gardens, our landscape, our heritage preservation, all those things. as signs of people working together to make a better environment to live."
Aside from Northern Pines, the judges were taken to Canadore College, the Chippewa Creek EcoPath, the North Bay Heritage Railway and Carousel before finishing the night with a cruise on the Chief Commanda II.
Christine Isaac says they are judging four communities; two in Alberta, along with North Bay and Capreol in Ontario.
There is a template the judges follow closely.
Isaac, who has a passion for Communities in Bloom, was impressed after going through a portion of the North Bay visit.
"It's such a beautiful community. The tree canopy absolutely blew me away. Access to so much water like this is truly a gem in Ontario," said Isaac.
See related: Communities in Bloom national judges to visit North Bay
See related: Fresh produce on the menu thanks to Northern Pines collaboration
Isaac believes Communities in Bloom galvanizes a community
"I think this helps to motivate the community," she said.
"I certainly see the passion of the volunteers here, the passion of the staff, and we really hope that does translate to community.
"In the end, it's when you live in a community, it's hard sometimes to remember the amazing things that are here."
Results will be announced at the Communities in Bloom symposium in Charlottetown in October.
Isaac says along with bragging rights, the top communities will be given a Communities in Bloom evaluation which will be given to the respective community committee winner and losers.
