ATHABASCA — The hard work of volunteers, residents, town employees, and everyone involved in the upkeep and preservation of the community was recognized with an award of five out of five blooms and first place in the population category for the 2023 Communities in Bloom Alberta initiative.
During the Dec. 5 Town of Athabasca council meeting, Coun. Ida Edwards switched hats to appear as a delegation on behalf of the Communities in Bloom Committee, and present Mayor Rob Balay the five-bloom certificate earned in this year’s outdoor evaluation program.
“Our special mention was the spirit of our volunteers and the several groups that have contributed to our riverfront amenities such as spray parks, playgrounds, trails, heritage signs and the stage. The tremendous amount of volunteerism that pulled that area together over the last 20 years has been amazing,” said Edwards.
“We would not have half of what we have if not for all the groups that volunteer, donate, and give and give and give,” she added.
The Communities in Bloom judges tour visited Athabasca July 31, and volunteer judges Sherry Cote and Helen Haske noted the palpable passion present in the community and commended the municipal partnership between the town and Athabasca County.
Judges evaluate participating municipalities in six different categories: community appearance, environmental action, heritage conservation, tree management, landscape, and plant and floral displays. This year, Athabasca received a total score of 83.05 per cent, one per cent higher than the score achieved in 2022.
Athabasca beat out Sexsmith, Alta. to win first place in the 2,001-6,000 population category securing first place for the second year in a row. The town took first place in 2001, and also took the national title for the same population category for Alberta in 2005. Although there were only two municipalities competing in the category this year, Coun. Edie Yuill said a win is a win.
“I don’t think it matters how many communities were in it, we won. We made the effort, we got the award, let’s celebrate,” said Yuill to the amusement of fellow councillors.
The 19-page report from Communities in Bloom Alberta came complete with recommendations for areas of improvement in all six categories, such as swift graffiti removal, electric vehicle charging incentives, and a tree protection plan to name a few.
Councillors agreed the recommendations were thoughtful, and unanimously passed a motion to refer the report to the council action item list and review the recommendations in February.
Flowery feedback
Councillor discussion following Edwards' presentation was full of positive feedback and more thanks to the large number of locals who dedicate time to the community.
“Everybody that comes through town just tells me what a pretty town we’ve got here in the summertime. It just goes to show your hard work is appreciated whether you know it or not, or whether or not you actually hear it yourself,” said Coun. Dave Pacholok. “You guys do a marvelous job with probably little thanks, so thank you all.”
“We’ve had individuals in the last few months move here from Ontario that looked up communities our size in Alberta and chose Athabasca for many reasons, but one of those being how nice it is. It’s just another example, and I’m starting to hear more of that lately, so credit to everybody involved,” said Coun. Jon LeMessurier.
Edwards ended her presentation by summing up what she thinks makes Athabasca special.
“We have some really valuable people that can share a lot of good information, and make this little town shine,” said Edwards. “We don’t have to be big, we just have to shine.”
