Portage la Prairie's entering the Communities in Bloom program in Manitoba. Portage Community Revitalization Corporation community facilitator Victoria Olson says some judges will be coming to the city.

"It is new for Portage. We decided that we were going to register the City of Portage la Prairie in the novice category for Communities in Bloom. We're really excited. This exposes us to a lot of great opportunities. And we're in the process of planning the Judges' Tour right now. So, judges from the Communities in Bloom provincial program come out to Portage la Prairie and we take them on a tour for a whole day. Then they compile a report based on our strengths, some of our weaknesses, and how we can improve. And then they give us a final report at the end of the year. We kind of go from there into entering the regular registration next year."

She notes it's a starting point to further the City's appeal through the program. Based on what the judges' report concludes, Portage will know what to focus on for improvement.

Community engagement coordinator Stefanie McKim outlines the benefits.

(L-R) Victoria Olson, Stefanie McKim"And one of the benefits is that we receive this judges' evaluation that has the same criteria as if we were entered in the provincial edition. So, it's basically a really cost effective way for us to look at our City's accomplishments thus far."

She notes there are six different categories the judges will assess, providing the City with a Bloom rating of up to five blooms, or flowers, on those areas. The categories include tidiness, environmental action, heritage conservation, urban forestry, landscaped areas, and floral displays.

The level of Novice is required for a City to first enter regular registration.  After a community has done this for several years, and reached a certain Bloom category, then it can enter a national competition as representative of Manitoba. McKim says the program opens the City up to funding opportunities such as grants, as well as increases community involvement, civic pride and promotes Portage on a provincial and national level from the exposure.  

PCRC asks you as an important part of the community to help out where you can. The upcoming Beautification Days gives you the chance to ensuring the City is tidy by cleaning your yard, and planting your flowers.

McKim tells us when Beautification Days take place this year.

"This year's Beautification Days is going to be running from Tuesday, May 24th to Saturday, May 28th. And I think it's important to note that there are six criteria for the evaluation. The Floral displays category is just a very small part. It goes into environmental action, our heritage, urban forestry. There are a lot of contributing factors. We are relying heavily on the community to put our best foot forward. The time judges will be in the City will be announced, but it should be between mid-July and August.

PCRC felt this was a natural next step to take as a City, seeing as the enthusiasm in the City and existing beautification endeavours will provide a boost to what we're already doing.

The Communities in Bloom website can be seen here: Manitoba Communities In Bloom