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News and Events
Cornwall Wins Communities in Bloom Award
The City of Cornwall was formally recognized with a Trillium Bloom Rating of 4-Blooms at the first ever combined National and Provincial Communities in Bloom Awards Ceremonies. The City competed in the Provincial category for cities with populations between 20,001 and 50,000. The award ceremonies were held in Vaughan on October 2nd & 3rd, 2009.
The City was also one of only eight communities presented with an Ontario Special Criteria Award. The City was recognized for Tree/Urban Forest Management.
“I am very pleased with the recognition of Cornwall in such a prestigious national judged competition,” said Mayor Bob Kilger. “Cornwall truly is a beautiful city, due in no small part due to the hard work of so many people.”
Communities in Bloom is a national program committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community participation and the challenge of friendly competition. The program strives to improve the tidiness, appearance and visual appeal of Canada’s neighbourhoods, parks, open spaces and streets through the imaginative use of flowers, plants and trees. A focus on environmental awareness and preservation of heritage and culture is also an integral part of the program.
This year represented the first year Cornwall has entered into the competition. A committee of volunteers from community, municipal and business members organized the Cornwall entry.
“The Committee was fortunate to have the support of volunteers and local organizations that saw the benefits of beautifying our City”, said Committee Chair Gaye Adams of the Downtown Cornwall BIA. “Taking a moment to improve our neighbourhoods helps make the City a better place to live, work and visit.”
The City hosted two judges, Bruce Hobin and Liisa Wolfgram, from July 19-21 this year. The judges examined a number of areas in the City including Guindon Park, Lamoureux Park, Downtown Cornwall and Grays’ Creek. The judges also visited the Cornwall Public Library, City Hall and the St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences.
The final evaluation form added up to 19-pages of detailed commentary on several different facets of the cityscape. Overall, the City scored 811.5 points out of a total of 1000 points.
The judges mixed praise with suggestions for the future, such as encouraging youth to get involved in horticultural and beautification efforts.
A few sample comments include:
“The Cornwall Recreational Path is a very significant contributor to the City's riverfront. The path, with its public access, is a most enjoyable way to view this picturesque river system.”
“The judges were impressed with the overall cleanliness of the residential, commercial and parks areas. “
“The judges felt ‘Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation’ was a strong category for Cornwall. We saw a balance of both natural and cultural heritage. We were impressed by what is happening in the Le
Village area especially the Weave shed and the refurbishing of other existing buildings.”
“Cornwall certainly has a well developed urban forest. The presence of trees is everywhere. The plantings downtown are well done. The support for ongoing tree plantings needs to be continued. Corporate support is appreciated and needs to be encouraged. Having qualified staff is a bonus for Cornwall.”
“It was good to see local businesses beautifying their store fronts and so many residential properties had beautifully landscaped front gardens.”
“One does get the sense that the entire community has come together to beautify their city”.
The City maintains the St. Lawrence River Recreational Path, along with numerous other parks, flower beds and other urban forest areas. The City’s commitment to positive environmental stewardship is reflected in a number of strategic plans that guide the efforts of City staff.
Cornwall’s Recreational Path is a celebrated part of the Waterfront Trail that follows the shore of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, connecting communities from Niagara-on-the-Lake to the Quebec border. The Recreational Path was built through the combined efforts of past councils, waterfront committees and city staff.
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