Manitoba Communities in Bloom Invites Rural Municipalities to Join

The Manitoba Communities in Bloom (CIB) program is actively seeking new members from rural municipalities, highlighting the array of economic benefits and exclusive opportunities for participation. This initiative aims to enhance community beautification efforts while providing access to grants and expert consultation at affordable rates.

Benefits of Joining Communities in Bloom

After a brief hiatus during the pandemic, the CIB program is eager to expand its membership base, which currently comprises fewer than ten communities, including Portage la Prairie, Southport, Niverville, Warren, Gimli, Baldur, and St Jean Baptiste. Both Carman and Virden are considering rejoining in 2026.

According to Cathie McFarlane, a board member and local committee chair for Portage la Prairie, the program serves as a significant tool for civic beautification. “The Communities in Bloom program is internationally recognized by visitors and tourists,” McFarlane noted. “By participating, your community is allowed to advertise that you are a participant through the use of the ‘Communities in Bloom’ name and logos.”

McFarlane also emphasized that registration in the program indicates high standards of tidiness and environmental efforts. This perception can lead to increased foot traffic and spending in participating communities. “Participating municipalities are encouraged to use social media and highway signage to promote their status, which yields direct economic benefits,” she added.

Beyond tourism, membership in CIB opens doors to financial incentives and funding opportunities that are not available to non-participating communities. One key program is the Scott’s Miracle-Gro Best Gardens initiative, which allows local communities to host their own “best garden” contests. This program supplies necessary materials at no cost and can save municipalities up to $1,700 on contest prizes and branding.

Funding and Support for Communities

CIB members also gain access to various funding streams from the national CIB office and its partners. Current offerings include a 50 percent wage subsidy grant through the Green Jobs Initiative. This initiative aims to assist communities in hiring summer students specifically to maintain or enhance local beautification projects. Other funding sources include community grants from Farm Credit Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund, which support tree planting and environmental initiatives.

A unique aspect of the CIB program is the thorough evaluation conducted by volunteer judges. Each community is assessed by two expert judges, often horticultural professionals, who evaluate performance based on tailored criteria focusing on six areas: community appearance, environmental action, heritage conservation, tree management, landscape, and plant/floral displays. The outcome is a detailed 24-page evaluation that highlights strengths and offers recommendations for improvement. Communities receive a “Bloom rating” ranging from one to five blooms, with further recognition available for those achieving the maximum rating.

In 2026, the national theme for Communities in Bloom will be “Therapeutic Gardens.” This theme encourages communities to create green spaces that promote mental well-being, such as gardens in personal care homes or renovated memorial areas.

Participation costs are scaled according to population, making the program accessible. Registration fees range from $250 for communities with populations of 1,000 or fewer to $500 for those with over 5,001 residents. While communities cover minimal judging costs, such as providing lunch, the local nature of the Manitoba program keeps travel expenses low.

Annual conferences hosted by Manitoba CIB also present valuable networking and educational opportunities. The most recent conference took place in Gimli in 2025, with plans for the next in Niverville in 2026. Registration typically costs under $50 per person, including meals.

Communities interested in joining or rejoining the Manitoba Communities in Bloom program can reach out to program coordinator Cathy Shaluk at [email protected] for more information.