The Town of Hanna received a Four Blooms rating and a special mention for Community Garden during the 2016 National/International Symposium and Awards ceremonies in Regina, Sk.
The Town of Hanna participated in the Up to 4,500 population category along with Bruderheim Ab., Ituna Sk, Maple Creek Sk, Windsor NS, Witless Bay NL and Valhalla Centre, Ab.
Over the summer, trained volunteer judges travelled to participating communities to evaluate the overall contributions of municipal council and departments; industry; businesses and the private sector – including volunteer efforts – in regards to the following criteria: tidiness, environmental action, heritage conservation, urban forestry, landscape and floral displays.
Following their evaluation, volunteer judges Roger Younker and Karri Loadman wrote: “A community of 3000 residents nestled in the ranch land of rural Alberta, the town of Hanna has been a believer in Communities in Bloom since 2002.
The committee, always seeking to develop new programs, have a winner in the community garden.
Co-ordinated by Community Garden Volunteer, Barb Burgemeister, who is passionate about the project as it continues to grow in size.
Currently there are 34 plots, double last year’s start up number. Residents rent 10 x 10 plots for $10 a season or 20 x 20 plots for $20…all guarded by Jo Jo the Scarecrow.
Potatoes, tomatoes, beans, peas, onions, etc, greet visitors. The location, next to the Hanna Health Centre and Long Term Senior facility, includes an accessible strawberry patch housed in a raised boxed container for easy access.
The border fence posts provide a location for colourful bird houses courtesy of resident Jerry Champion. There are policies and procedures on the use and maintenance of the garden.
Water is provided in partnership with the hospital, while soil and compost is donated by a local business.
The future…with a waiting list and room to expand, 50 or 60 plots will be available in 2017”.
Within the actual context of climate changes and environmental concerns, communities involved in the program can be proud of their efforts, which provide real and meaningful environmental solutions and benefit all of society.
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