Communities in Bloom

King Township didn't win in its population class in the Communities in Bloom competition, but there are big grins on a lot of local faces.

King was up against five other Canadian communities in its population class in the competition, and placed a close second to White Rock, B.C.

Despite that, King scored 865.25 out of a possible 1,000 points, and that's an improvement over last year's impressive tally of 842.

Possibly of greater importance, King was over-all runner up for the top prize in the environmental awareness category.

That is one of eight categories on which entrants are judged, and it saw one of King's strongest showing, with 109.25 out of a possible 125 points.

King Blooms Committee Chair Steve Pellegrini said he was surprised at that recognition, pointing out that involved every community in the competition, regardless of population. Charlottetown, PEI, took top spot in the environmental awareness class.

In their report, judges Barb Trainor and Cliff Webb, who toured the township in July, cited the involvement of the King Environmental Advisory committee (KEAC) and the advice it offers on municipal policies.

"Citizen groups provide input on significant initiatives, such as the Dufferin Marsh Management Plan, Cold Creek restoration, Oak Ridges trails and the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan," they wrote. "The Township has developed an excellent waste management system, which includes recycling, leaf and yard waste pickup, as well as a new green bin program."

Pellegrini added they were also impressed with the Township staff efforts to cut down on waste, through getting rid of disposable cups and cutlery. "It's great because municipalities mandate all these programs and they're usually the worst offenders," he observed.

He added when they hosted the judges at receptions, all the dishes used were biodegradable.

As well, Pellegrini said the judges were impressed with what went on at the kick-off day, which was held in Nobleton in May. The event included speakers addressing such issues as sustainable lawn care. "(The judges) thought very highly of that," he said.

Pellegrini was also very satisfied with the fact the score improved from last year.

"When you get to that level, it's hard to get more marks," he observed. "We doubled out improvement from previous years."

"Even though we didn't win, our marks went up substantially higher," he added. "The township has improved steadily in this program."

Mayor Margaret Black was also pleased with the results, and offered thanks to those who worked hard to bring it about.

"Although we didn't win, it's certainly good news we did so well in the competition," she declared.

In terms of tidiness, King scored 111.5 points, with the judges praising the annual spring clean-up days, along with the regular monitoring by community volunteers.

King once again scored high in the community involvement category, with 110 points.

"Residents are involved in a wide cross section of activities throughout the Township of King that are inclusive of all ages from children to seniors," the judges stated. "The Township of King has established a policy that includes an annual volunteer recognition event, as well as the presentation of awards."

In other categories, King scored 108.75 in natural and cultural heritage conservation, 106.5 in tree and urban forest management, 105.25 in landscaped areas, 107.5 in floral displays and 106.5 in turf and ground covers.