Communities in Bloom hopes for help from Township
By Anneleen Naudts

Volunteers will carry on King Township's participation in Communities in Bloom (CIB) this year, and though primarily relying on both sponsorships and partnerships for funding, they asked for a $8,500 Township grant.

CIB member Lynda Rogers, who reported being "extremely passionate" about CIB, recently addressed council regarding the requested grant. The grant is $10,000 less than last year's Township contribution to CIB, she commented.

She reminded council that King has participated in CIB since 2002, and won at the provincial level in 2004. At the national level, King received the highest rating each time it competed.

Volunteers have devoted countless hours toward the events, said Rogers, adding they hoped council would assist in continuing the program.

A report prepared by Parks, Recreation and Culture Director Catherine Purcell recommended granting CIB $2,500 in funding, $2,500 in-kind to be used on photocopying and rental fees, and 1,000 staff hours. Purcell anticipated these hours will mainly be used by staff to contact the Township's departments to collect appropriate information for the CIB judges' book.

Rogers explained this information will range from facts about sewage systems, to idling, to tree planting and pesticide use.

She said that while volunteers do not anticipate the 1,000 hours of staff time will be needed, they do request staff be available to meet with judges and supply needed information the day of the CIB tour.

As part of ongoing beautification projects, Parks, Recreation and Culture will assign staff to maintain and care for flower displays from CIB, said Purcell.

Councillor Jane Underhill, who said she is in support of beautifying the Township, commented there will be a cost to the municipality regardless of what it contributes to CIB.

While council granted $2,500 in funding, it deferred allocating the remaining $6,000 until it has reviewed a draft budget from the CIB committee. Councillor Bill Cober suggested council should not give out funds without seeing what it will be used for. The $2,500 will be used to handle the CIB registration fee, as well as transportation and accommodation costs.