While still considering whether or not to purchase a “Communities in Bloom Ontario” membership for 2008, council agreed Monday night that if the town is to join, local volunteers will be needed to help spearhead the initiative.
In a report to council, Operations and Facilities manager Doug Brown noted Parks and Airport superintendent Bill Caul has recommended the town purchase a “Communities in Bloom” membership to “generate community involvement as well as enhance the town’s appearance.”
He also recommended the Fort Frances Horticultural Society facilitate the program on behalf of the town.
But Brown noted there’s been no clear interest from the horticultural society, which is comprised of aging volunteers, and recent efforts to contact members have been unsuccessful.
Without them, and with many other projects on the go (watering flower baskets, taking care of the cemeteries, etc.), the town can’t afford to dedicate management and work staff to take over the facilitating role volunteers would do.
“This is a political decision where council has to determine if this is a priority within the community and the costs are justifiable,” said Brown.
The membership costs about $600, plus travel expenses for the judges when they visit Fort Frances.
Brown noted a local “Communities in Bloom” committee usually consists of one member of council along with members of the community and businesses interested in horticulture—but is not facilitated by the town itself.
“I think we have enough on our plate at O&F,” he remarked, noting sunken graves and rotting trees are two problems that have to be addressed.
“We spend a lot of money on parks and cemeteries, and we do a great job on it already,” Brown stressed. “I don’t think we’re going to change that too much.”
“I’m not against becoming a member, but I don’t want to become a member and it falls flat,” said Mayor Roy Avis. “If the recommendation that came to council was that there was a show of support, that the horticultural society showed an interest, we could become a member.”
Mayor Avis later said he fully supports local beautification efforts, like the Chamber of Commerce’s flower basket program, but understands that it can’t be left up to the town.
“If there was somebody who was willing to help us, I’d vote for it,” echoed Coun. John Albanese, recalling the successful efforts in 2004. “For $500, we got good PR.”
“I think this is a good idea with a lot of potential, but I think we need some leadership coming from elsewhere, rather than the town,” agreed Coun. Andrew Hallikas.
“If we can put the word out in the community that if someone is willing to step forward and take on the leadership, that certainly we’d be willing to assist them,” he added.
Any interested volunteers can call the Operations and Facilities division at 274-9893.
Back in 2004, the town applied to be included in the “Communities in Bloom” competition and a committee was established consisting of former mayor Dan Onichuk and members of the Fort Frances Horticultural Society.
Funding was provided by the town to assist with expenses for judging costs, prizes for competitors, and for members to attend an awards ceremony.
The community scored four out of five “blooms” that year.
The town joined “Communities in Boom” again in 2005, but did not end up carrying through with recommendations made in a report by “Communities in Bloom” judges due to a lack of volunteers.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
