Close Alert Banner
Skip to Content
  • myStratford

City of Stratford Logo

Contact Us
  • Visit Us
    • Parking
    • Public Restrooms
    • Destination Stratford
  • Live Here
    • Applications, Licenses & Permits
    • Britannia Street Housing Project
    • Cemetery
    • Children's Resources
    • Climate Action
    • EarlyON Perth County
    • Education
    • Emergency Services
    • Extreme Heat
    • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
    • Garbage Collection
    • Heritage Stratford
    • Library
    • Maps
    • Parking
    • Pet Ownership
    • Property Taxes
    • Social Services
    • Stratford Police Services
    • Transportation
    • Utilities
    • Wastewater and Stormwater
    • Water
    • Wildlife
    • Senior's Resources
  • Play Here
    • Community Organizations
    • Advertising
    • Facilities
    • Parks & Forestry
    • Recreation Programs
    • Register for Programs
    • Sports Wall of Fame
    • Upcoming Events
  • Do Business
    • investStratford
    • Available Properties
    • Bids and Tenders
    • Business Licensing
    • Community Profile
    • Our Industries
    • Stratford Perth Centre for Business
  • Inside City Hall
    • A to Z Services
    • Accountability and Transparency
    • Accessibility
    • Advisory Committees
    • Animal Control
    • Applications, Licenses & Permits
    • Awards
    • Bid Opportunities
    • Budget
    • By-laws
    • City Council
    • Contact Us
    • Cooper Block
    • Departments
    • Employment
    • Market Square
    • Mayor
    • Municipal Accommodation Tax
    • Municipal Elections
    • News & Public Notices
    • Privacy Statement
    • Procedural By-law Review
    • Respectful Community
    • Strategic Priorities
    • Terms of Use
    • Website Feedback
HomeInside City HallAdvisory CommitteesCommunities in Bloom Committee

Communities in Bloom Committee

  • Open new window to share this page via Facebook Facebook
  • Open new window to share this page via Twitter Twitter
  • Open new window to share this page via Pinterest Pinterest
  • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn LinkedIn
  • Email this page Email

Inside City Hall

Communities in Bloom LogoStratford is Hosting the 2025 CiB Symposium & Awards

October 16-19, 2025
The Stratford Experience: Dramatically Different!

Please visit the Communities in Bloom website for more information

Check back for more information as it becomes available. 

The Stratford Communities in Bloom Committee is an advisory Committee to City Council.

 Mandate
 

The committee is mandated: Sun flowers and butterflies

1. To foster civic pride, environmental protection and beautification, through community participation.

2. To improve the tidiness, appearance and visual appeal of neighbourhoods, parks, open spaces and streets.

3. To focus on environmental awareness and preservation of heritage and culture.

4. To co-ordinate a host program as required.

5. To be financially sustainable.

 Terms of Reference
 Terms of Reference - Communities in Bloom
 Term of Appointment
The term of appointment for the Communities in Bloom Committee is two years.  Applications for this committee are accepted annually in October.  Application forms can be found on the Advisory Committee page.
Communities in Bloom National Website
Communities in Bloom National Website

 

History of Communities in Bloom

A Focus on Beautification, Environmental Protection and Civic Pride
 

“Gardens Maketh the City” might be an alternative name for the Canadian Communities in Bloom initiative which Stratford has taken part in since its inception in 1994.  Then Mayor of Stratford, Ted Blowes, was one of the organization’s founding members and a highly active and visible advocate of this programme.  Before his death in 2013, Ted was the instigator of the pollinator garden beneath what was then the “Bridge to Nowhere” and has now been renamed the “Bridge of Hope” in Confederation Park, Stratford.  The importance of creating and maintaining gardens that specifically attract butterflies, bees and other pollinators cannot be understated in a world that is increasingly aware of the necessity of reducing, reusing and recycling in order to preserve the world for future generations.  As part of its ongoing remit, the Stratford Communities in Bloom Committee actively encourages its residents to be part of this endeavour as well as creating other pollinator areas throughout the City itself.  Gardens and their plants provide the medicines, oxygen, shelter and beauty that are so essential to the quality of life and wellbeing of any city’s residents. 

As well as beautifying the City and providing the essentials outlined above through its gardens, the Stratford Communities in Bloom Committee is dedicated to ensuring that waste management is carried out by its residents as well as the City’s own team.  Having a clean environment in which to live and raise families is of paramount importance and is encouraged by the Committee whenever possible.

Civic pride has been an unexpected side-effect of the Stratford Communities in Bloom presence, exhibiting itself in the number and quality of homeowners’ gardens that have sprung up and are lovingly maintained throughout the summer months.

But the winter months are not forgotten by the Committee which takes part in Stratford’s downtown Winter Lights exhibit that runs through the Christmas season into late January each year.  Started in 2020, this project ensures that the City is as beautiful with snow on the ground as it is with flowers. 

For its excellence in providing hope during the pandemic the world has been experiencing, in 2021 the Stratford Communities in Bloom Committee was awarded the National “2021 Hope is Growing” Award.  This it did by introducing yellow flowers (the colour of Hope) into as many of its gardens around the City as possible and also encouraging the community to do likewise.  It also used part of its “Garden of Hope” in the downtown core to commemorate Indigenous children and those who perished in the past.

All of which is why “Gardens Maketh the City” seems an appropriate alternate to “Communities in Bloom” in Stratford, given that its residents have taken up the challenge of ensuring a high quality of life for the future through their plantings and encouragement of important insect life in them, as well as waste awareness - all instilling in the community a sense of civic pride.

Activities and Initiatives

Communities In Bloom 25th Anniversary Garden

In 2019, the Communities In Bloom Committee celebrated its 25th anniversary. The City of Stratford recognized CIB contributions to Stratford’s civic beautification by providing a gardening space to showcase the committee. The anniversary garden is located beside the boathouse off York Street.

In 2021, CIB members planted a “Garden of Hope” to bring hope and joy to residents and visitors, and to commemorate our lost Indigenous Residential School children. The garden was filled with 215 sunflowers, yellow marigolds, canna lilies and other pollinator plants.

 

Photo Gallery: Garden of Hope will appear here on the public site.
Ted Blowes Memorial Pollinator Peace Garden

Ted Blowes was one of the founders of Communities in Bloom Canada in 1994, and suggested the creation of a butterfly garden under the bridge in 2012. To commemorate Ted’s contributions to the city and CIB, the community established this garden.

 

Photo Gallery: Ted Blowes Pollinator Garden will appear here on the public site.
Pollinator Pathway

The Pollinator Pathway originated as a result of a grant from TD Friends of the Environment. The purpose of the pathway is to provide pollinator habitat to bees, butterflies, and other wildlife. The pathway is located on the south side of the railway tracks from Guelph Street to St. David. When funding is available, CIB adds additional pollinator trees and shrubs to the path.

Annual Spring Garden Fling

To help everyone get into the spirit of spring, CIB hosts an educational event.  The committee strives to teach residents to be environmentally aware about bees and butterflies and the importance of pollinator seeds and plants to our food source. The committee's goal is for residents to have a pollinator section in their gardens to provide a needed food source to bees and butterflies. It is important that these insects thrive as they are an important contributor to the food production process.  

Dutch Tulip Garden

Stratford’s Dutch Memorial Gardens are located near the intersection of Huron Street and William Street. They feature a sculpture that was a gift from the Netherlands after the Second World War, in appreciation of Stratford’s hospitality to 700 free men of Dutch birth who came to Stratford to form a battalion. The pair of hands symbolizes Canada’s support; the dove is symbolic of the Netherlands.

The planting bed is keyhole shaped. The long sides were planted in an interlaced pattern of red and white so the blooms will offer a visual reminder of the link between the two countries. Random planting at the sculpture’s base was designed to represent a symbolic nod to the successful blending of both cultures after the war and an acknowledgement of the many Dutch immigrants who have chosen to live in the area.

Garden Contest

Our city is filled with extraordinary gardens tended by caring, knowledgeable, and diligent gardeners. The Scott’s Miracle Gro Garden contest was a way for CIB to recognize these stunning gardens.

Pumpkin Parade

The Pumpkin Parade is an annual event held on November 1st regardless of the weather. Communities in Bloom (CIB) and Civic Beautification and Environmental Awareness Committee (CBEAC) encourage residents of Stratford to showcase their jack-o-lantern creativity for a second night. Pumpkins are displayed around City Hall for everyone to enjoy from 6 – 9 pm.

Pumpkins are dropped off throughout the day and lit before dusk by members of CIB and CBEAC.  At the end of the evening, pumpkins are whisked away by a local farmer.  Jack-o-lanterns are a special treat for the farm’s wild boars. Not only are they a good food source, but the pumpkins are also diverted from the landfill.

 

Photo Gallery: Pumpkin Parade will appear here on the public site.

Partners

CIB would not be successful without the support and guidance of our community partners, including:

  • City of Stratford Parks Board
  • The staff of the Stratford Community Services (Parks) Department
  • Civic Beautification and Environmental Awareness Committee
  • Energy and Environment Committee
  • Upper Thames River Conversation Authority
  • Gallery Stratford
  • Stratford elementary schools
  • Stratford and District Horticultural Society
  • Destination Stratford
  • Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area (BIA)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Advisory Committees
    Toggle Section Advisory Committees Menu
    • Accessibility Advisory Committee
    • Active Transportation Advisory Committee
    • Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee
    • Ad Hoc Transit Committee
    • Board of Park Management
    • Committee of Adjustment
    • Communities in Bloom Committee
    • Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area Board of Management
    • Energy and Environment Committee
    • Heritage Stratford Committee
    • Sports Wall of Fame Committee
    • Spruce Lodge Non-Profit Housing Corporation
    • Stratfords of the World
    • Stratford Police Services Board
    • Stratford Public Library Board
    • Stratford Town And Gown Advisory Committee
    • Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
  • View Full Inside City Hall Menu
    Toggle Section
    • A to Z Services
      Toggle Section A to Z Services Menu
      • E-Services
    • Accountability and Transparency
      Toggle Section Accountability and Transparency Menu
      • Surveillance
    • Accessibility
      Toggle Section Accessibility Menu
      • Accessibility Advisory Committee
    • Animal Control
    • Applications, Licenses & Permits
      Toggle Section Applications, Licenses & Permits Menu
      • Bicycle Licensing
      • Birth, Death, Marriage Certificates and Change of Name
      • Business Licence
      • Encroachments
      • Lottery Licensing
      • Marriage and Civil Ceremonies
      • Pet Ownership
      • Special Events and Municipal Alcohol Policy
      • Outdoor Special Events
    • Awards
      Toggle Section Awards Menu
      • City Council Annual Recognition Awards
      • Community Leadership Awards
      • Heritage Community Recognition Award
      • June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award
      • Lincoln Alexander Award
      • Long-Standing Service Program
      • Queen Elizabeth II Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship
      • Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers
      • Senior Achievement Award
      • Senior of the Year Award
      • Volunteer Service Award Program
      • Young Heritage Leaders Award
    • Bid Opportunities
    • Budget
      Toggle Section Budget Menu
      • 2024 Budget
      • 2023 Budget
    • By-laws
      Toggle Section By-laws Menu
      • Municipal By-law Enforcement
      • Smoking In Public Places
    • City Council
      Toggle Section City Council Menu
      • Agendas, Meetings & Minutes
      • Council Calendar
      • Declaration of Pecuniary Interest Registry
      • Appearing as a Delegation
      • City Council Contact
      • Collecting Personal Information
      • Community Services Sub-committee
      • Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee
      • Planning and Heritage Sub-committee
      • Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee
      • Social Services Sub-committee
    • Contact Us
    • Cooper Block
    • Departments
      Toggle Section Departments Menu
      • Building and Planning Services
        Toggle Section Building and Planning Services Menu
        • Building
        • Planning
        • Municipal By-law Enforcement
      • CAO & Mayor's Office
        Toggle Section CAO & Mayor's Office Menu
        • Chief Administrative Office
        • Mayor's Office
          Toggle Section Mayor's Office Menu
          • Requests and Invitations
            Toggle Section Requests and Invitations Menu
            • Request a Certificate
            • Request City Pins
      • Community Services
      • Corporate Services
        Toggle Section Corporate Services Menu
        • Clerks
          Toggle Section Clerks Menu
          • Access to Information
          • Busking
          • Commissioner of Oaths
          • Crossing Guards
          • Retail Business Holiday Act
        • Information Technology Services
        • Finance
          Toggle Section Finance Menu
          • Asset Management
          • Finance Reports
          • Payroll
          • Purchasing
          • Revenues and Taxation
          • Development Charges
      • Infrastructure Services
        Toggle Section Infrastructure Services Menu
        • Engineering
        • Public Works
          Toggle Section Public Works Menu
          • Winter Maintenance
        • Water
        • Wastewater and Stormwater
      • Fire Department
      • Human Resources
        Toggle Section Human Resources Menu
        • Collective Agreements
        • Employment Opportunities
      • Social Services
        Toggle Section Social Services Menu
        • Anne Hathaway Daycare
        • Children’s Services
        • Homelessness
        • Housing
          Toggle Section Housing Menu
          • Housing Access Centre
          • Perth and Stratford Housing Corporation
        • Ontario Works
    • Employment
      Toggle Section Employment Menu
      • Recreation Program Employment
    • Market Square
    • Mayor
      Toggle Section Mayor Menu
      • Requests and Invitations
      • Strong Mayor Powers, Decisions and Directions
    • Municipal Accommodation Tax
    • Municipal Elections
    • News & Public Notices
      Toggle Section News & Public Notices Menu
      • News
      • Public Notices
      • Town Crier
    • Privacy Statement
    • Procedural By-law Review
    • Respectful Community
      Toggle Section Respectful Community Menu
      • Council Code of Conduct
      • Public Conduct Policy
      • Respect in the Workplace
    • Strategic Priorities
    • Terms of Use
    • Website Feedback

Contact Us

Subscribe to page updates

Stratford logo

  • Accessibility
  • Terms of Use
  • Sitemap
  • Contact Us
  • Employment
  • Website Feedback
  • Privacy Statement

© 2019 The Corporation of the City of Stratford, P.O. Box 818, Stratford, Ontario, N5A 6W1, 519-271-0250

View our Facebook Page View our Twitter Page View our LinkedIn Page
By GHD Digital
Close Old Browser Notification
Browser Compatibility Notification
It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.