Manitoba Communities in Bloom (CIB), the organization that helps communities with environmental awareness, improvement programs and heritage preservation is receiving $75,000 over three years to continue its non-profit work throughout rural Manitoba. This announcement was made by Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Stan Struthers.
“Community improvements are often a large undertaking, starting with major decisions on what needs to be done, how to do it, how it will be funded and who should manage the projects,” said Struthers. “Communities in Bloom is a professional group with experience in all these areas which can help a community get started, reach the goals that will enhance local sites and demonstrate the community pride that attracts residents, visitors and business.”
Manitoba CIB is a volunteer-based organization that helps communities make the most of their local assets, offering a sustainable approach to improving the quality of life and encouraging civic pride in the community. Through this service, communities receive information and are evaluated by a volunteer jury of trained professionals on the accomplishments of the entire community.
The minister noted community-driven projects that enhance local amenities using local products and services create long-term benefits by encouraging business expansion and attracting new business investment that both stimulate and support rural economic development.
“We appreciate this contribution from the province that will help sustain the CIB program in Manitoba,” said Al Dowhan, deputy mayor of Dauphin and member of the Manitoba CIB committee. “CIB helps communities take advantage of their natural beauty, encompassing projects like environmental improvements, forestry, streetscaping and upgrading of historic sites. The volunteer efforts of many communities have benefited from this service that has also helped raise the profile of their location with residents and tourists alike.”
Provincial funding will support the position of a provincial co-ordinator, assist with the cost of training judges and with covering their out-of-pocket expenses, engage conference speakers, recruit and engage new communities, and operate and promote the program, said Struthers.
“The Communities in Bloom program generates pride, a sense of community and feelings of accomplishment in communities participating in the program,” the minister added. “The province views the activities of this organization as a sustainable approach to improving the quality of life and civic pride in Manitoba communities.”
