There are a number of ways to successfully position communities as vibrant tourism destinations. Among these are a collaborative culture, great visitor welcoming, the right mix of attractors, the right balance of support services, as well as appropriate infrastructure, including great signage, cleanliness and attractiveness. All of the communities that have participated in and been recognized by the Communities in Bloom program are obviously taking these types of considerations into account and we applaud their efforts.  

Congratulations to the communities that participated in the 2010 provincial edition: Baldur, Carberry, Erickson, Killarney, Lac du Bonnet, MacGregor, Minnedosa, Riverton, Sandy Lake, Selkirk, Stonewall, Thompson, and to the winner of the Community Pride Projects, the Virden Millennium Park.

Several communities also participated in the national edition of the program. Winkler’s Bethel Heritage Park and Arborg’s trail systems were finalists in the Special Attractions category. Boissevain’s Adopt-a-Spot Program was a finalist in the International Challenge category. Brandon, Dauphin and Neepawa were all recognized in the Circle of Excellence category. Congratulations on your continued accomplishments!

Watch for the 2011 participating communities to begin blooming soon and visit www.mbcommunitiesinbloom.ca to find how to increase community involvement, beautification, environmental awareness, heritage preservation, education and networking in your community.