Civic pride continues to grow within the city, as residents, institutions and businesses were recognized for their beautification efforts during the 2012 edition of the Pembroke Communities in Bloom awards night, hosted by Branch 72 of the Royal Canadian Legion.

More than 100 people gathered inside the hall for Wednesday’s event, which was held as a way for the CIB committee to show its appreciation of the incredible efforts made by local residents, institutions and businesses during the recent CIB competition, held in August.

Mary Ethier, chairwoman of Pembroke’s CIB committee, said this has been a tough year when it came to maintaining any sort of yard or garden, due to water restrictions and the lack of rain.

“The summer of 2012 was one for the record books, and proved to be a real challenge to keep up any sort of green space,” she said.

“We’re here to honour all those who took up that challenge,” she added, noting without this sort of dedication, the city wouldn’t bloom.

Mayor Ed Jacyno thanked everyone for working hard to make the community a more beautiful place, and something in which they can all be proud.

“The beauty of the community is reflective of the beauty of the people,” he said.

Both Mayor Jacyno and Ms. Ethier thanked the Pembroke Horticultural Society for its never-ending support and hard work in maintaining the city’s greenery and flower beds.

Emile Giroux, society president, thanked everyone for their hard work, and the city for supporting his group since its foundation in 1924.

Coun. Dan Callaghan, who represents the city on the CIB committee, said he is humbled to be among those whose civic pride is so evident. He said their efforts to beautify the city have a far reaching impact.

“It’s more than just the flower beds,” he said, “it’s everything you put into this community.”

The entire city has been viewed by local volunteer judges from the Pembroke Horticultural Society and CIB committee and those residences, institutions and commercial properties which have earned four and five blooms were invited to attend the awards night.

At one time, the city accepted applications from residents wanting to take part, but the response had become so overwhelming it was decided every property owner living within the city would be included in the contest.

The coveted Golden Spade Award, presented to the business which embraces all aspects of the Communities in Bloom program and serves as a example for others to follow was presented to the Pembroke Business Improvement Area (PBIA).

Shelley Burchart, PBIA chairwoman, said she and the downtown business group were thrilled to learn they were going to receive the award.

“There is no way we could do this without the businesses, and a total team effort,” she said.

This includes the hard work of their contractors Priceless Maintenance, and PBIA manager Chantal Picard, who with volunteers were kept busy hanging baskets, placing wooden barrels, replanting beds and concrete planters throughout the city’s core.

“Without that team effort, the downtown wouldn’t look as good as it does,” Ms. Burchart said.

The award for the prettiest little street in Pembroke, awarded where five or more properties on one street have worked to beautify it, was presented to the residents of Champlain Street who live between Mackay and Centre Streets.

The “prettiest little street” sign will be posted on the street in the near future.

In the residential category, a total of 237 awards were presented – 178 properties received four blooms and 59 were presented five blooms.

In the industrial, commercial and institutional categories, 94 awards were distributed – 39 four bloom ones, and 55 five bloom winners.

In institutional, there were 15 five blooms and eight four blooms presented; in commercial, 23 five blooms and nine four blooms, and three industrial sites received four blooms apiece.

This was also the third year for the commercial ‘concrete jungle’ category, which recognizes businesses that do not have any lawns or trees, just concrete and bricks. Judges look for other beautification criteria on these properties. This year, 17 of these received five blooms, while 19 received four blooms.

Special recognition certificates were distributed to individuals and businesses which supported, sponsored and helped out the Communities in Bloom in 2012 and other years previous. These include Mary and Ron Ethier of Weed Man, Brenda McKnight of Friends Restaurant, Sunset Nursery, Yolanda Stevens, General Manager of Heritage Manor, Grace McLaughlin and Gwen Flowers for maintaining and weeding the boulevards, Golfview Developments, the Comfort Inn and Pam Dempsey of the Pembroke Heritage Murals.

Lastly, Coun. Callaghan and Ms. Burchart recognized Ms. Ethier for her tireless work as committee chairwoman by presenting her with flowers.

“I want to thank everyone who did all they could to help make the city shine,” Ms. Ethier said. “We cannot make Pembroke blossom without you.”

She also encouraged everyone to keep up the good work.

“There’s still much to do, but we are going in the right direction.”

Now Pembroke has to wait for the results of the international judging.

The National and International Communities in Bloom awards ceremony will take place Oct. 13 in Edmonton as part of the National Symposium being held there. As well as competing at the international level this year, the city has forwarded a submission to be considered for an Outstanding Achievement Award for Heritage Conservation.

stephen.uhler@sunmedia.ca