UNITY!
What is it about?
by Elaine Robinson
Often people seeking the same goals by-pass one another at the interchanges, rather than connecting at the crossroads. Communities in Bloom is a good unifying influence. The City of Castlegar has committed to this program. It is a non-profit Canadian organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community participation. Councillor Brenda Binnie is the Castlegar Committee Chairperson.
I joined the committee because of "Friends" commitment to Waldie Island and our interests in good environmental management and local heritage.
The April emphasis was on clean-up and redistribution: Pitch-In, to collect and dispose of trash and litter, and Trash to Treasures, an RDCK sponsored program to redistribute unwanted household items. These activities were highly successful.
The May goals concern improving the appearance of Castlegar -- planting trees, gardening, plus the hanging of flower baskets. These joyful activities provide opportunities for long range environmental planning such as recycling, xeriscape planting and improvement of watering practices.
The City of Castlegar is running a test program for water meters involving 45 households. The "distinction" of being the leading per household water user in the province is a position we should forego.
Numerous local organizations have undertaken projects, all of which will be recorded to present to a group of trained volunteer judges who travel across Canada during July and August.
There are eight criteria: Tidiness, Environmental Awareness, Community Involvement, Natural & Architectural Heritage Preservation, Urban Forestry, Landscaped Areas, Floral Displays, Turf & Groundcover Areas.
Citizens working together will make Castlegar even more beautiful and more desirable as a place to live and visit.
