Sooke fared quite well in the annual Communities in Bloom competition. The community came home with three blooms in the 5001-10,000 category for the Marine Boardwalk and also won a Criteria Award for Community Involvement. Sooke entered the Sooke Region Historical Society Home Port in the Community Showcase.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have that recognition and grateful to people all over the province who suported our efforts,” said Elida Peers of the Sooke Region Historical Society. “They are thoughtful, good people.”

The awards were handed out to communities from across the province at a ceremony at Harrison Hot Springs on September 19.

In speaking of Sooke’s community involvement, it was said, “The claim to Volunteer Capital of Canada seems appropriate for the community of Sooke. It seems that every project has been touched by the volunteer community. The service clubs, not-for-profit groups and citizens of Sooke are to be commended for their contribution in making Sooke the vibrant community it is. There seems to be no such word as “no” when asked to volunteer in Sooke. Community support and spirit have always been a way of life and seen as a privilege rather than a duty.

The areas where the community could improve include more urban furniture, litter and recycling containers; involvement in block or individual street tidiness and more green initiatives. On the community involvement front, the committee saw a need for more information and educational programs on municipal and public properties.

On natural and cultural heritage conservation the judges felt the district needed more heritage policies and bylaws, preservation initiatives and use of native plants, heritage gardens and trees; as well as preservation, restoration and reuse programs.

Again, the protection and preservation of trees, management and expansion of woodlots and participation in programs such as Green Streets Canada and Maple leaf Day were cited.

The landscaped areas in Sooke were seen to need distribution through the community; urban and civic design standards for streetscapes and other places: flags, public art, fountains, lighting design, walkways and paving materials, signage and accessibility were noted, as was green and sustainable designs for the commercial/industrial sector and schools, churches and not-for-profit groups and service clubs.

The judges wanted to see more diverse floral displays throughout the community as well as quality and maintenance of same.

Turf and diverse groundcovers and maintenance of such in all areas was seen as necessary.

With their comments came many compliments.

At the provincial level, 16 municipalities competed and received a Bloom Rating Certificate and Evaluation Report. Etched glass vase trophies were presented to the top five-bloom winners within population categories. As well 14 Community Showcase entrants were presented certificates for a wide range of projects that their community and volunteers were justifiably proud of.

“For BC Communities in Bloom, it was another successful year administering a program that helps communities make the most of their assets and take pride in their accomplishments. Thanks to all our participants, sponsors, and judges who make “People, Plants and Pride…Growing Together” possible within British Columbia,” says Catherine Kennedy, executive director for BC Communities in Bloom.

BC Communities in Bloom is a not-for-profit society administering the dynamic CiB program where citizen groups, organizations, businesses and local governments come together to ignite and unleash the potential within each community. Because of this unique annual challenge, a new vibrancy and prosperity is reflected in the lasting legacies of B.C. communities.

The reasons for participating are many. It stimulates community energy while encouraging tidiness, beautification and promotes excellence.