Bay Roberts has it made in the shade at Bloom awards
The Town of Bay Roberts has received a rating of five Blooms, good enough for bronze and a special mention in this year’s incarnation of the national Communities in Bloom competition. The honour is thanks to an historic row of chestnut trees.
The awards were handed out at the 2024 National and International Symposium and Awards Ceremonies in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island last week. Bay Roberts participated in the Class of Champions Small category along with Bruderheim, Alberta, Melfort, Saskatchewan, and Stonewall, Manitoba.
Over the summer, trained volunteer judges travelled to the participating communities to evaluate the overall contributions of municipal council and departments, as well as industry, businesses, the private sector and volunteers. The criteria included community appearance, environmental action, heritage conservation, tree management, landscape and plant and floral displays.
“The 100-year-old row of chestnut trees by the Bay Roberts Town Hall stands as a living testament to the town’s rich history,” wrote judges Larry Hall and Mohammad Asadian in their evaluation. “These majestic trees not only enhance the area’s historic charm but also provide much-needed shade and cooling, creating a comfortable environment for residents and visitors alike. Their imposing presence and lush canopies have a visual ‘wow’ factor. The Town takes great pride in maintaining this natural treasure, employing qualified arborists to carefully prune and care for the trees. Remarkably, any trees that do not survive are thoughtfully replaced with new chestnut trees, ensuring that this iconic row continues to thrive for future generations. This ongoing care and renewal highlight the community’s commitment to preserving its natural and historic heritage.”
Carbonear, meanwhile, also received recognition at the awards ceremony. The Town got a special recognition and the Butchart Gardens Land Reclamation Award, as well as five blooms and special mention for its community garden.