Communities in Bloom
Communities In Bloom is a national program designed to enhance the environment and beautification of Canadian municipalities. Participating cities may choose to become involved in an annual competition that evaluates communities based on a series of environmental, aesthetic and community spirit criteria. 
Kelowna first competed in 1996; we finished second in the country in our population category that year and in 1997. We were selected as the winning city in our population category in 1998.
In 1999 Kelowna participated in the Worlds In Bloom competition as a member of Team Canada; Canada placed second losing to England by a slim margin.
In 2000 Kelowna entered the International Challenge team competition in partnership with Solihull, England; together we won the large city category.
Kelowna participated in the Nations In Bloom competition in 2001. Held in Shenzhen, China, the competition attracted 34 cities from around the world competing in five different population categories. Kelowna placed second behind Malmo, Sweden in the most competitive population category; 12 finalists were judged on criteria that included landscape management, heritage management and use of environmentally sensitive practices. In recognition of our community’s commitment to excellence, Kelowna was named host city for the 2002 National Communities in Bloom convention. The convention attracted over 600 delegates from around the world. In 2003 Kelowna once again entered the Communities in Bloom competition and was crowned champion. Thanks to everyone in our community!
This year we are competing again, and we will be judged against previous winning cities from Canada and around the world.
If you would like to help the Communities in Bloom Committee, please call 862-5580.
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