The City of Cold Lake is the Up to 20,000 Population category winner. They received a 5 Blooms – Silver rating and a special mention for the Kinosoo Beach Enhancement Project during the 2023 National/International Symposium and Awards Ceremonies in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, Alberta. The City of Cold Lake competed with Chipman NB, Provost AB, and Wolseley SK.

Over the summer, trained volunteer judges travelled to participating communities to evaluate the overall contributions of municipal council and departments, industry, businesses, and the private sector – including volunteer efforts – regarding the following criteria: Community Appearance, Environmental Action, Heritage Conservation, Tree Management, Landscape and Plant & Floral Displays.

Following their evaluation, volunteer judges Susan Ellis and Tina Liu wrote:

“Kinosoo Beach is a spectacular public waterfront park that sits on the shore of Cold Lake. It features a splash park, zip line, accessible mobi-mat to the water’s edge, lit walkways, a bandstand, multi-surface courts, and a gazebo. It is a facility that draws people year-round and has been named one of the top 25 beaches in Canada by Canadian Geographic. ”.

Within the context of climate changes and environmental concerns, communities involved in the program can be proud of their efforts, providing real and meaningful environmental solutions that benefit all of society.

For a complete list of the results, please visit www.communitiesinbloom.ca.