Within about three weeks a form officially entering Kamsack into the 2017 Communities in Bloom competition will have been submitted, obligating residents to once again do what they can to impress themselves and visitors about the physical appearance of the community.
“We earned a high score of four blooms last year,” Kev Sumner, Kamsack’s recreation director, said last week. He, along with an organizing committee, had spearheaded a co-ordinated effort to present the community in its best light to the judges.
“We’re looking for another committee this year,” he said, remembering that it was members of the horticulture society and Trackside Garden volunteers who had been instrumental in holding a reception for the two judges last year.
The Communities in Bloom (CiB) program is a wonderful way to shine a positive light on Kamsack, Sumner said. “It is a way of saying that we’re proud of what we have, that we can identify with our community and that we encourage volunteerism.”
A total of 43 communities participated in the Communities in Bloom program last year, he said, adding that being recognized by the program is significant at the SUMA (Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association) and SPRA (Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association) levels.
For the competition, communities are judged in six sections: tidiness, environmental action, heritage conservation, urban forestry, landscape and floral displays. Last year Kamsack received 744 points out of 1,000, or a mark of 75 per cent, which garnered the four blooms.
In the evaluation report, the judges said that the landscape and environmental actions carried out by the community were particularly well done.
“There were two areas we felt were outstanding,” the report states. “The first was the unusual free joint use agreements with the school division (use of school facilities and the rink) and the health region (Family Resource Centre). The other area was your ongoing work to increase the inclusivity of the school playground for wheelchairs, the increasing number of sidewalk ramps for walkers and strollers and the grinding down of heaved sidewalk sections.
“Enhancing the quality of life for all ages in a community is an on-going, and sometimes, difficult struggle.”
The judges said they had appreciated the flight over the community and said that although the impetus of competing…came from the town office, the inclusion of volunteers and ‘civilians’ on the planning committee cannot be over stressed.
“The most successful CiB communities are the result of a close working relationship between the town and the volunteers.”
Tidiness
In the “tidiness” section, the judges said that the mowing crew had worked overtime to keep all the parks and green spaces mowed and looking great.
“The removal of burdock by hand in Broda Park indicates a commitment to a tidy community. Well done!
“Each park is inspected monthly and has a dog station to encourage pet owners to maintain tidiness,” it said. “You dared to mow along the CN tracks. The difference in appearance is incredible.
“We were impressed with the simplicity of the “citizen mow an empty lot” plan. Anyone with a riding mower is welcome to mow spare lots and receive a small reimbursement at the end of the summer. The plan reduces the amount of mowing for the town crew and helps out with the overall tidiness of Kamsack.
“In one community, we came across a 50/50 cost sharing program between property owners and the town for installing new sidewalks across the owner’s property. This could be an idea worth investigating as a cost effective way to replace sidewalks downtown and in residential areas,” it said. “Always check the back lanes before judging, as one or two weedy ones can be distracting from the overall impression.
“The basic recommendation is to just keep up the good work.”
Environmental action
The judges observations in the environmental action section commended the fact that the rink has geothermal heating, spray foam insulation, low sodium lights and its own recycling containers and mentioned that composting material is picked up by the town.
“Crowstand Centre is an excellent recycling of the old hospital,” it says. “The site of the old refinery has been greened.
In its recommendations, the report says that water is a finite resource and needs to have regulations protecting the source.
“You did not mention what the schools are doing to recycle,” it said. “Continue changing public places to more efficient lighting systems and finding ways to even further increase the lifespan of your landfill.”
Heritage conservation
In the heritage conservation section, the report said that the circular water tower certainly is a landmark to cherish.
“The Cenotaph Park is truly honouring the veterans of Kamsack and area. The two cenotaphs, the stone commemorating the HSMS Kamsack, the flag, the fountain and the flowers have created a garden of great beauty.
“Kamsack proudly displays two cabooses; one at Trackside Gardens and the other at the museum,” it says. “Congratulate all the volunteers working at the gardens, museum, cemetery and everywhere in Kamsack. Please thank them for their work in keeping the history of Kamsack alive for all generations.
“All the churches in the community are in reasonable condition and have neat and tidy yards.”
Regarding recommendations, the report asks if there has ever been a history project done with seniors recording their stories about events and locations in Kamsack?
“Not only the memories of seniors, but also the stories told by long-term employees and owners of businesses in the community should be remembered.
“A project often undertaken by a CiB group is creating an historical walk through the downtown, with written history of each building and locations of importance in the community. Eventually plaques could be placed on each building describing the business history of the location.”
Urban forestry
In the urban forestry section, the report says that in Kamsack, overall, the urban forest appears to be in good shape.
“The community orchard is doing well and is harvested by fruit lovers,” it says. “You have taken advantage of TD Green Street Tree Planting along the train tracks and around the ball diamonds.”
But, “a large portion of your urban forest is the same age, with a reliance on American elm,” it says. “Remain vigilant for diseases and dead limbs.
“A program of proactive pruning should become a priority, with removal of dead trees done at the same time. Encourage your staff to take a pruning course when offered by SPRA.
“You should also commit your policies on removal and replacement of trees, both on town property and on private property, on paper. Developing a list of appropriate tree species for homeowners is useful when renovating or developing new yard landscapes.”
Landscape
In the landscape section, the report says that Kamsack has many green spaces tucked in everywhere – some with playground equipment and some with just a bench on which to sit and enjoy the scene.
“The sportsground looked to be in good shape, as did the school grounds. The community garden at the elementary school was quite impressive and would serve as an example to other groups and communities looking to establish a raised bed garden.
“The Trackside Gardens are well planted and maintained and are so showy along the street. The huge baskets at each entrance into town are a trademark of Kamsack.
“The Skate Park is being upgraded slowly, but surely, to increase its safety for young people, and the integrated health building area is a great concept.
“The CiB community bulletin board serves several purposes – to advertise your bloom number, a place to staple notices and advertising, and a prominent spot to list your citizens of the years.
“Broda Park is a very pleasant area where the community can gather and celebrate public and private events and celebrations. The town crews are doing an excellent job of maintenance.”
The report recommends that the community keeps working on the walking trail as it will have a most interesting path through the community.
“We’re sure landscaping around the new health clinic is next. Is there some way to unify the landscape between the clinic, hospital and the senior care home? Planting similar shrubs, using the same colour flowers or, perhaps, paving stones could be used to tie the areas visually together.
“Creating a pocket park downtown in an empty lot appeals to many CiB groups. The park can be planted with a tree, and flowering shrubs for minimal maintenance, with benches and chairs to encourage people to linger and shop on the street.”
Floral displays
The report concludes with the floral displays section and says that the Trackside Garden merits a mention in several places as it is a well-maintained public space with wide paths and many kinds of blooms, and the downtown has hanging baskets and planters.”
The report recommends that in the floral displays category “more and bigger is always better.
“Keep those huge baskets growing, as they are a unique representation of Kamsack,” it says. “Could one be included near the health centre and at the sportsground?
“Within the context of climate change and environmental concerns, communities involved in the Communities in Bloom program can be proud of their efforts, which provide real and meaningful environmental solutions and benefit all of society,” the report says. Communities in Bloom is made possible by the commitment of local, provincial and national volunteers; the support of elected officials and of staff in municipalities; the dedication of the judges, staff and organizations, and the contributions of its sponsors and partners.”
