In the 2008 evaluation report, the judges made specific mention of these items in the Blenheim area: unique signage; Sherry’s Perennials for growing native grasses and forbs to naturalize areas in the Municipality; Sinclair Bush; Blenheim’s pocket gardens; upcoming new park; tropical plants in planters.

What Can I Do To Help?

Plant the “Flower of the Year” – Red Dragon Wing or red fibrous Begonias; keep your place and neighbourhood tidy; pick up garbage; compliment your neighbours when they go to the extra effort to make their places look good.

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Bothwell

Heritage Preservation, Floral Displays - Home to the town's theatrical troupe, the Boomtown Players, the historically designated Town Hall, built in 1915, houses a pristine 275 seat theatre with original features.

Bothwell is a proud community with a fascinating past. Since 2002 the community of Bothwell has been working with Chatham-Kent Communities in Bloom (CiB) to showcase the rich heritage of this Victorian era boomtown. Through the Bothwell Boosters’ Beautification Committee, volunteers are able to bolster community pride by improving the aesthetics of the town.

Tidiness Effort

Bothwell is fortunate to have respectful citizens who do their part to keep public areas free of litter and graffiti. To assist residents with their tidiness efforts, the beautification committee purchased wrought iron trash receptacles for the downtown core. As well, annual spring and fall cleanups are undertaken by Zone Township Central School.

Environmental Awareness

Bothwell has led the way in recycling in Chatham-Kent, as the town has had curbside pickup of recycled products for nearly 20 years. As well, the community is encouraged to use the municipal leaf and compost yard located at the edge of town. Backyard composting bins are also available from the Municipality. The local grocery store contributes to the effort by collecting used plastic bags, as well as distributing reusable ‘green’ grocery bags.

Natural and Cultural Heritage

Incorporated as a town in 1867, Bothwell was founded by the Honourable George Brown who was one of the Fathers of Confederation. A booming oil town, it was at one time the largest community in Kent County. This rich heritage is preserved at the Bothwell-Zone Oil Museum which houses the oldest working jerk-line in Canada.

Cultural heritage, too, is a big part of Bothwell. The historically designated Town Hall, built in 1915, houses a 275 seat theatre with original features. This is home to the town’s theatrical troupe, the Boomtown Players, and has its own interesting history. CiB judges are always fascinated by the walls filled with performers’ signatures from the 1920’s to the present.

Urban Forestry / Turf and Ground Covers

In addition to Zone School’s Carolinian forest, the community boasts two large municipal parks, one of which houses a large grove of mature maple trees. The beautification committee has contributed a great deal to urban forestry by planting 80 spring flowering trees in the past two years. This project is part of a Community Partnership Grant, and many of the trees have commemorative plaques which have been purchased by community members as family legacies.

Landscaped Areas /Floral Displays

The newly landscaped areas created by Bothwell’s beautification committee are the most visible and exciting projects that the group have undertaken. As a welcome to the community, three large entrance signs have been erected and landscaped. That impression is strengthened by the committee’s pet project which is the transformation of a vacant lot into a lovely focal point for the downtown core. This newly created ‘Town Square’ is adjacent to the

Town Hall and is quickly becoming a multi-functional space for community events.

Another landscape feature downtown is the wooden arbour and flower boxes which transformed an ugly parking lot into a colourful asset. Perhaps the most colourful addition to the streetscape is the 26 hanging baskets which are mounted on light standards on both sides of Main St. Other floral displays include various beds on Main St. and a large garden in Victoria Park.

Community Involvement

The community has tremendous volunteers and local businesses and service groups are more than willing to help in any way possible. This type of cooperation is further evident at the monthly Chatham-Kent CiB meetings in which representatives from each community work toward the common goal of making the Municipality a great place to live and visit. It is this spirit of civic involvement that typifies the Communities in Bloom motto of ‘People, Plants, and Pride…Growing Together’.

Floral Displays, Community Involvement - Many communities support CiB by planting Chatham-Kent's Flower of the Year. This Red Dragon Wing Begonia is 2009's chosen flower.

Tidiness Effort

Communities in Bloom(CiB) encourages businesses and homeowners to take pride in keeping their properties neat. Newspapers ran announcements encouraging businesses and residents to clean up around their properties on Earth Day, April 22^nd. CiB encourages everyone to remove outdated, unsightly signs and posters from telephone poles around the community. Thanks to the many people who pick up and dispose of litter as they come across it. CKSS has provided containers for litter along McNaughton Ave E.

Environmental Awareness

CiB encourages businesses and homeowners to recycle. All households received blue boxes for recycling glass, plastic and tinfoil products. In 2007, black boxes were added for paper product recycling. CiB encourages the use of these as well as compost boxes. Keep up the good work!

Many deliver yard waste to the depot on Creek Road.

The Shriners will pick up and recycle cans. (519-358-7528)

Community Involvement

Individuals and service clubs all contribute. Each spring, daffodils and Chanticleer pear trees that Rotary Sunrise have planted, bloom along Grand Ave W. In 2007, the beds were dug up, edged, soil improved and 10,000 new bulbs planted. In 2008 grasses were added and lamium will be planted this year. Across from the entrance to St. Clair College is their wild flower demonstration plot and 30 Carolinian and native trees. Working with the Municipality, Rotary Sunrise's long term plans include a pedestrian/bicycle path along Keil Dr. from Grand Ave. to McNaughton, onto Baldoon, reaching Paxton’s Bush.

Rotary Sunrise sponsors Roses for Rotary-its 9th year as a fundraiser.

Canadian Organic Growers- Essex/Kent/Lambton established an organic demonstration garden at Kerr Farms. Now Chatham-Kent Community Gardens has developed plots in six locations, including two permaculture gardens, where residents can grow their own food. Call Lance Meredith/Derwyn Armstrong for details. (519) 354-0430 ext. 233.

Tree/Urban Forest Management

Chatham-Kent residents with trees sprouting in their gardens are encouraged not to destroy them, but to wait and replant them on public land in the fall. 2006-8 saw over 1000 trees planted! A new location will be announced this September. We encourage residents to protect their trees by mulching around them.

Natural & Cultural Heritage Conservation

Signs at the entrances to Chatham-Kent communities proclaim our achievement of Five Bloom Community status reflecting CiB’s Mission Statement which reads in part: “People taking Pride in their Community”.

Preserving heritage homes and buildings and the historical landscape of the city is also a priority. We are proud to honour citizens who purchase and restore these old buildings. Annually five Mayor’s Heritage Preservation Awards are presented to those who have exceptionally preserved heritage properties.

Landscaped Areas

The many parks and attractive traffic islands are the result of the efforts of our municipal staff. The Park Ave. E. public works yard has been enhanced by landscaping. Commercial businesses have realized the benefits of landscaping their properties.

Individuals and neighbourhoods take part by beautifying public places near their residences.

Floral Displays

CiB encourages citizens to grow Red Dragon Wing or red fibrous Begonias in their front gardens and planters. They will also be featured in municipal floral displays throughout the city’s beautiful parks and boulevards and in the hanging baskets beautifying the downtown area. Many residents plant gardens on their boulevards.

The downtown BIA funds street level gardens on King Street in front of their businesses.

The Chatham Daily News highlights gardens around the city in a Garden of the Week feature. Call 519-352-7354 x4225 to nominate gardens for this. Many residents and businesses find a thank you note from CiB thanking them for an attractive property.

Turf and Ground Cover
Park and baseball diamond maintenance is shared by the Municipality and volunteer groups. The Ontario ban on chemical herbicides and pesticides is effective now. Seminars on lawn care were presented Municipality-wide this spring.

Landscaped Areas, Community Involvement, Tidiness - Some occupants of the stables at Dresden's Raceway spend considerable amounts of time maintaining flower beds.

The last eight years have seen some very exciting changes in the community. With CiB as the catalyst, there has been a stronger awareness of what we would like to see our community become. Many groups, including IODE, Rotary, dresden.ca, Kinsmen Club, BIA, Horticultural Society, and the Agricultural Society are regularly planning activities to improve the quality of life for everyone.

Tidiness
Two major clean-ups, supplemented by continual attention from our CiB student and conscientious walkers, keep our town attractive year round. The Horticultural Society supports “Earth Week” with over 200 students from Lambton Kent Composite School and Dresden Area Central School and 20 adults banding together to do a sweep of the town. The Rotary Club organizes the clean-up before the CiB judges’ tour. Regular maintenance by Horticultural work teams keep bushes trimmed, and flowerbeds weeded. Individuals and families are encouraged to adopt beds, planters, or areas of the parks to help out with maintenance.

Environmental Awareness

Corn gluten will again be used as a weed deterrent. Watering is done by hand and little water is wasted. A no–mow grass is being grown in a couple of town locations and is becoming well established. This year, Horticultural vinegar will be used as a vegetative control.

Community Involvement

The Horticultural Society continues to maintain the park trees and shrubs. Dresden,ca has been successful in coordinating beautification, history development, and monthly Dresden After Hours. Service clubs have sponsored events including the Rotary Summer Concert Series, Kinsmen Pet and Hobby and Santa Claus Parades, Rotary Tomato Dunk, IODE Art Show, Kinsmen Easter Egg Hunt, Legion Fishing Derby, car show, and agricultural fair. Fund raisers include Steak, Prime Rib and Wing, Fish Nights, fashion shows, bake sales, fireworks sales, spaghetti, chicken and game dinners, banquets, and auctions. Two events deserve special note: the Heart and Stroke Big Bike Challenge, hosted at Dresden Raceway, raised $50,000 through the efforts of 23 teams, over 600 participants and numerous volunteers. Dresden continues to stand in the top ten for per capita donations raised for the Terry Fox Run. In 2008, there were 244 participants and $23,138 raised(excluding school participation). Dedicated organizers have made special fundraisers amazing successes.

Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation

Our community is involved in a major research project ”The Promised Land” that will investigate the pattern of black settlements in the area and their influence on development. Marie Carter, a Dresden resident is researching Dresden’s role for this project. Uncle Tom’s Cabin has several special events during the season. The largest is the Emancipation Festival, Civic holiday weekend. The announcement of a new website for Black History was made in March.

Tree/Urban Forest Management

Over 145 bushes and trees, many of them being native Carolinian varieties, have been planted in the arboretum, the Czech Hall Grounds, Rotary Memorial Park, the boat dock Park and Markham Grove. A memorial planting service, organized by the Horticultural Society is held in May.

Landscaped Areas

Rock beds, shrub gardens, a prairie garden, and a mediaeval garden are a few of the special projects of the Horticultural Society. Family groups, Horticultural Society members, and the CiB student keep the gardens maintained.

Floral Display

Planters, bridge planters, and flower gardens add an extra splash of colour to the main thoroughfare. Flowering shrubs and bulbs are maintained by volunteers in the arboretum, Czech Hall Grounds and Rotary Memorial Park. The Dresden Leader, a local newspaper showcased 8 gardens as the “Garden of the Week”. The gardens in 8 private homes were opened for the IODE- Horticultural Society Garden Tour. Be sure to take in this year’s on July 11^th.

Turf and Groundcovers

All the sports fields are maintained by municipal parks and recreation employees. Grass in the treed areas is cut by the Municipality under contract, but all other plantings and trimming are done by volunteers and the municipal summer students.

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Erieau

Community Involvement, Heritage Preservation, Environmental Awareness, Turf & Groundcover - The new boardwalk in Erieau gives the beach increased accessibility as well as provides a path for people to walk on which protects the natural flora and fauna in a highly unique dune environment.

Tidiness Effort

The Erieau Fireman’s Association does a major clean up in the springtime on the boulevard side running down the centre of the village. Volunteers are also solicited to keep the flower beds along the boulevard cleaned up. There are already many people who frequent the area, keeping it free of litter, branches and leaves throughout the year. Volunteers are also in the habit of collecting beer bottles, pop cans and other recyclables, and donating the cans to the Chatham-Kent Shriners. This year a new committee is helping in the cleanliness of our community. This committee is called: the Erieau Partnership Association.

Environmental awareness

Last year, CiB members and Erieau volunteers continued to plant native flowers, grasses and low-lying shrubs to protect the sand dunes at a local park – the Rondeau Bay Watershed. Signs indicating the different flora and fauna were also erected. The area is a popular site for turtles, which can often be found lying eggs there. A new boardwalk is in the process of being built so that persons with disabilities can get down to the beach area to view the lake.

Community Involvement/Landscaped Areas

There are many volunteers busy in the Erieau community. Through a meeting held last year with the Mayor of Chatham-Kent a community committee has been setup to streamline communication with our South Kent councillors. There is an Erieau Partnership Association which is a dedicated core group of volunteers who actively volunteer and assist on the many sub groups within it.

The Erieau Community Committee ( ECC) is always looking for ways of beautifying the area. One major project they have completed is at the McKishney Crossing. With design assistance from the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus the ECC established The Veteran’s Memorial Garden at McKishney Crossing. The site gardens are complete with low maintenance plants, shrubs and the odd bit of annuals for colour.

Another project that has been completed is a boardwalk at Laverne Kelly Memorial Park for wheelchair access to the lake which with allow all the view of beach area and view of the lake. A new fence has also been erected along the road perimeter of the park and this was completed through funding and volunteers to help erecting the fence. More boardwalks are presently in the planning stages.

Tree/Urban Forest Management/ Turf and Ground Cover

The ECC is planting different types of flowering trees along the boulevard and people are being encouraged to erect plaques on them, in remembrance of loved ones who have passed on. The boulevard is being renamed the Hartley and Mary Lou Vidler Memorial Parkway in honour of one of our local citizens without whom the people of Erieau would have lost their homes due to the sale of railroad lands when the railroad was taken out of the village.

Natural & Cultural Heritage Conservation

Erieau CiB member and ECC Chairperson Jeff Vidler is currently immersed in the ambitious project of writing a history of the Erieau. Vidler began the book in 1985. So far, he has been able to research details about the area dating back as far as 1844. He has also completed Volume 1 to his grandmothers open letters that she published in the Blenheim News Tribune from 1941 – 1974.

The next project the Committee will undertake to complete is the Caboose Restoration Project. First a complete safety inspection and initial repairs to ensure public safety will have to be done. The next phase will be to secure funding for the restoration of the caboose and then develop the area around it to depict Erieau’s vast history in the fishing, coal and shipbuilding industries.

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Mitchell's Bay

Landscaped Areas, Floral Displays, Community Involvement - The Wharf at Mitchell's Bay is a peaceful setting from which to enjoy the picturesque Bay. Adding a CiB summer student, for just a few hours a week, provided volunteers with the extra help they needed to keep the Wharf in pristine condition.

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Merlin

Community Involvement, Tidiness - A dedicated volunteer takes her own time to update this community bulletin board outside the post office.

The Merlin area is rich with stories of fall fairs hosted by the Merline Agricultural and Horticultural Societies both gone since the 1980's. Societal changes have left the village searching for ways to pull together. The Merlin Advisory Council formed in January 2008 identified a need to improve the appearance of Merlin. A $400 donation from Invenergy Wind Canada was the motivating factor for the formation of the Merlin Beautification Committee.

Tidiness, Landscaped Areas, Turf & Groundcover
The committee realizes there are many well cared for properties. A "Garden of the Week" is displayed in the Community Bulletin Board with emphasis on care of property.

The Merlin Kinsmen Park has 2 ball diamonds, a picnic shelter, playground equipment, and a large grassed area. At the shaded entry to this park are 3 areas of interest. The first to catch your eye is the bright red display of geraniums encircling the Legion Cenotaph. Back in a corner is a huge boulder surrounded by lilies and fixed with a name plate listing past presidents of the Kinsmen Club. Another striking monument is taken from the former I.O.O.F. Hall. Benches are carefully placed.

Landscaping at Merlin United Church focuses on the original bell dating back to 1898 rescued from their former church building. At the entry to Merlin Area Public School is a planting of ornamental shrubs leading to a large open space dotted with play equipment. Many walkers take advantage of the asphalt drive around the school.
Environmental Awareness & Tree/Urban Forest Management
Curbside recycling works well with many people composting and using municipal leaf and compost yards. Many trees on private properties have been affected by the Emerald Ash Borer. Residents appreciate the free tree program offered through Chatham-Kent to help offset the costs of replacement.

Behind Merlin Community Hall is a ball diamond with lights, concession booth, storage sheds, 10 acres of farmland, and 600 trees planted by Stewardship Kent 4 years ago. This partnership between Stewardship Kent and Merlin Parks & Recreation committee is an example of partnering for more tree cover in Chatham-Kent. The volunteer committee is researching ways to do more.

Community Involvement
The Committee has 8 members but many others assist. The donation from Invenergy Wind Canada allowed the Committee to purchase hanging baskets and brackets. The Merlin Legion purchased planter pots for the Merlin Library. The Tilbury Horticultural Society donated vouchers to purchase flowers at Tilbury garden centres. Various departments of the Municipality helped with necessary permission, installing brackets, and trimming weeds and grass. Volunteers keep the entry areas to the village presentable. Kruger Energy gave $1000 to purchase flags with the theme "Winds of Change" shadowed by a wind turbine chosen to reflect the new character of the Merlin area. Merlin Parks & Recreation helped with start up costs, lent equipment, and provided storage. The Rebekahs donated to help with expenses. Three men cooked and served a fish fry for the K-40 who in turn gave $250 to purchase a more efficient watering system. The BMO donated $1000 to the 2009 projects.

Floral Displays
There are 18 hanging baskets of red and white petunias topped with the flags. Plantings include a bed of perennials at the General Store, a flower box by the Erie Cafe, and a perennial bed at the Merlin Ball Diamond. A planter of red geraniums also graces the entrance to the Merlin Community Hall.

Every spring a volunteer scrapes and paints the bench in front of the Community Bulletin Board and plants a cheerful array of flowers. Stroll the streets of Merlin and see the careful attention residents give their space. This is not new but many now notice their community has lots to offer. By working together things can change.

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Ridgetown

Community Involvement, Floral Displays, Tidiness - Businesses, volunteers and staff are concerned with the tidiness of the town and go the extra mile to keep the town pleasant-looking.

Tidiness Effort

It is always a pleasure to walk the CiB Judges around Ridgetown. Many individuals and groups help to make Ridgetown beautiful. Several citizens carry plastic garbage bags with them to pick up litter during their daily walk; our service groups do annual cleanups of the Ridgetown area; our Communities in Bloom student worker starts each day with a downtown cleanup walk; downtown storekeepers keep their storefront areas clean and tidy; and homeowners do their part, by keeping their homes and gardens pristine and well-groomed.

Environmental Awareness

Branches and clippings are collected weekly by the municipality, but residents may take their garden waste to the municipal yard on Erie Street. The resulting mulch/compost is available to the public at no charge. Ridgetown College offers a course in Environmental Management, and has a number of innovative projects underway. College students have recently formed a Green Club.

Community Involvement

The Ridgetown and District Horticultural Society boasts over two hundred members, many of those active volunteers. We are fortunate to have very active service clubs. Our IODE maintains the Cenotaph, and our Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs make monetary contributions to CiB as well as doing their own town improvement projects. The University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus is a vital part of our community, and has done a number of projects in partnership with us. During this past year a new group, the Ridgetown Rejuvenation Association, has been formed, and a number of exciting projects are underway. Watch for “The Festival of Porches and Verandahs” this summer. We receive funding from the Municipality for plant materials, planters and baskets, but it is the many volunteers that really make things work in Ridgetown.

Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation

We are fortunate to have many of our downtown heritage buildings intact and in good condition. Some of the business owners have worked hard to restore the interiors of their establishments in the Victorian style. The Ridge House Museum, a restored 1875 Victorian home, is decorated and furnished in the style of that era. The museum offers an annual Spirit Ride, Christmas activities and a Children’s program.

Tree and Urban Forest Management

Our Communities in Bloom Committee has been granted matching Chatham-Kent Partnership funds for tree-planting along downtown Main Street. The project will coincide with the Municipality’s Main Street paving and sidewalk project, which started last year, and will (we hope) be completed this year. The Ridgetown College Campus and Arboretum provide a very wide selection of Carolinian and non-indigenous trees. Ridgetown is proud to be home to one of the first pit-and-mound reforestation projects in Canada. If you are looking for a pleasant walk, try the Ridgetown Wetlands, which may be accessed from the ends of Kyle Drive or Goodal Streets, or via the “Trees: A Living Memorial” trail, off Marsh Street.

Landscaped Areas/ Floral Displays

This year, the Municipality plans to extend the beautiful stone wall at the Firehall Terraces. Eventually, all of the old wooden wall will be replaced. We are proud of our downtown area with its many hanging baskets and planters. This year we will add more concrete planters to replace the old wooden ones. The horticultural society’s “Retail Planter Program”, allows store owners to share with the society, the cost of floral displays in front of their shops.

Turf and Groundcovers

If you are looking for wonderful lawns, take a drive around our residential areas. The Ridgetown Golf and Curling Club is another location in which to find beautiful ground cover, as are our numerous parks and sports fields. The University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus, in addition to having excellent lawns on campus, is looking at alternative ground covers, and tall grass prairies. Ridgetown was beautiful before Communities in Bloom was introduced, but with the added impetus, it just gets better and better!

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Thamesville

Turf & Groundcover, Heritage Preservation - Fairfield Museum is noted as one of the regions museums as well as partaking in a naturalization project across their property.

Landscaped Areas and Floral Displays

2009 will be a busy year for the community of Thamesville, and the Thamesville Horticultural Society, which plants and maintains most of the public landscaped areas and floral displays in our community. Again this year, we will be hanging baskets on London Rd. and Victoria St., the two main thoroughfares in town. As well, there will be beautiful displays all along the streets, once the planter boxes are planted and will provide colour throughout the summer. New flower bed edging will be installed in Eddie Turner Park.

Thanks to the support of numerous businesses in the area, the Thamesville Horticultural Society was able to put together its first publication of the “Gardens of Thamesville Calendar”, which was packed with beautiful photos of Garden of the Week recipients, as well as helpful gardening tips and info.

With the help of parents and volunteers, the staff and students of the Good Shepherd Catholic School put the shovel to the ground on a new project. A small corner of their yard has been dedicated to create the “Learning Garden” with the bulk of the work being completed last fall, although it is an ongoing project, as most landscapes are. It will provide a unique opportunity to study life sciences, and environmental studies for the students, as well as beatify the area.

The Thamesville Area Medical Centre was also received a “face lift” of sorts with newly revamped landscaping.

Tidiness and Environmental Efforts

With two schools in our community, it is easy to get all the area children involved in protecting our environment and cleaning up our Earth. Both schools actively participate in “Pitch In” Week, by cleaning up the school yards, the park, and church yards, as well as participating in other Earth Day activities. Most farmers in the region are reducing their ecological footprints by using Integrated Pest Management and no-till cultivation.

Natural and Cultural Preservations

Continued efforts are being made to preserve the cultural and natural heritage of our community. The Trans-Canada trail is an ongoing project. The Fairfield Museum, which is home to the “Fairfield Comes Alive” re-enactment of events of the War of 1812 held every Labour Day weekend in September, is continuing its efforts to restore areas around the museum to natural habitat, by creating and maintaining areas that were seeded with wildflowers and native species. Just outside of town you will find the Tecumseh monument which was erected in memory of Chief Tecumseh who lost his life in battle during the War of 1812. In preparation for celebrating the bi-centennial of this event, plans are underway to establish a historically themed driving route. The proposed Tecumseh Parkway will link the many places along the Thames River that were of significance during the battle.

Two buildings in Thamesville were recipients of the Mayor’s Heritage Preservation Awards earlier this year. The home of Ron & Bonnie Vanrabaeys on Lemuel St., as well as Bonnie’s business Flowers and Gifts at B’s Hive on Victoria Rd. received recognition.

Tree / Urban Forest Management

Thamesville is lucky to have a number of trees that line the Main St. which add to the aesthetic appeal of our community. Efforts are continuously being made to increase our tree cover. Last year, the Horticultural Society planted two new trees at Eddie Turner Park, and many area farmers have planted fencerows with trees, which serve to protect valuable farmland from wind erosion.

Turf and Ground Covers

The Horticultural Society will be pitching in again this year, by using corn gluten as a natural form of weed suppression in flower beds and turf areas around the town hall and Eddie Turner Park. We will also be experimenting with other alternative methods of weed control in lawn and landscaped areas.

Community Involvement

The Horticultural Society will again be hosting its annual Geranium Sale. Red Geraniums, which are Thamesville’s flower, will be for sale at Miller Home Hardware on Saturday May 23rd, and Saturday May 30th. The people in the community have continually been supportive buying up geraniums by the hundreds!! Thanks should also be given to the Thamesville Rotary, Sertoma, LaSertoma and Fireman's Association for their generous donations to the Horticultural Society to help keep Thamesville bloomin'!

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Tilbury

Tidiness - Tilbury's water tower provides a distinctive landmark for the town.

Tidiness Effort

Our CiB student, along with many conscientious volunteers from the Tilbury and District Horticultural Society (T&DHS), work diligently to keep our downtown area beautiful. Many walkers carry litter bags to pick up rubbish along our streets. Area residents take pride in our community by keeping their property neat and tidy. Shopkeepers are a common sight in the morning as they sweep their entrances clean for customers. During Earth Week, our elementary schools, as well as our high school, participated in the annual “Pitch In” program. A cash prize, donated by the Tilbury BIA, was awarded to the school with the litter that weighed the most. Certificates were presented to all schools involved for their effort. New garbage bins have been added along Queen Street to encourage all citizens and visitors to be responsible for their own litter. Because there are so many involved in keeping our community tidy, it is a pleasure to look around and see a great community in which to live!

Environmental Awareness

Many residents have backyard composters. Tilbury has recycling pick up every 2 weeks and this practice has become habitual for most residents. In the gardening months, lawn rubbish is picked up curb-side as well. Each year more citizens are becoming more conscientious about composting and regular recycling.

Community Involvement

Our T&DHS has 126 members. Of course, only a small number of these members are active members who are involved with the planting, and clean up of our many flower beds in town. Our annual Flower Show is attracting more children each year. Local service clubs, such as Rotary, Kinsmen, Lions, Masons, Legion and the Knights of Columbus, provide funds and/or special events that offer residents a place to meet others and have an enjoyable time. Local merchants who sell plants often will donate some products to aid in the beautification of Tilbury. Our CiB Committee recognizes a Garden of the Week during gardening season, with its coloured picture in our local paper, The Tilbury Times.

Natural & Cultural Heritage Conservation

New murals continue to be added to the existing display that depicts our town’s history. These are located along Queen Street at Louise Street, Superior Street, Canal Street, and Richardson Avenue. New seasonal banners welcome visitors. The year old water tower, with a logo of a lighthouse, shows that Tilbury lies between a lighthouse at Wheatley and one at Lighthouse Cove. This will be here for generations to come. The Chatham-Kent’s Heritage “People’s Choice Award” has recently been awarded to a local home for the owners’ dedication in restoring it to showcase its original features.

Tree/Urban Forest Management

The T&DHS continues to replace aging or dead trees in our Memorial Park. We use local businesses to support these projects. A new streetscape is in the works for our town. We are trying to encorporate as many trees in that design as possible. Northside Park is an area that the BIA and the T&DHS are exploring possible ideas for more citizen usage. The T&DHS was instrumental in establishing the Northside Park Memorial Gardens, where individuals can donate a tree in memory of a loved one who has passed on.

Landscaped Areas

The Municipal Centre has been spruced up with the addition of a professionally landscaped entrance. Another new landscaped bed was planted in front of our mini mall. These beds are filled with grasses, low maintenance plants and shrubs which provide year round interest to passers-by. Throughout the town, flower beds are gradually being upgraded. We have many low beds along Queen Street. Over the years some of these have deteriorated, and some were also a safety hazard. They are being removed to make way for the new streetscape. Tilbury has an unusually high number of downtown beds. The T&DHS has been planting grasses, perennials, and shrubbery to reduce maintenance in these areas.

Floral Displays

Hanging baskets spill with colour each summer along Queen Street. The beds are ablaze with annuals including Communities in Bloom Chatham-Kent 2008 flower of the year…the Victoria Blue Salvia. The new flower for 2009 is the red Dragon’s Wing Begonia which gives added colour. These beds are planted by the T&DHS, taking care to co-ordinate colours throughout the town beds. As one drives down any residential street, one is impressed with the homeowner’s pride in their front yards and gardens. The planted entrance signs at the town’s edge are a welcome to all who live in or visit our friendly town.

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Wallaceburg

Landscaped Areas, Floral Displays - In Civic Square Park this distinctive "W" garden is just one of the many maintained by dedicated volunteers and CiB students.

Tidiness

A great effort is made by local shopkeepers to maintain and keep the area around their store tidy. Area schools along with many service clubs and businesses participate in ‘clean up’ days revolving around Earth Day as well as a huge town-wide clean up just prior to Wallaceburg’s premiere event, the Wallaceburg Antique Motor and Boat Outing, WAMBO.

Once again, the local high school students will be encouraged to get involved in clean up days in to count toward community hours needed to graduate. As a thank you, a barbecue is held for all volunteers.

CiB and the Wallaceburg residents are very fortunate to enjoy the extra help and support provided by the Ontario Works project staff and volunteers. These enthusiastic individuals help with the town’s gardens, clean up projects and preparation for special events.

Community Involvement

This year the Downtown Wallaceburg Business Improvement Association has hired a part-time employee to help with many of the beautification projects they have planned. In addition, this individual will work closely with the CiB and Horticultural summer students to help enhance the established flower beds as well as introduce three new garden areas in the downtown core.

Wallaceburg has not had a formal Horticultural Society for several years, in an effort to help maintain the new beds we will be recruiting volunteers and establishing local garden clubs as well as investigating government grant opportunities introduced to help enhance green space.

Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation

Wallaceburg takes pride in the efforts of the Wallaceburg Trails Association. Their mission is to develop a network of on-road, off-road and water trails in and around the Wallaceburg Area. The trails are constructed to accommodate the widest range of activities for the most participants in the safest design possible. Every Trail is developed to maximize historical authenticity, natural beauty and seasonal features. Our trails encourage tourism, promote recreational activities, stimulate the economy and improve the quality of life in our community.

Wallaceburg Trails will link with trails in adjoining communities and with the Trans Canada Trail being central to all local interest trails. At present, we have six hiking, biking trails as well as our canoe and kayak trails. All trails can be accessed at www.wallaceburgtrails.com. where maps can be downloaded for usage.

Wallaceburg is home to the first ever 4H Canoe & Kayak Club which provides young and old with an appreciation of the beauty of our local waterways and teaches them safe water practices and environmental awareness. The Sydenham River flowing through downtown Wallaceburg is also home to the Annual Dragon Boat Festival.

Wallaceburg has witnessed the restoration of many of its historical buildings along the main streets, this along with the many large trees and natural waterways help to make it a very warm and inviting community.

Tree/Urban Forest Management

Nicholls Funeral Home in Wallaceburg in partnership with St. Clair Conservation Authorities are responsible for more than 2000 trees being planted a few miles north-east of Wallaceburg. This memorial tree planting program has seen a variety of more than 20 coniferous and deciduous trees planted in the 50 acre forest since 1991.

Floral Displays & Landscaped Areas

Municipal employees from both the Parks and Recreation and the Public Works departments work alongside summer students, business owners and volunteers to help ensure the many parks and gardens are kept up. The downtown area is surrounded by planted areas with plenty of green space including Civic Square Park, Kinette Park, the Cenotaph and the Library are all lush with trees, flowers and grass.

The Downtown Wallaceburg BIA spends a large portion of its annual budget on planters and hanging baskets. Last year the group increased the number of hanging baskets by 30 percent; this allowed baskets to hang on many side streets where they had not been in the past.

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Wheatley

Heritage Preservation, Floral Displays - In Wheatley the hanging baskets are also accompanied by fish to celebrate the town's rich fishing heritage.

Environmental Awareness

As well as being a hub for both recreation and commercial fishermen, Wheatley is surrounded by the Wheatley Provincial Park, Two Creeks Conservation area, Kopegaren Woods, and Hillman Marsh. Our residents have a heightened respect for the environment. Located directly on the migratory path of many species of birds and butterflies, nature enthusiasts find it to be a favourite destination for spring birding. The Southwest Outdoors Club (SOC) is active in promoting and acknowledging the restoration of natural habitat through its stewardship committee. Just east of Wheatley a large turbine area is being developed. Energy produced will be fed into the hydro system in Tilbury.

Tree/Urban Forest Management

Two Creeks Conservation Area has many walking trails. It is a centre of community activities throughout the year; Sunday evening concerts during the summer and a toboggan hill in the winter. A memorial tree grove has been established and many native trees may be found here. Most recently a Peace Garden has been established. An arbour committee under the concerned citizens has undertaken a tree planting project on municipal property throughout the village.

Floral Displays

Each summer Wheatley’s CIB ensures that the twenty-two hanging baskets flourish. The village also has attractive displays in planters at the main intersection around the tourist booth, entrance signs and Ivan Coulter Park.

Turf and Groundcover

The Talbot trail Golf Course has reservoirs that supply water for the maintenance of lush fairways and greens. Our community has had great success using corn gluten as a fertilizer and weed inhibitor in the town parks. More green areas may be found in our recreation area which now boasts splash and skateboard parks, numerous ball diamonds, a soccer field, running track and tennis courts.

Tidiness

Wheatley Scouts, volunteers, and the CiB summer student work together to keep litter to a minimum. Citizens also assist by keeping their own properties neat and tidy. “Pitch in Week” is a very successful annual event. Volunteers also clean up beach areas.

Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation

Wheatley’s main street is the historically significant Talbot Trail and features many heritage homes and churches. The Heritage Club located within the Friendship Club operates a local museum and genealogy records are also available there. Wheatley Legion houses
one of the finest collections of 1st and 2nd World War memorabilia. It
is noted as well for a Union Civil War Vet burial site in Erie Cemetery. Many articles have been written about Wheatley’s booming fresh-water fisheries and its unique boat building industry.

Landscaped Area

New locally designed and created entrance signs welcome visitors to our community. Continuous partnerships between local volunteers and the Municipality enhance existing landscapes and public spaces. Most notable are the rock gardens at the west entrance and the landscaping around the arena.

Community Involvement

Our Friendship Club is involved in keeping our rich cultural heritage alive and well by having a quilting group, ceramic and woodworking areas, pool tables and exercise equipment. All are available to their members. Many other service groups do their part to make Wheatley a successful, prosperous and appealing community. The Lions, Lioness, Optimists and Kinettes are all involved as well as other volunteers. Local ATV clubs have enhanced the area’s trail system. The trail running along the creek between Talbot Trail and Middleton Line features a “geo-cache” on site. The Concerned Citizens group meets regularly to consider improvements to the community.

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For additional information please phone Chatham-Kent Communities in Bloom at (519) 360-1998 or E-mail CKpch@chatham-kent.ca.

Posting created by: Parks Cemeteries and Horticulture group.
Last updated: Wednesday, July 22, 2009

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