Brantford is once again showing its commitment to environmental sustainability and community pride as the city prepares for its participation in the 2025 Communities in Bloom competition.
This year’s campaign, Brantford is Bloomin’, invites residents and businesses to join in celebrating the city’s natural beauty and to help showcase its impressive horticultural achievements.
In 2024, Brantford earned significant recognition, receiving four blooms in Ontario’s Communities in Bloom competition. The city also took home the 2024 Criteria Award for Floral Displays and was named Miracle-Gro Best Garden Selection by Scotts Canada.
These accolades highlight the city’s dedication to maintaining and enhancing its green spaces, which are carefully cultivated by its skilled horticultural staff.
Kimberley Wyskiel, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Brantford, emphasized the importance of the upcoming judging period, which will take place from August 14 to 15, 2025.
“Brantford’s efforts to create beautiful and sustainable green spaces are key to fostering community pride and environmental stewardship. We are looking forward to once again welcoming the Communities in Bloom judges and showcasing the work done by our horticultural team,” Wyskiel said.
The Communities in Bloom judges will evaluate Brantford’s efforts in six key criteria:
- Community Appearance
- Environmental Action
- Heritage Conservation
- Tree Management and Trails
- Landscape
- Plant and Floral Displays
This comprehensive evaluation provides communities with an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to green initiatives, which can lead to enhanced tourism, environmental leadership, and increased community engagement.
Brantford residents are encouraged to visit some of the city’s key locations that will be judged during the competition, including:
- Lorne Park – 15 Colborne St. W.
- Glenhyrst Gardens – 20 Ava Rd.
- Waterworks Park – 400 Grand River Ave.
- Brantford City Hall – 58 Dalhousie St.
- Bell Homestead National Historic Site – 94 Tutela Heights Rd.
- Harmony Square – 89 Dalhousie St.
- Brant County War Memorial – 6 Dalhousie St.
- Bell Memorial – 41 West St.
- Prominence Point – 2 Brant Ave.
- Brantford Children’s Memorial Garden – Intersection of Brant Ave. and Palmerston Ave.
The Brantford is Bloomin’ campaign offers several ways for residents and businesses to get involved:
- Residents with exceptional gardens are invited to share photos of their gardens on social media using the hashtag #BrantfordIsBloomin.
- Local businesses can participate by adding “Welcome Communities in Bloom Judges” to their signage, decorating their storefronts with floral displays, or offering floral-themed services or products. To support these efforts, Discover Brantford will be providing free Brantford is Bloomin’ window decals to participating retailers.
Kara Davey, Manager of Tourism, Culture, and Sport for the City of Brantford, encourages all community members to take part.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our residents and local businesses to demonstrate their creativity and pride in our city. Whether it’s through gardening, storefront displays, or simply sharing garden photos, every effort helps contribute to making Brantford a beautiful, vibrant community,” Davey said.
The judging period in August 2025 is a significant event for the city, providing a platform to highlight Brantford’s environmental initiatives and commitment to beautification.
As the city’s horticultural team and local businesses prepare for the visit, Brantford’s residents can take pride in their efforts to ensure that their community continues to thrive and bloom.
To learn more about the Brantford is Bloomin’ campaign or to get involved, visit Discover Brantford’s website or contact the Discover Brantford team at tourism@brantford.ca.
For more information on the Communities in Bloom program, visit Communities in Bloom.
