CNLANEWS
Prince Edward, finishing just in time for the opening reception where delegates connected with familiar faces and new friends. On the morning of Oct. 18, insightful keynote speakers from the City of Charlottetown addressed the audience. Simon Wilmot highlighted restoring urban forests after post-tropical storm Fiona in 2022. The morning finished with a panel led by Katrina Cristall on building a resilient local food system. Various municipal- and community-led projects were featured during four technical tour stops in and around Charlottetown. Delegates visited the MacPhail Woods Ecological Forestry Project and Native Plant Nursery, delving into inspiring work in forest stewardship, wildlife enhancement and watershed protection. The next stop at the Farm Centre Legacy Garden showcased the power of sustainable agriculture and local food production. The group then visited a net-zero City of Charlottetown building powered by geothermal heating and rooftop solar panels. The technical tour concluded at Wright's Creek Watershed and Andrew's Pond, a peaceful walk highlighting ongoing efforts to conserve and enhance wildlife habitats within city limits. The busy day was capped with the Community Showcase at the PEI Brewing Company, which honoured the hard work and dedication of the Communities in Bloom participants in the Atlantic Edition, National Edition and International Challenge. October 19 began with keynote speaker Steve Bellamy sharing details about upgrades to the cultural hub that is the South Pavilion at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. Surprise special guest P.E.I. Senator Mary Robinson introduced a panel discussion about the techniques and benefits of gardening with native species. The surprises continued while CiB delegates were led on a walking tour of the beautiful art installations throughout Charlottetown. They were treated to performance art at Victoria Row with a flash mob by Thriller P.E.I., who performed the choreography to the 1982 anthem to raise money for local food banks. The night concluded with the Atlantic, National and International Awards Ceremony Gala honouring the dedication and achievements of communities from across Canada, Ireland, Italy, Hungary and the U.S. “On behalf of our national Board of Directors, our volunteer judges, sponsors and partners, I sincerely thank and congratulate all the communities that have participated in the CiB provincial, national and international programs in this, our 30th year,” said CiB national chair Susan Ellis. Next year’s CiB Symposium will take place Oct. 16-19 in Stratford, Ont.
DECEMBER 2024 - JANUARY 2025 | 75
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