Miami residents have a chance to spruce up their yards for a cash prize.
The Rural Municipality of Thompson is launching a property improvement contest this summer, with $100 awards going to the two most improved yards in the Town of Miami.
Melissa Brunel, chief administrative officer (CAO) for the RM, said the initiative is meant to encourage curb appeal through general yard clean-up.
“We are hoping to encourage yard clean-up and curb appeal,” said Brunel. “We have an unsightly property bylaw, and we are hoping to avoid bylaw enforcement and complaints as it pertains to unsightly properties.”
She said the contest is a positive way to promote pride of ownership and keep the town looking good. The idea was inspired by a similar initiative recently held in the RM of Roland.
To help residents get started, the RM is offering a free yard waste collection day on Thursday, May 29. Municipal staff will pick up yard waste left at the curb by 8 a.m.
That will be the only yard waste collection day in the RM this spring. Accepted items include small bundled branches, grass trimmings, and bagged leaves or other yard waste in compostable or biodegradable bags. The RM reminds residents that household garbage and non-organic items such as soil bags, rocks, bricks, plastic pots, and fencing will not be collected.
To enter the contest, residents must:
• Take a photo of their property before making improvements
• Make visible improvements to their curb appeal
• Take a photo of the property after improvements
• Submit both photos to the RM by Wednesday, Aug. 20, by emailing info@rmofthompson.com
“Our LUD committee, along with public works, council and volunteers, work hard to keep public areas in Miami looking good for all,” said Brunel. “We want to encourage residents to actively participate in their community. We hope to enhance community engagement, beautification and local pride.”
