Pride is blossoming throughout Stonewall after the town was crowned a winner at the 2024 Communities in Bloom national symposium.
During the awards ceremony held in Charlottetown, P.E.I., Stonewall was named the winner of the Class of Champions Small category with a rating of Five Blooms Silver. The silver rank indicates that the town scored between 87 and 89.9 per cent in its evaluation. Stonewall also earned first place in the Equinox Show Us Your Planters contest.
The national Class of Champions category is geared for Canadian communities that have previously won in the national Population category. Other communities in this category for 2024 included Bay Roberts, N.L.; Melfort, Sask.; and Bruderheim, Alta.
Communities in Bloom volunteer judges Larry Hall of Saskatchewan and Mohammad Asadian of B.C. arrived in Stonewall on Tuesday, July 23. They spent the following day on a guided tour of the community before their departure on July 25.
They evaluated the community on its appearance, environmental action, heritage conservation, tree management, landscape, and plant and floral displays.
The judges gave Stonewall a glowing evaluation, with a special mention of the kiln restoration project.
“The City of Stonewall has embarked on a significant revitalization project to restore its historic limestone kilns, originally constructed in the 1900s. These kilns are a symbol of the town’s rich heritage, having provided opportunity, hope and stability to countless families during their decades of operation. Many residents of Stonewall trace their roots and connection to the town back to the kiln industry, which played a pivotal role in shaping the community,” the judges wrote.
“The multi-million-dollar revitalization project aims to restore this iconic landmark, ensuring it remains a central attraction for years to come. By preserving the kilns, Stonewall is not only honouring its past but also boosting its future. The revitalized kilns are expected to draw in visitors from near and far, enhancing local tourism and providing a significant boost to the town’s economy, while also celebrating the town’s enduring legacy.”
Communities in Bloom co-chairs Shelley Proven and Asta Johannesson attended the Prince Edward Island event, along with parks and arena manager Brett Chatfield.
Proven said they felt fortunate to represent the Town of Stonewall at the event, which ran from Oct. 17 to 20. They took part in numerous workshops throughout the three days, which will be helpful as they move forward with Communities in Bloom projects.
And, of course, a highlight of the trip was the awards ceremony on Saturday evening.
“We were absolutely shocked to have won this award but even more thrilled that the town we call home was recognized nationally,” Proven said.
Tribune Photo by Lana Meier
Stonewall earned first place in the Equinox Show Us Your Planters contest
“Winning this award is a combined effort of our mayor, town council and staff, Communities in Bloom members, numerous volunteer groups and. most importantly, the residents of Stonewall. Without everyone working together, we would not have been successful.”
Likewise, Chatfield said he felt shocked at the announcement of Stonewall as the winning community.
“It took me a moment to realize that we had won,” he said. “They loved what we have been doing with our community and see the potential that our community has.”
Some of the highlights of the Charlottetown adventure included connecting with others who are passionate about making their communities better while also checking out the beautiful landscaping. Chatfield also appreciated seeing the current and past judges, who remembered Stonewall fondly.
“None of this would be possible with out the support from the mayor and council,
CAO Wally Melnyk, all staff that are employed with the Town of Stonewall and, finally, all volunteers that spend their free time helping the community,” he said.
“I would encourage more community members to research what Communities in Bloom is all about — and also help out in the future.”
Stonewall Mayor Sandra Smith also expressed pride in the accomplishment.
“When I received the FaceTime video call on Saturday night with the news that we won, it literally brought me to tears,” Smith said.
“I was so happy that Brett, Asta and Shelley were there to represent our town and were able to celebrate this major achievement.”
Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization driven by volunteers and partnerships. This year marks the organization’s 30th anniversary.
Learn more at communitiesinbloom.ca or on the Town of Stonewall website at www.stonewall.ca.
