REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR 2026!
Communities in Bloom receives
Governor General of Canada's viceregal patronage
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada
Photo credit: Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall © OSGG-BSGG, 2021
January 23, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Communities in Bloom (CiB) is pleased to have been granted viceregal patronage by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.
Viceregal patronage is granted to associations and organizations with a national scope for their exceptional contributions to society, and whose objectives align with the role and responsibilities of the governor general. The governor general plays a key role in promoting national identity by supporting and promoting Canadian values, diversity, inclusion, culture and knowledge.
“Viceregal Patronage of the Governor General is important not only to our organization but also to the hundreds of communities throughout Canada involved in the Communities in Bloom program,” said Susan Ellis, CiB Judge and National Chairperson. “This support and recognition emphasizes the incredible work that all volunteers are doing to help their communities be better places in which to live, work, and play.”
Since 1995, over 900 municipalities have participated in CiB annually at provincial, national and international levels. Thousands of municipal staff and volunteers of all ages help to foster, develop, and maintain activities and programs that benefit the entire community. This includes greening initiatives, encompassing environmental, natural and built heritage conservation, and horticultural actions that engage all municipal, institutional, commercial, and residential sectors.
“We look forward to working closely with Her Excellency’s office as we strengthen our ability to inspire communities,” Ellis said. “By enhancing quality of life and our environment through people and plants, we will continue fostering community pride and Growing Great Places Together.”
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2026 Theme of the Year
We are pleased to announce that the 2026 CiB theme will be Therapeutic Gardening. More than ever, we recognize the restorative power of green spaces—gardens that nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Whether through community gardens, sensory landscapes, or the simple joy of tending plants, therapeutic gardening fosters connection, resilience, and well-being.
As part of this initiative, we are proud to introduce the Always Together Rose, a beautiful new variety that symbolizes community, compassion, and hope. Proceeds from its sale will support both the Never Alone Foundation and the Communities in Bloom Foundation, helping to advance programs that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. With the Always Together Rose, we are planting more than flowers—we are cultivating hope, fostering connection, and nurturing well-being for everyone in our communities.
More information to come!
Did you know...
That a comprehensive judging report featuring 78 specific elements in 7 categories provide feedback to each community
Judges are required to provide specific suggestions for areas of improvement; often providing a basis for municipal budget considerations
That the program has helped over 1,000 communities in over 30 years of existence with a cumulative economic value of over $28 million
On average, a minimum of 2,000 hours of tangible action in communities are provided by CiB host community volunteers
That over 60% of the judging grid criteria in assessment of a community relate directly to the environment, sustainability and climate change
