The town of Capreol continues to chug along in the annual Communities in Bloom competition, capturing a number of accolades from the 2019 showcase.
The little railway town captured another 5 out of 5 Bloom's rating as well as three criteria awards for Heritage Preservation, Tidiness and for being a Community of Gardeners.
"The Community Spirit and Volunteering Culture of Capreol never ceases to amaze me; and for the second year in a row, I am very proud to congratulate Capreol on achieving the highest score possible in the Communities in Bloom Showcase with 5 out of 5 Blooms," said Mike Jakubo, Ward 7 councillor for the City of Greater Sudbury, in a press release.
"We are thrilled at the progress Capreol has made as a community since it started participating in the showcase back in 2015," said committee lead Cody Cacciotti.
"There are so many incredible initiatives taking place and the level of cooperation between volunteers, citizens, businesses and the City of Greater Sudbury Park staff is outstanding. The recognition from Communities in Bloom is a result of the hard work of everyone working together towards a common goal."
Two provincial judges travelled to Capreol in August of 2019 and spent nearly three days in the community learning about the town and visiting strategic sites.
The community is then evaluated on a number of key criteria which include floral displays, community involvement, heritage preservation, urban forestry and environmental stewardship.
The town of Capreol has undertaken a number of key initiatives aimed at revitalizing the community over the past few years.
They include the rejuvenation of the riverfront area through the City of Greater Sudbury's Community Improvement Plan, the addition of new gardens, bee houses, splash pads, banners, sign toppers and even the restoration of a 1907 steam locomotive.
Looking ahead to 2020, the town shows no signs of slowing down.
The Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre has formed a new partnership with Canadian National Railways to expand and enhance Prescott Park preparing it for the addition of new exhibits and rolling stock displays.
"Canadian National Railways is pleased to be able to assist the museum in expanding its facility as it continues to relate how important the railway industry was in the development of northern Ontario," said Daniel Salvatore, CN Manager of Public Affairs for Ontario.
The importance of continuing to develop the museum as a strategic destination for the town was also echoed by Board President Stu Thomas.
"It's imperative that the museum continues to grow and offer new, exciting programs to its patrons so that the entire town can benefit from the increased visitation," he said.
"The project will also create more green space in the downtown core which is a big win for everyone. The efforts to rejuvenate and theme the town as a historic railway community are already showing promise as annual visitation numbers continue to break records."
The town is tentatively scheduled to host judges later this summer for the 2020 showcase.
The committee is urging local residents to plant bright flowers in their front yards this summer so that they are in full bloom ahead of what promises to be, another great showing by Capreol in 2020.
