Coquitlam has earned national recognition for programs promoting environmental action and youth involvement.
COQUITLAM, B.C., Oct. 9, 2020 – Coquitlam has earned national recognition for programs promoting environmental action and youth involvement.
As a past Communities in Bloom (CIB) national winner, the City entered this year’s submissions in the Circle of Excellence-Non-Evaluated category.
The City continued its success in the annual CIB competition by bringing home the special achievement awards for Environmental Action and Youth Involvement (The Pollinator Project).
Announced this week, the awards add to Coquitlam’s past wins at the provincial, national and international levels of CIB, a friendly competition between cities that encourages civic pride, beautification and environmental responsibility.
Meeting the Challenges of 2020
This year’s competition included a strong focus on meeting the unique challenges of 2020.
As part of its CIB submission, the City also rolled out a number of fun and educational activities with a focus on pollinators. Residents were encouraged to submit photos of pollinators, snap pictures at selfie stations, watch for signs in local parks with pollinator facts, and make their own gardens more pollinator-friendly – and then post about their activities on social media to inspire others.
The Environmental Action award recognized Coquitlam’s progressive environmental program, which has brought about measurable improvements in waste reduction, reduction of greenhouse gases, wildlife management, reduced erosion and improved water quality.
The award also highlighted the City’s partnership with the community on various environmental initiatives, the development of its first Environmental Sustainability Plan and Climate Adaptation Strategic Plan, and efforts in 2020 to recognize local environmental champions, adapt the volunteer Adopt-a-Trail program and protect wildlife through enforcement of bear smart bylaws.
The Youth Involvement award showcased the Pollinator Project, a youth-led Coquitlam organization dedicated to rejuvenating local pollinator health and educating the public on related environmental issues by empowering youth to take action.
While the pandemic forced the Pollinator Project to cancel many of its garden planting projects this year, the break provided the group with an opportunity to refocus on grassroots activities, including working with school clubs and activating young people.
About Communities in Bloom
Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering community pride, environmental responsibility and beautification. It uses friendly competition between communities to bring together local businesses, service clubs, residents and civic government to focus on enhancing their community. Learn more at www.communitiesinbloom.ca. Coquitlam’s participation is outlined at www.coquitlam.ca/cib..
Media contact:
Kathleen Reinheimer
Manager of Parks
City of Coquitlam
604-927-3533
kreinheimer@coquitlam.ca