Stettler has again received a five-bloom rating at the national Communities in Bloom awards this year, competing for the second year in the international challenge for small towns.
“They do judge much, much harder at the international level in order to differentiate between all of the communities that are all doing great things,” said Rob Spencer, who chairs Heartland Beautification Committee for the Town of Stettler.
“As a result, our marks were slightly lower than in the past.”
Stettler dropped its score to 82 from 85 last year.
On a bright note, Stettler was specially recognized for heritage preservation with the Stettler Town and Country Museum.
“While we didn’t bring home any special certificates or awards, we certainly came home with many great recommendations from our judges and lots of good ideas from interacting with the judges and the other communities,” Spencer said.
With the luck of the Irish, the Village of Abbeyshrule, Ireland, won the category.
“I think that Stettler is doing a tremendous job in lots of areas and I hope that we’ll continue to move forward in our participation in CIB and in our general efforts to make Stettler a better, cleaner, greener place to live,” Spencer said.
The beautification committee encourage everyone in town, whether a resident, a business owner, a volunteer, or a student, “to take a look at this community with a different lens and do two things,” Spencer said.
“First is to appreciate what a great place this is and what great features, amenities and services we have.
“The second is to step up and do something more to contribute, even if you are already doing something. It is our combined efforts that will make the difference.”
Watch for more initiatives, projects and activities in the next year.
“If anyone wants to get involved, but don’t know how, just ask and we’ll find a way.”
Anyone wishing to participate is requested to contact a committee member or phone the town office at 403-742-8305.