Castlegar to Welcome 2026 Communities in Bloom Judges
The City of Castlegar is preparing to welcome Communities in Bloom judges from July 29–31, 2026, as the community once again takes part in the national program that celebrates civic pride, environmental stewardship, and community beautification.
This year, Castlegar has registered in the prestigious Grand Champion category, following last year’s achievement as the Class of Champions – Small Category winner. While the competition is an opportunity to showcase local accomplishments, the Communities in Bloom program is also viewed by the City and volunteers as an important community check-in that highlights strengths, identifies opportunities for improvement, and helps guide future planning.
The 2026 judging team includes Berta Briggs of Wetaskiwin, Alberta, a long-serving international judge with more than 20 years of Communities in Bloom experience, and Brad Beatty, a City of Stratford, Ontario Councillor and Communities in Bloom judge.
Since joining the Communities in Bloom program in 2004, Castlegar has earned numerous provincial, national, and international awards and consistently received recognition for excellence in community beautification, heritage conservation, environmental action, and civic engagement.
“The judging process gives us valuable feedback on what we’re doing well and where we should focus our efforts moving forward,” says Chris Hallam, Director of Municipal Services. “We’re looking forward to showcasing Castlegar and recognizing the volunteers and residents who help make a positive difference throughout the community.”
Judges will tour the community and evaluate a broad range of initiatives, including community appearance, environmental stewardship, urban forestry, heritage conservation, and floral displays. More than half of the national judging criteria focus on sustainability, climate adaptation, and environmental responsibility.
Community Appearance Matters
As preparations get underway, the City encourages residents, businesses, organizations, and visitors to help showcase the pride that exists throughout Castlegar by maintaining clean and attractive properties and public spaces.
“Community appearance reflects the collective efforts of our entire city,” says Darlene Kalawsky, Chair of Castlegar Communities in Bloom. “Whether it’s planting flowers, picking up litter, maintaining a storefront, or participating in an Adopt-a-Road cleanup, every contribution helps demonstrate how much we care about our community.”
The City is also highlighting the recent revitalization of its Adopt-a-Road program and encourages volunteers to organize roadside cleanups before the judges arrive. Adopt-a-Road groups contribute significantly to keeping Castlegar clean and welcoming while demonstrating the community pride that is central to the Communities in Bloom program.
Groups interested in participating in the Adopt-a-Road program can contact the City’s Civic Works division at 250-365-5979 or civicworks@castlegar.ca to register and request cleanup supplies.
About Communities in Bloom
Communities in Bloom is a national charitable organization that inspires communities to enhance the quality of life through environmental responsibility, beautification, and community involvement. Through volunteerism and partnerships, the program promotes civic pride while encouraging sustainable practices and community engagement across Canada.
To learn more about the Castlegar Communities in Bloom team, visit their Facebook page. Residents interested in volunteering can contact the local chair, Darlene Kalawsky, at 250-365-1653.
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