End of Evaluation
The 2009/2010 WinterLights evaluation tour is now complete. Thank you to all of the judges and congratulations to all of the communities!
We look forward to seeing you on March 4-6 at the 2009/2010 Symposium and Awards Ceremony in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
WinterLights Celebrations – the winter edition of Communities in Bloom – is a national program focussed on community efforts that sustain and promote environmental, visual, economic and programming leadership throughout the winter months, with special attention to community involvement and outreach. The program encourages all Canadians to join in their local community events and activities, and to experience the beauty and thrill of winter.
Thirty-three communities from across Canada are participating in this 9th edition of the program, with trained volunteer judges evaluating the participants between November 25th and December 16th 2009.
The communities participate by population category, with a special Winners Circle category for previous winners, as well as the Circle of Excellence for previous champions of the Winners Circle. Each community is awarded a star rating (1 to 5) and granted a special mention for an outstanding winter component or event in the community. The involvement of the entire community – citizens, volunteers, local government, service organizations, businesses – are evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Visual Presentation, which includes decoration, use of natural materials and responsible illumination throughout the community.
- Festive Season Celebrations, including indoor and outdoor festive, heritage or family events held during the holiday season.
- Winter Pleasures, which considers indoor and outdoor activities and events such as winter festivals, carnivals, ice sculptures, winter sports competitions, family and youth activities, etc.
- Goodwill Programs, focussed on the overall betterment of quality of life and enhanced lifestyles through the development of and participation in goodwill programs by all sectors.
- Tourism / Promotion, which focuses on “Showcasing your Community” to encourage local residents and tourists to enjoy all that the winter season has to offer in the community.
Criteria Awards are also presented for all of the above criteria, as well as for the following:
- Youth Involvement: this award is presented to the community who demonstrates how youth can become involved through specific projects or general involvement in the program and community.
- Winter Festival: communities participate by submitting a documented presentation of their Winter Festival or Special Event (this award is open to all communities, participating or not in WLC).
- A special Mentoring Award may also be presented to recognize outstanding leadership and networking by a community.
The 2009-2010 results will be announced during the WinterLights Celebrations Symposium and Awards Ceremony in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island from March 4th to 6th, 2010.
For more information, please contact Vivian Shum at (514) 694-8871 or programcoordinator@cib-cef.com.
Thank you to our sponsors and partners
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