City Celebrates Four-Bloom Rating and Great Canadian Landmark Title

The City of Kenora is celebrating two significant national recognitions that showcase the pride, dedication, and community spirit that make Kenora a special place to live, work, and visit.

At the 32nd Annual Communities in Bloom National Symposium and Awards held in Montréal, Québec, Kenora received an impressive rating of four out of five blooms, recognizing the community's ongoing commitment to beautification, green spaces, and quality of life.

Communities in Bloom is a national program that brings a panel of trained professionals to evaluate six key areas: Community Appearance, Environmental Action, Heritage Conservation, Tree Management, Landscape, and Plant & Floral Displays. In July 2026, judges spent two days touring Kenora, visiting parks, beaches, community spaces, public gardens, downtown areas, and private properties throughout the city. During their visit, judges praised Kenora's remarkable amenities, natural beauty, and strong volunteer spirit.

Kenora's four-bloom rating is a significant achievement and reflects the collective efforts of residents, volunteers, businesses, community organizations, and City staff who help make Kenora a vibrant and welcoming community. The evaluation recognized many of the strengths that make Kenora unique, including its natural beauty, strong volunteer spirit, community partnerships, and commitment to enhancing public spaces. Judges also provided a special mention to the Harvest Kenora’s Homerun Gardens, recognizing their contribution to beautification and community engagement.

The full 2026 Communities in Bloom evaluation report will be presented to Council at a future meeting and shared with the public following its presentation.

"Receiving four blooms is an achievement the entire community can be proud of. Communities in Bloom recognizes the ongoing efforts that help create healthy, vibrant, and welcoming communities, and this result reflects the incredible community we are fortunate to call home,” says Andrew Smith, General Manager of Recreation and Culture. “From volunteers and community organizations to businesses, property owners, and residents, people across our community play an important role in maintaining and enhancing the places we share. This recognition is a testament to the thriving community where we live, work, and play.”

Adding to the celebration, Municipal World announced Husky the Muskie as the winner of the 2026 Great Canadian Landmark Contest.

Launched this summer, the contest invited Canadians from coast to coast to vote for the landmark that best represents the spirit and character of its community. Thousands of residents, former residents, visitors, businesses, and community supporters rallied behind Kenora throughout the campaign.

Towering more than 12 metres above McLeod Park along the shores of Lake of the Woods, Husky the Muskie has been a beloved Kenora landmark since its construction in 1967. The community’s larger-than-life muskellunge has welcomed generations of visitors and remains one of Ontario's most recognizable roadside attractions.

"For generations, Husky the Muskie has stood as a symbol of Kenora's rich connection to Lake of the Woods, its vibrant tourism industry, and its strong community spirit. Instantly recognizable and proudly celebrated by residents and visitors alike, this larger-than-life landmark has become much more than an attraction,” shares Anthony Gibbons, CEO of Municipal World. “It is a source of local identity, pride, and shared memories. This award recognizes not only an iconic landmark, but also the passion of a community that came together to champion something truly special."

"While these recognitions highlight two different achievements, they share one thing in common: they belong to the people of Kenora," says Mayor Poirier. "From the volunteers, organizations, and residents who help make our community beautiful every day to the thousands of people who rallied behind Husky the Muskie, these achievements reflect the pride people have in this community. We are honoured to see Kenora recognized on a national stage and proud of everyone who helped make it happen.”

The City extends its sincere thanks to the residents, volunteers, businesses, community organizations, property owners, and City staff who contributed to these achievements. Your pride, passion, and support helped showcase the very best of Kenora and made these recognitions possible.

Community members looking to bring home their own piece of Kenora's award-winning landmark can purchase the official Husky the Muskie plush toy at City Hall, Lake of the Wood Discovery Centre, Moncrief Construction Sports Centre, and at The Muse: Lake of the Woods Museum & Douglas Family Art Centre.