City Welcomes the Return of the ‘Communities in Bloom’ Program

The City is ready to spring into action this summer as Communities in Bloom returns. This national program brings a panel of trained professionals to evaluate six key areas: Community Appearance, Environmental Action, Heritage Conservation, Tree Management, Landscape, and Plant & Floral Displays.

The City of Kenora participated in Communities in Bloom in 2006, and we are excited to be welcoming it back in 2026 to showcase Kenora’s unique community pride and beauty.

Judges will travel across Canada, ranking hundreds of participating communities. In July, the judges will spend a day and a half in Kenora, guided by locals who highlight what makes our city special.

A strong showing boosts appeal for residents, visitors, local businesses, and potential investors and developers, who want to be associated with a well‑presented community.

“Communities in Bloom is an initiative the City is undertaking to demonstrate community pride and showcase Kenora as a beautiful place to live, work, and visit. Through this program, we aim to highlight the care and effort residents and municipal services put into the community, while encouraging others to take part in beautifying their own spaces,” shares Andrew Smith, General Manager of Recreation and Culture. “It is an opportunity to celebrate the hard work of our community members and inspire continued participation in making Kenora vibrant and welcoming.”

In the fall, evaluations are released and communities are ranked in “blooms”. “The evaluation will provide the City with practical guidance to further enhance the community and support these efforts moving forward,” adds Andrew Smith.

How you can get involved

• Show Kenora pride by tidying yards and neighbourhoods. Join the City of Kenora’s Adopt a Block program: sign up to tidy an area, neighbourhood, or street. The City supplies basic tools free of charge, including branded clear bags, a picker, and gloves. Kits are available at the Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre, 931 Lakeview Drive.
• Have a standout spot or garden that demonstrates one or more of the six criteria? Email photos to asmith@kenora.ca.
• Want to help or share ideas to showcase Kenora’s best? Email asmith@kenora.ca.

Kenora’s participation in Communities in Bloom is a collective celebration of our hometown spirit and shared spaces. Together, we can build pride, attract visitors and investment, and nurture a more beautiful, welcoming Kenora. 

Join us in making Kenora bloom this summer and beyond.