Communities in Bloom committee asking for town's assistance with watering
by Michelle Minnoch

Communities in Bloom (CIB) Chair Donna Orsatti and committee member Stephen Radcliffe made a delegation before council, requesting the town's assistance in providing regular watering to Communities in Bloom Municipal Town Floral Beds.

Orsatti stated the CIB is made up of approximately 30 volunteers, who plant, weed and water throughout the municipality.

"There should not be a lot of costs involved," said Councilor Bill Pring. "We have someone who waters the plants around town, they should be able to add another hour or so to their weekly schedule."

Councilor Lynn Dollin agreed, stating "we're grown up now, we should be taking care of these things." She added that in New Tecumseth, the watering is completed by town staff.

Councilor Bill Van Berkel agreed, stating the town has been getting away pretty cheap with all of the work done by the committee volunteers.

Orsatti said although the CIB members would still be plating and weeding, it is just the watering they would need help with. She said assistance is needed in getting water to certain sites.

"They would really only need a good saturation about once a week," Radcliffe said.

For the past five years, the CIB have been spearheading and participating in the Municipal Beautification Program. "Through the efforts of these volunteers we have created a year long community involvement program to improve the tidiness and appearance of neighbourhoods, parks and open spaces, through the use of flowers, plants and trees, and have seen an increase in civic pride and community involvement as a result of our efforts," Radcliffe said.

The Innisfil CIB program has had provincial recognition and awards for their participation in the national competition.

At last years Garden Gala, hosted by CIB, $14,000 was raised, in which $10,000 will be going towards the beautification of the new rec centre.

"The Committee is also contributing $2500 to our gateway sign," said Mayor Brian Jackson. He told the delegation that at budget time, they would try to set something aside to accommodate their request.