On July 25^th, the District of West Kelowna and Westbank First Nation will be visited by two judges with the National Communities in Bloom competition. The judges will evaluate the communities on tidiness, environmental action, urban forestry, landscape and floral display.

“West Kelowna is truly a magnificent place to view, to visit and to live. We are blessed by our surroundings and we work hard to preserve, protect and enhance our community,” says Mayor Doug Findlater. “This annual visit from the Communities in Bloom judges is a time for us to reflect on our good fortune and spruce up just a little more for our guests. Each year we are honoured by the comments from the judges on how beautiful our natural surroundings are and this year we hope to impress them even more than usual.”

This is the eighth year of partnership between the District of West Kelowna and Westbank First Nation in the National Communities in Bloom competition, a non-profit organization committed to the promotion of green spaces in community settings.

“Westbank First Nation is proud to be a part of the Communities in Bloom initiative,” said Chief Robert Louie.  “As far as we know, we’re the only First Nation in Canada that participates regularly in the program.  Our community takes pride in the spirit and cooperation with the greater community to make this a more beautiful place to live.”

On July 25, 2012, the judges will be toured throughout the two communities to view special points of interest. Tour highlights include:

·        Gellatly Nut Farm

·        The Cove Lakeside Resort

·        Mission Hill Winery

·        Quails’ Gate Winery

·        Westbank Centre Park

·        West Kelowna RCMP Detachment

·        Westbank Museum

·        Westbank First Nation Health Centre and School

·        New WFN gazebo on the waterfront

·        Pebble Beach

·        Wildfire Commemorative Park

·        Lakeview Heights Community Hall

The District of West Kelowna and Westbank First Nation truly appreciate the support given by many sponsors and community volunteers and businesses in this annual competition.

During a welcome wine and cheese event being held July 25^th in honour of the visit from the Communities in Bloom judges, the winners of the local Most Beautiful Competition will be announced.

Westbank First Nation and the District will learn how they fared in this year’s competition at the October National Communities in Bloom award ceremony in Edmonton, Alberta, October 13^th.