PERTH — The Town of Perth will not participate in the 2026 Communities in Bloom competition, choosing instead to focus on a year already filled with major events and milestones.
Town council agreed on March 10 during the regular committee meeting that the national beautification program would require significant staff time and coordination during an already busy summer season.
The Downtown Heritage Perth BIA had proposed partnering with the town on an application to the provincial program, which recognizes municipalities for achievements in horticulture, environmental initiatives, urban forestry, heritage conservation and community involvement.
The 2026 theme, therapeutic gardening, aligns with several local assets, including the Garden for the Blind, Stewart Park and Last Duel Park.
The BIA suggested programming such as garden recognition initiatives, guided tours during judging and volunteer co-ordination. The organization also offered about $3,000 toward hosting judges and supporting downtown beautification.
However, staff said participation would require extensive coordination across several municipal departments during peak summer operations.
Coun. Isabel McRae noted that 2026 already includes several major milestones for the community, including the 50th anniversary of the Festival of the Maples, the 50-year anniversary of the town pool, a municipal election year and the 35th anniversary of the Stewart Park Festival.
Council agreed that adding the Communities in Bloom program could strain municipal resources and affect other projects already planned for 2026.
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