A couple of Westman communities had a strong showing at the national and international communities in bloom awards program in Regina.

The 2016 awards were handed out on the weekend of October 28th and 29th and Boissevain-Morton and Killarney-Turtle Mountain both picked up 5 blooms.

The Municipality of Boissevain-Morton received a 5 Blooms Silver rating and a special mention for Community Leadership.

The Municipality of Boissevain-Morton participated in the Grand Champions category along with Barrie, Ontario.

Over the summer judges travelled to participating communities to evaluate the overall contributions of municipal council and departments; industry; businesses and the private sector – including volunteer efforts – in regards to the following criteria: Tidiness, Environmental Action, Heritage Conservation, Urban Forestry, Landscape and Floral Displays.

Berta Briggs and Tina Liu judged Boissevain-Morton and were impressed with what they saw in the community.

“Boissevain-Morton is the first beautiful town people experience as they cross the international border into Manitoba from North Dakota. The Town has a welcoming charm with floral baskets and beds plus murals throughout the town that depict their history. The beauty of this Town attracts many manufacturing and retail businesses, professional services, and both young families and retirees. This doesn’t just happen, it is due to very strong leadership in the community. The mayor is energetic and passionate and his leadership inspires many, many other community leaders, volunteers and active community participants to build this vibrant and welcoming community. The community appears to share a common vision for what they want their community to be and there are leaders at all levels that step up to guide and motivate groups, youth, institutions, businesses, and individuals to put their best efforts forward”.


The Municipality of Killarney-Turtle Mountain received a 5 Blooms rating and a special mention for Restoration of a Heritage Building.

The Municipality of Killarney-Turtle Mountain participated in the International Challenge (Small) category along with Pincher Creek AB Canada; Pré-Saint-Didier Aosta Italy; Sun Rivers Resort Community BC Canada & Sveti Martin na Muri Croatia.


Evelyn Alemanni and Gaétan Deschênes judged Killarney-Turtle Moutain.

“Killarney-Turtle Mountain, located in the prairies of southern Manitoba, is set on Lake Killarney. The municipality’s Irish heritage is celebrated in the form of shamrock shapes used for a variety of purposes and Irish names for streets, parks, and buildings. The town is home to two unique museums. A 100 year old home is currently being restored and renovated and will be used as an art centre”.