While all residents of Weyburn are encouraged to do what they can to beautify their yards, this may just be the year for some of the more ‘ugly’ projects. Due to numerous construction projects taking place this summer, Weyburn will not be participating in the Communities in Bloom program.

“For the past several years, we've participated in the Communities in Bloom program as Evaluated Friends,” explained Superintendent of Public Works and Parks for the City of Weyburn, Claude Morin.

He said the judges tour Weyburn and evaluate the community based on the set Communities in Bloom criteria, after which an evaluation is provided as a tool to see how Weyburn stacks up from the perspective of ‘outside eyes’.

He said this year, however, too much unsightly infrastructure work is taking place in Weyburn to welcome the judges.

“We have two large projects,” he said. “The River Park entrance feature, as well the school and the WRCC, just adjacent to Jubilee Park.

Morin explained that the Parks board discussed the matter, noting that not much has changed since last year’s evaluation.

“With all that construction going on and how it impacts our two most major parks in the community, we thought it might be better to step back until the construction was complete,” he said.

So, if there’s something unsightly that needs to be done in the yard, this is the year to do it. That being said, the Weyburn Police Service recently reminded residents they do have to enforce bylaws regarding unkempt or messy yards. 

Even if everything looks beautiful, Morin said, there is a full list of aspects upon which Communities in Bloom’s evaluation is based.

“We need to remember, Communities in Bloom is more than just about pretty yards and flowers, it's about tidiness, environmental awareness, community participation, volunteerism,” he said.

He said when Weyburn brings back the judges for our next evaluation, we can put our best foot forward, with the newest up-to-date infrastructure.