After years of turning down invitations due to lack of resources, the District of 100 Mile House will finally enter the 2011 Communities in Bloom Garden Contest.
Newly-elected South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) vice-president Tom Bachynski noted at last week’s SCCC AGM the chamber has agreed to take on all contest expenses beyond the ($475) entry fee, which will be covered by the district.
Noting the further expenses are variable, he said the chamber will cover the judging and other costs to insulate the district from any further expenses.
Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett was on hand for the announcement and said Communities in Bloom is a great program.
“For years and years when I was on [district] council, we looked at it every year and we just could not afford the expenditure – it’s the maintenance [costs]. It will be great for the community.”
Mayor Mitch Campsall noted the current council had also considered the contest while he’s been mayor because it brings more attention to 100 Mile, but it wasn’t willing to provide all the staff time required to pull it off.
“I think it’s great the chamber is taking it on. I know all of council appreciates it, and the merchants in the downtown area will love it, too.”
Bachynski explained the project will be spearheaded by his wife, Shari, and Angela Cole who are just now beginning the process.
He added it will be the first time it has been done in the community, so the plan includes being mentored by Clinton and, possibly, Kamloops or Williams Lake.
After the meeting, Shari said the program contest is something that is long overdue for the community, and provides a good way to attract people and encourage them to stop.
“We want to be able to keep things looking nice, and not only for our community, but for [the people passing] through and tourists.”
