Delia is positively blooming according to the recent evaluation by the Communities in Bloom judges. Delia was awarded a five bloom rating; the highest rating one can receive.
“We’re quite pleased. We didn’t win the provincial for our group,” said Caroline Siverson, Chief Administrative Officer for Delia.
The judges visited Delia on July 25. While there, they evaluated the village in six categories.
In tidiness, Delia scored 131.5/150.0.
In environmental action, the score was 129.0/150.0.
Delia was given 124.5/150.0 in heritage conservation.
Urban forestry was given 126.5/175.0.
Landscape was marked at 162.5/200.0/
Lastly, the floral displays were given 146.5/175.0.
The highest praise was given to the volunteers in Delia who help beautify the village.
“Community involvement is the lifeblood of Delia!” read the report. “This small community shines in its efforts to enhance life in small town Alberta. From CiB members, to town staff, to community volunteers...pride in Delia is apparent.”
Siverson was also grateful for the efforts of the many volunteers in Delia.
“It sure helps the Village out when you have volunteers like that. To do all of the stuff in the summer season would be quite difficult without all the countless hours the volunteers put in,” said Siverson.
In the report, special mention was given to the Cenotaph Park. The park lies on the northern edge of Delia and motorists coming into the village off of Highway 9 pass by the park.
The Cenotaph Rejuvenation Committee has worked hard this past summer to help transform the park.
“We’ve all worked on it,” said Dennis Thordarson, president of the rejuvenation committee. “It was a two year project we finished in one summer, so I’m pretty happy with that.”
Trees were replaced at the park, flower beds added, arched gates, a gazebo, and walking paths entirely by volunteer work.
Some of the recommendations in the report are adding a heritage walking tour, identifying heritage plants, asking students to plant trees annually, pest management, and adding hardscapes.
Volunteers will be continuing to work on making Delia bloom.
“Those five blooms go a long way. It keeps everybody excited and wanting to continue to do it,” said Siverson.