The Jardins de Métis - Reford Gardens received a 5 Blooms Gold rating and a special mention for Protection and Enhancement of Natural & Built Heritage during the 2016 National/International Symposium and Awards Ceremonies in Regina, SK. The Jardins de Métis - Reford Gardens participated in the Special Attractions category. Over the summer, trained volunteer judges travelled to participating communities & gardens 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. Following their evaluation, volunteer judges Lucie Gagné and Gérald Lajeunesse wrote: "Reford Gardens is located on a historic estate on the banks of the St. Lawrence near the Mitis River. The directors of this area play an important role in major projects to protect and enhance this gem of the Lower St. Lawrence. These projects include the preservation of the green belt around the site, safeguarding Bergeron Bridge, architectural and historical interest structure on the Mitis River opened in 1930, the preservation of the regional park of the Mitis River and cleaning and the restoration of St. Lawrence shoreline. A draft footpath near the Mitis River is also being developed, in banks with accessibility in mind while protecting the environment. Preserving the unique character of the Estevan Lodge, built in 1887 and its historical gardens buried in the spruce forest result of remarkable work of dedicated staff. The conservation of this natural paradise, one of the largest at the time of plant collections is a gift to future generations”. Within the actual context of climate changes and environmental concerns, communities involved in the program can be proud of their efforts, which provide real and meaningful environmental solutions and benefit all of society. For a complete list of the results and the electronic copy of the Communities in Bloom magazine, please visit www.communitiesinbloom.ca About Communities in Bloom Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement and the challenge of a national program, with focus on the enhancement of green spaces. The pride, sense of community and feeling of accomplishment generated through participation are visible in communities across Canada. For more information about Communities in Bloom, visit www.communitiesinbloom.ca Communities are evaluated using a “bloom” rating determined by the total score of the evaluation: 0 to 55 %=1 Bloom 56 to 63 %=2 Blooms 64 to 72 %=3 Blooms 73 to 81 %=4 Blooms 82 % and over=5 Blooms There are four (4) levels of 5 Blooms exclusive to the National and International Edition: 5 Blooms: 82 to 83.9% Bronze: 84 to 86.9% Silver: 87 to 89.9% Gold: 90% and over