City of Brantford has been named the winner of the National Population – Over 50,000 category and awarded a prestigious 5 Blooms – Bronze rating at the 2026 Communities in Bloom National Symposium and Awards Ceremonies in Montréal, Quebec.
Brantford also received a special mention for Horticultural Excellence Through Municipal Volunteer Collaboration and an Outstanding Achievement Award for Plant and Floral Displays. In addition the City was award with the America in Bloom 2026 Best Therapeutic Gardening Award. As a result of earning a 5 Blooms rating, the community is now qualified to compete in the 2027 International Competition.
This year’s Communities in Bloom theme, Therapeutic Gardening, highlighted the important role that gardens and green spaces play in supporting physical, mental and social well-being. Communities in Bloom judges Tina Liu and Brad Beatty visited Brantford in August to evaluate the community based on six key criteria including community appearance, environmental action, heritage conservation, tree management, landscape, and plant and floral displays.
During the judges’ visit, staff showcased a variety of locations throughout Brantford including the Bell Homestead National Historic Site, Brant War Memorial, Brantford Farmers’ Market, CNR Gore Park, Glenhyrst Gardens, Lorne Park, Prominence Point, Waterworks Park, Harmony Square and more.
Following their evaluation, volunteer judges Tina Liu and Brad Beatty wrote:
“Brantford’s horticultural excellence extends beyond its impressive network of specialized horticultural parks; it reflects a community-wide culture of gardening knowledge, participation and pride. Municipal horticulture staff demonstrate a high standard of design and maintenance through diverse floral displays and carefully managed public gardens, while community organizations and knowledgeable volunteers extend that commitment throughout the city. Partnerships with groups such as the Brantford Garden Club and Equal Ground Community Gardens engage residents in gardening, food-growing and environmental initiatives, while community-led pollinator projects further broaden participation. This caring spirit is also reflected in the gardens at Stedman Community Hospice, where horticulture contributes to a welcoming and supportive environment. Particularly remarkable is the relationship between professional horticultural leadership and community involvement: knowledge is shared, volunteers are engaged, and high expectations for garden care become part of the community culture, fostering horticultural excellence, environmental stewardship, community pride and shared responsibility throughout Brantford”.
The City of Brantford thanks the dedicated Communities in Bloom volunteer committee members and community partners whose contributions helped make this achievement possible. Special thanks are extended to committee members Alex Kucharew, Barbara Sutherland, Chuck Beach, Dan Brown, David Prang, Keri Korfmann, Lynn Leach and Taylor Edwards for their ongoing commitment to enhancing the beauty and livability of our community.
The City also acknowledges the valuable support of the Brant Tree Coalition, Brantford Garden Club, Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant, Downtown Brantford Business Improvement Area, Equal Grounds Community Gardens, Neighbourhood Alliance of Brantford and participating neighbourhood associations, and the St. Joseph’s Lifecare Foundation and Stedman Community Hospice. Their collective efforts, along with all of the valued community partners that contributed to the judges tour, continue to help make Brantford a vibrant, welcoming and sustainable community.
“Receiving a 5 Blooms rating at the Communities in Bloom National Symposium and Awards Ceremonies is an incredible achievement and a testament to the dedication of our Parks and Recreation team, City staff, Communities in Bloom Committee volunteers and Neighbourhood Associations,” said Kimberley Wyskiel, Director of Parks and Recreation, City of Brantford. “Their commitment to enhancing and maintaining Brantford’s parks, gardens and public spaces helped showcase the pride our community takes in creating a welcoming and beautiful city.”
