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City of Miramichi
Winners Circle Category 2009-2010
Five Star WinterLights destination
Miramichi Rotary Pond Hockey Tournament – National Capital Commission
Winter Festival Award Winner 2008-2009
Odette Sabourin-Dumais and Ted Zarudny, two volunteer national judges,
will evaluate the City of Miramichi on December 9-10, 2009
in the Winners Circle Category.
This year marks the third year that Miramichi is competing in the WinterLights program. In 2007, Miramichi Communities in Bloom registered to compete in their first edition of WinterLights Celebrations and the committee was very pleased to not only achieve a five-star rating, the highest rating available from the program, but to also be chosen as the overall national winner in their population category. Ted Blowes and Arlene Swedberg, 2007 volunteer judges commented that, “…the City of Miramichi embraces winter with both mittens.”
For information on the national WinterLights Celebrations program, please go to: www.winterlights.ca
How can Miramichi residents get involved?
Judges will be visiting residential areas throughout the city during their visit to view our seasonal spirit. Be sure to have your decorations and lights ready for December 9-10, 2009. The judges will be visiting different venues during their stay, extend them a warm Miramichi welcome at the events. Email any questions or suggestions to: cib@miramichi.org
WinterLights is the winter program of Communities in Bloom that was created in 2001 to encourage communities to showcase winter activities, festive celebrations and visual decorations that will increase Canada’s appeal as a winter tourist destination and improve the quality of life in communities across the country. The program was initiated with the help of the Canadian Tourism Commission and promotes the involvement and actions of citizens and volunteers of all ages, the municipal government, service organizations, industry and commerce. Municipalities participate by population categories. There is also a special category for past winners.
Trained volunteer judges travel across Canada in late November and December to evaluate registered communities in five key criteria:
VISUAL PRESENTATION
The Visual Presentation category evaluates the illumination and decoration of public buildings, open spaces, institutional, industrial, central business and commercial areas, and a representation of illuminated and decoration of residential properties and streetscapes.
“The city is to be congratulated for the lovely street pole wreaths and lighting that adorns the main street. This is a great theme that is easy to create and is very attractive. Many of the downtown businesses contributed to the ‘visual presentation’ by decorating with lights, garlands and painted windows.”- Margaret Stinson and Angela Vieth, WinterLights judges 2008-2009.
WINTER PLEASURES
The Winter Pleasures category evaluates outdoor and indoor activities and events such as winter festivals, carnivals, ice sculptures, snow sculptures, ice skating, ice fishing derbies, winter sports competitions, family and youth activities and gourmet/game food events that promote outdoor and indoor activities that take place November 1st to March 31. Emphasis is placed on events that include a heritage/cultural component highlighting the cultural diversity of the community.
“Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Newcastle and all the volunteers who make the Pond Hockey Tournament such a huge success each year. This project has grown over the past four years to become a February destination for the hockey enthusiasts from across the country and a weekend of fun for everyone who attends.”- Margaret Stinson and Angela Vieth, WinterLights judges 2009-2009.
FESTIVE SEASON CELEBRATIONS
The Festive Season Celebrations category evaluates indoor and outdoor events such as choir festivals, tree lighting ceremonies, concerts, sleigh rides, festive performing and visual arts programs, candlelight walks, Santa Claus parades, carol singing, heritage and family events during the holiday season.
“The Historic Chatham Business District and the Newcastle Business District sponsor and support various events in their downtown cores including: tree lighting ceremonies, sleigh rides, parades, craft sales, and concerts.”- Margaret Stinson and Angela Vieth, WinterLights judges 2008-2009.
GOODWILL PROGRAMS
The Goodwill Programs category evaluates the overall betterment of quality of life and enhanced lifestyles through the development and participation of goodwill programs by all sectors including the interaction and inclusions of seniors, youth, minorities and less privileged. Spirit of Giving and goodwill programs may include food bank support, turkey drives, fundraisers…
“The City of Miramichi has a tradition of exceptional goodwill. All ages in the various sectors contribute in varying degrees to the present level of goodwill. Congratulations on your concerted efforts for the underprivileged.”- Margaret Stinson and Angela Vieth, WinterLights judges 2008-2009.
TOURISM & PROMOTION
The Tourism and Promotion category focuses on “Showcasing your Community” to encourage participation by local residents and tourists to enjoy all that the winter season has to offer in your community.
“The City of Miramichi realizes the value of tourism and takes steps to promote it effectively. The combined efforts of various sectors and groups result in a high level of success.” Margaret Stinson and Angela Vieth, WinterLights judges 2008-2009.
The symposium and awards ceremony, hosted by different municipalities across Canada each year, is held early the following year. In 2010, the event will be held in Charlottetown, PEI from March 4-6, 2010.
Program Benefits
Communities will be able to recognize numerous benefits from participation in the WinterLights program, including:
- Increased winter tourism.
- Increased civic pride and community involvement.
- Participation from all ages and walks of life.
- Mobilization of citizens, community groups, local government and businesses.
- Information exchange and networking with other WinterLights communities.
- Increased quality of life.
- Increased impact on the hospitality and retail industries.
- National recognition on the WinterLights website.
The Miramichi WinterLights committee would like to thank its volunteers, partners and sponsors for their continued support:
- City of Miramichi
- New Brunswick Tourism and Parks
- Enterprise Miramichi
- Rodd Miramichi River Hotel
- Rotary Club of Newcastle
- Rotary Club of Chatham
- DowntownS Miramichi – Historic Chatham Business District and Newcastle Business District
- Miramichi Regional Tourism Association
- NBCC Miramichi
- Miramichi Cross Country Ski Club
- Miramichi Kinsmen
- Mighty Miramichi
- Portage Restaurant
- Rae’s Trailer and Sports Center
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