While many homeowners spruced up their yards this year with pink, purple, red, orange, white and green flowers and shrubs, only a few were deemed worthy of a prize.
The City of Moose Jaw handed out several awards during the Aug. 23 regular city council meeting as part of the 2021 Beautification Awards program. City horticulturist Sarah Regent spoke briefly about each winner, while Acting Mayor Dawn Luhning presented the plaque to each recipient.
Winners
The award for special mention for best planters went to Karen McCubbing at 101-55 Wood Lily Drive.
The award for runner up for best residential property in the Sunningdale/VLA/West Park/Iron Bridge neighbourhoods went to LeeAnn and Murray Rice at 61 Hodges Crescent.
The best residential property in the Sunningdale/VLA/West Park/Iron Bridge neighbourhoods went to David and Gwen Venn at 78 Wood Lily Drive.
The best residential property in the northwest went to Laurie Gaudry at 744 Ominica Street West.
Council discussion
Coun. Heather Eby pointed out that this initiative began in 1981, the same year she graduated from high school. She commended the winners for putting extra effort into their yards, especially since this year was extremely dry and water would have been expensive.
Coun. Doug Blanc agreed with Eby’s comment.
“It’s really nice to have an award for people who look after their yards,” he added. “Quite often, what we get here are derelict properties and properties that been abandoned.”
Afterward, city manager Jim Puffalt lauded Regent for her work in beautifying Main Street and Crescent Park with hanging baskets and beds of flowers.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, Sept. 13.
