10/22/2026
MAHONE BAY BLOOMS ON THE NATIONAL STAGE
MAHONE BAY, N.S. - Mahone Bay is celebrating a remarkable showing at the 2026 Communities in Bloom Provincial/National/International Symposium and Awards Ceremonies in Montréal and Rosemère, Québec, earning 5 Blooms in the Atlantic Edition – Population Evaluated category, a Special Mention for the Faerie Trails, and National Outstanding Achievement Awards for Environmental Action and Heritage Conservation.
For the team of Mahone Bay volunteers who prepared required documentation and organized the Communities in Bloom judges’ evaluation tour in July, it was gratifying to see nationwide recognition of Mahone Bay’s unique qualities.
“The role of our Communities in Bloom working group has been to shine a light on what makes Mahone Bay so special. It has been an absolute joy to showcase the people, places, and projects that make Mahone Bay a vibrant, thriving community!” says Councillor and Committee Liaison Penny Carver.
In their evaluation, visiting judges Susan Ellis and Larry Hall were quick to recognize Mahone Bay’s unmistakable character. They praised the iconic view of the three churches, the lush green canopy, colourful homes and gardens, and the lively downtown shops and restaurants that invite visitors to stay a little longer. They also commended the care shown throughout the community, the well-maintained municipal buildings, and the hard work of the Communities in Bloom Committee, volunteers, and municipal staff in preparing for their visit.
This was Mahone Bay’s third time participating in Communities in Bloom, and the judges’ feedback made it clear that the effort was worth it.
The evaluation report highlights: “Mahone Bay has many outstanding features: The Edgewater Project and The Bay Way; the iconic and colourful Downtown Area; the Solar Farm (including the sheep!); the beautifully preserved and maintained heritage homes; the Talking Trees and Tree Inventory Map; and the delightfully charismatic Scarecrows. These all contribute to your exceptional town and add value to both the residents’ and the tourists’ experience. The one that captured our attention the most, and has therefore earned a Special Mention, is the creative and magical Faerie Trail! It clearly delights people of all ages who explore this highly engaging woodland village! Congratulations to all the faerie fanciers who donated their time, effort, and energy to create this unique attraction.”
The recognition also highlights important work happening beyond the gardens and green spaces. The judges specifically commended the Edgewater Project and the Living Shoreline Project for their contributions to coastal resilience and public safety: “The Edgewater Project, designed to protect against flooding and erosion, and the Living Shoreline Project are both noteworthy and contribute to the overall safety of properties in Mahone Bay. This is excellent work and establishes a high standard for public safety that other oceanside communities can emulate.” Alongside tree management, heritage conservation, and environmental initiatives, they show how local action can make a meaningful difference.
Communities in Bloom evaluates communities on Community Appearance, Environmental Action, Heritage Conservation, Tree Management, Landscape, and Plant and Floral Displays. Behind every result is a network of people contributing their time, skills, enthusiasm, and care.
Mayor Suzanne Lohnes-Croft congratulates the volunteers leading this work, “Mahone Bay’s Communities in Bloom volunteers dedicate an immense amount of time and energy to the program, bringing important projects into focus, preparing for visiting judges, sharing the community’s story, and celebrating the people who make good things happen.” She adds, “Thank you to the Communities in Bloom Committee, municipal staff, local businesses, community organizations, and volunteers whose contributions made this recognition possible”.
Five Blooms is a wonderful achievement. A National Outstanding Achievement Award for Environmental Action and Heritage Conservation is a meaningful recognition of the community’s commitment to a sustainable future. And a Special Mention for the Faerie Trails is a nod to community creativity and imagination that is so wonderfully Mahone Bay.
Through Communities in Bloom, Mahone Bay tells a story it is proud to share: a beautiful place made even more special by the people who care for it. As our town motto reminds us, “We love the beauty around us, and we welcome you to share it.”
For more information about Communities in Bloom and the 2026 results, visit www.communitiesinbloom.ca
PHOTO: Deputy CAO Eric Levy accepting the Environmental Action Award on behalf of Mahone Bay Communities in Bloom at the Symposium and Awards Ceremonies this past weekend.
