Shaunavon Wins Provincial Communities in Bloom Category and Special Recognition Award for Water Tower Mural

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The official Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) Communities in Bloom results are out, and we have some tremendously exciting news to share!

Shaunavon has officially been awarded WINNER of the Provincial Competition (Population Category 1,501 – 2,000) with a 4-Bloom Rating , receiving a Special Mention for Cultural Heritage Conservation !

And that’s not all! Shaunavon also received The Communities in Bloom Special Recognition Community Appearance Award for Painting the Horizon: The Shaunavon Water Tower Mural – South West Mural Fest 2026 !

Our iconic water tower at the southeast entrance along the TransCanada Trail became an international canvas this summer thanks to the organization of South West Mural Fest (organizer Andrew Robertson). Painted by Australian artist Joel Fergie (“The Zookeeper”), the 4,000 sq. ft. landmark was brought to life using 15 gallons of primer, 47 gallons of paint, and 124 cans of spray paint! Beyond revitalizing our horizon, the project was recognized by provincial judges for putting Shaunavon on the global stage through the South West Mural Fest, boosting community mental health, deterring graffiti, and drawing visitors to our community.

Heartfelt Thanks to Our Incredible CiB Committee & Volunteers

A provincial title does not happen on its own, it is powered by dedicated volunteers who pour heart, sweat, and vision into our town all year long. A massive shoutout to our incredible Communities in Bloom Volunteers: Lisa Schmit, Della Moffat, Shari Stevenson, Heather Vance, Pam Bahnuick, Rhonda Bellefeuille, Cal Vance, and Joanne Gregoire for:

  • Consistent Care & Maintenance: From early spring through fall frost, our CiB members and volunteers were out regularly weeding, and maintaining vibrant garden beds throughout the community.

  • Flawless Judges' Tour & Showcase: The committee orchestrated an outstanding official evaluation day, mapping out a comprehensive itinerary, coordinating logistics, and warmly guiding the provincial judges to showcase every single highlight our community has to offer.

  • The "5 for 5" Initiative: Inspiring everyone to get involved, this initiative encouraged residents and businesses to dedicate simple, daily moments to civic pride, proving that small, collective efforts lead to massive town-wide impacts.

  • Community Leadership & Town Collaboration: Working shoulder-to-shoulder with Town staff, local organizations (including the Chamber flower program!), and neighbours, the committee continues to inspire residents to take pride in their spaces and prove what can be accomplished when we work together.

What Makes Shaunavon Bloom

Some other highlighted projects in recent years that boost our town’s beauty include:

  • Grand Coteau Heritage Site: The revitalization of the Grand Coteau front yard and grounds thanks to various collaborative projects, fundraising and grant support towards the Musical Playground and updated landscaping, to preserve our rich local history while offering a welcoming community gathering space.

  • 10th Avenue Enhancements: Dedicated volunteer updates, fresh landscaping, and fence lighting creating a warm, charming entrance.

  • GoGreen Tree Planting & Beautification: Expanding our urban canopy and planting sustainable green spaces for future generations and painting benches and signage that had become faded.

  • Earth Day Cleanups & Community Workshops: Residents, groups, and youth pitching in to keep our parks, streets, and ditches spotless. Partnering with local groups and programs, including Me Time Shaunavon’s Composting workshop.

  • Downtown Banners & Streetscapes: Vibrant banners down Centre Street & 3rd Avenue and well maintained streets (street sweeping, paving, infrastructure!)

  • Over 20 Town Murals brought by SWMF: Making Shaunavon an open-air art gallery that inspires locals and visitors alike!

  • Beehive Garden Keepers at Long Term Care: Building on their award recognition last year, this inspiring group continues to expand their grounds with vibrant flower gardens and raised vegetable beds for residents to enjoy, harvest, and connect with nature.

  • Local Bylaw & Resident Dedication: Our local Bylaw Officer works with genuine care and dedication for the beauty, safety, and pride of our town. Teaming up with residents who take extraordinary pride in keeping their yards, alleys, and properties pristine has transformed neighbourhood streetscapes.

Thank You, Shaunavon!

This recognition belongs to every single volunteer, business owner, town crew member, and resident who planted flowers, picked up litter, trimmed branches, painted benches, and maintained their beautiful yards!

Shaunavon extends warm congratulations to all 51 participating communities, contenders, and provincial winners across Saskatchewan who dedicated countless hours to enhancing their hometowns this year!

A special shoutout goes to our southwest neighbours who also earned high honours in the 2026 results:

  • Town of Maple Creek: Winner in the Population 2,001 – 3,000 Category with 5 Blooms and a Special Mention for their Central Courtyard Garden at the Hospital .

  • Town of Eastend: Recognized in the Tourist’s Takeaway category with 4 Blooms and a Special Mention for their Amazing, Colourful & Diverse Planters at Town Square .

To read the full provincial results, view all category ratings, and learn more about the Saskatchewan Communities in Bloom program, visit SPRA’s official announcement at www.spra.sk.ca/cib .