By Sean Delaney
If you’ve noticed crews out along the streets of Emery Village this week, it’s because one of the community’s most visible annual initiatives is once again underway.
The Emery Village Business Improvement Area’s Beautification Program is rolling out across the community, bringing colourful hanging baskets, decorative planters and seasonal plantings. By the time this edition reaches homes and businesses, the transformation will already be well underway.
For many residents and visitors, the flowers are a welcome sign that summer has officially arrived. What many people don’t see, however, is the planning, coordination and ongoing maintenance required to make the program successful. From selecting drought-resistant plants capable of withstanding the summer heat to arranging watering schedules and regular maintenance, months of preparation go into creating the colourful streetscape that Emery Village has become known for.
The scale of the program is impressive. More than 200 planters, hanging baskets and seasonal plantings help brighten the community each year. Decorative benches, Emery banners, decorative lamp poles and landscaped medians all contribute to a welcoming environment that residents, employees and visitors can enjoy throughout the summer season.
While the flowers certainly add beauty to our streets, the benefits extend well beyond appearance. Attractive and well-maintained public spaces help create a sense of civic pride, encourage people to spend more time in the community and contribute to a positive impression of the area. Clean, cared-for streetscapes also support local businesses by creating neighbourhoods where people want to live, work, visit and invest.
The beautification program is made possible through the support of Emery Village BIA member businesses. Their annual contributions help fund projects that strengthen the Emery brand and demonstrate a commitment to building a vibrant and welcoming business community.
As the baskets begin to bloom and the planters fill out over the coming weeks, the Emery Village Voice would like to thank the members of the Emery Village BIA for their continued support and commitment to helping keep Emery Village looking its best.
The flowers may brighten our streets, but it is the businesses behind them that help make Emery Village bloom.
