Glenboro wins with signs of growth and beauty!
Glenboro is getting a fresh look, without the weekly watering hassle and a lot of maintenance costs. Over the past couple of months, several new signs have appeared throughout town, the result of a project initiated by Glenboro Community Development (GCDC) Corporation and the town council four years ago. The goal: to offset the ongoing costs of maintaining flower pots during the summer months.
Former council member Tanya Drinkwater reported that the cost of the hanging baskets and flower pots totalled $7,500 for flowers and labour annually. “Both parties concluded that funding would be better allocated to long-term beautification and décor with less labour,” said Drinkwater.
Instead of more than ten hours a week spent watering, the signs require just one to two days for installation, plus a few hours for seasonal changeouts, such as at Christmas. “This will save taxpayers money annually, and the signs will be showcased year-round,” she added. The signs will be permanently placed at the town’s entrances and along Railway and Broadway Streets, highlighting Glenboro’s history, recreation, and other local attractions.
Seasonal signs, which are still in progress, will be displayed on poles with Christmas lighting and interchanged using the same bracket connectors for a rotating seasonal display.
Since 2022, the vibrant flower pots around town have been part of the “Adopt a Pot” program, where local businesses volunteer to plant and maintain a pot at their storefront.
“The program has worked well, keeping a blended beautification of metal décor and flowers throughout town,” Drinkwater said with a broad smile.
Lisa Thornborough of Glenboro Home Hardware commented that they enjoy filling the pots at their store’s entrance and have made it a family affair. “Last year our grandson Jaxen and this year our granddaughter Scarlett helped pick out the flowers as well as plant them! And it really isn’t an inconvenience to have staff water and maintain them.”
Funding for the new sign project was raised through the GCDC and allocated toward construction in 2022, with Cypress River Industries fabricating the signs. “The first set of signs has been completed and displayed throughout town, and Cypress River Industries is still working on the remaining ones,” explained Drinkwater.
With these signs now in place, Glenboro has a fresh, vibrant, informative and low-maintenance way to showcase its history and community pride, something residents and visitors alike can enjoy all year long.
PHOTO CAPTION: Several signs have appeared throughout Glenboro to showcase its history and community pride. PHOTOS BY SUZANNE PADDOCK
