Clarenville is tidiest town

Councillor Bill Bailey shows off Clarenville's history by introducing Tidy Town judges to the Cable Monument on Cormack Drive. Photos courtesy of Paul Tilley

Clarenville was named this province's tidiest town at the Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador convention Nov. 5. It's a title they share with Bay Roberts in the Population over 3,500 category.

Lucy Stoyles, Chair of the Tidy Towns Advisory Committee said that community beautification raises community and individual pride, and often brings a community closer together for common activities.

"Our communities have beautiful green spaces and this event recognizes community involvement and environmental responsibility," she said in a press release.

"The Tidy Towns program is a great way for municipalities to create awareness around environmental issues and honours the towns and community partners who really make a difference."

Clarenville has entered the competition before, coming up empty handed until last year when the town took home two awards for tidiness and community involvement. This is the first time Clarenville has taken the overall prize.

Participating municipalities are evaluated each summer by teams of volunteer judges - one pair for each population category. Towns are judged on their performance in each of the eight criteria, with the total score making up a clean, active and beautiful community that would be a great place to live and visit.