Esquimalt Shines Home & Garden Contest

Let's Shine Esquimalt!

In celebration of our centennial year, the 2012 Centennial Committee proudly announces a contest for Esquimalt residents and business owners to spruce up their properties for 2012. The contest runs from May through August of 2012 and will promote the improvement of homes, gardens and businesses in our community and let Esquimalt Shine during its centennial.

The contest will be a platform to showcase Esquimalt’s homes and businesses, and for residents to share in the common effort of beautifying their community. It is intended to re-energize the spirit of neighbourhood pride that is the building block of a healthy and close-knit community. We encourage all residents and business owners to get involved and make a difference in their neighbourhood and their community. BayWest RONA is offering a grand prize of a $1000 shopping spree for the overall winner of the Esqumalt Shines Contest.

Contest Application Form

Who can participate?

This contest is open to all residents and commercial-property owners in Esquimalt.

I own a business in Esquimalt but don’t live here. Can I still compete?

Yes, this competition is open to businesses within Esquimalt.

How do I sign up?

Simply obtain an application form for the contest by downloading it here or by picking it up at the Esquimalt Municipal Hall, 1229 Esquimalt Road. Once you have completed the form, bring it to the hall to pick up your Esquimalt Shines Passport Card to receive participant benefits. A starter kit will be presented to each participant containing valuable information and an “Esquimalt Shines” participant window poster.

Throughout the duration of the contest, take your Passport Card to each of our sponsors for the following discounts:

Esquimalt Country Grocer

10% off of regularly priced gardening and floral items for the duration of the contest (May 12th to August 31st)

BayWest Rona

10% off* of most regularly priced items in the store for the duration of the contest (May 12th to August 31st)
$25 off your first purchase of $100 or more

*10% discount applies to most regularly priced items in the store. For example, this discount applies to approximately 75% of store items. Discount can not be combined with any other offer(s) or contract pricing. Not applicable for in-house accounts. Bring your Passport Card to the store to sign up for your discount card.

What are the categories?

The main categories are “Structure” and “Garden and Landscaping”.

1. Structure (includes house and other property structures)

Residential
Commercial

2. Garden and Landscaping (includes floral/decorative, landscaping elements, and “green” gardening)

Residential
Commercial

What are the award categories?

Best residential structural improvement
Best business structural improvement
Best residential home and garden improvement
Best business exterior and landscape improvement

What are the important dates?

May 12th: community launch event at both BayWest RONA and Country Grocer Esquimalt, noon to 4 p.m., registration begins
August 3rd : deadline for application and “before” photos to be submitted
August 12th to 25th: contest judging
September 8th: winners announced at Esquimalt Centennial Celebration at Gorge Park

Who are the judges?

Judges will be members of the community with expertise in garden and home improvement. The names of the judges will be announced at the Community Launch weekend on May 12th and 13th.

How will my project be evaluated?

Evaluation criteria for gardens will include:

Overall before and after improvement;
Landscaping and use of decorative planting (including use of the Esquimalt Centennial colours of yellow, blue and green);
Creativity;
Overall neatness of project and absence of debris; and
Eco-restoration and sustainable practices.

Evaluation criteria for home improvements will include:

Overall before and after improvement;
Overall neatness of project and absence of debris; and
Creativity.

Prizes

A $1000 shopping spree at BayWest Rona will be offered to the grand prize winner of the contest (best overall improvement of either home or garden). Additional prizes, to be announced, will be awarded to first place winners in each category.

Will I be required to submit a “before” photo?

Yes, in order for judges to know what work has been done in 2012 as part of the contest, a photo from each participant will be required. Digital photos can be sent to info@esquimaltcentennial2012.ca, or hard copies can be dropped off at the Esquimalt Municipal Hall by August 3rd, 2012.