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Virden, Manitoba: A Community in Bloom
The Town of Virden was one of the province’s first communities to support the Communities in Bloom program. Virden has participated in the National Competition since 1997 and has continually achieved high marks.
Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement and the challenge of a national program, with focus on the promotion and value of green spaces in urban settings.
“People, plants and pride… growing together” is their slogan.
Every year Virden has received recognition for their efforts, some notable award years have been:
- 1996 Most Beautiful Community in Canada (Category 1,501 to 5,000)
- 1996 Outstanding Floral Displays Award and Tidiest Community Award
- 1997 Second Most Beautiful Community in the World, Nations in Bloom (Category 1 - 10,000)
- 2005 Five Bloom Rating, Long Term Vision for the Environment
- 2006 Five Bloom Rating, Millenium Garden Communities in Bloom 1996-2006
Virden Manitoba is a growing community with many attractions, recreation and sporting opportunities, service organizations, education system and strong business sector.
The Aud Theatre is host to many entertainment groups. The Pioneer Home Museum takes visitors back in time. The CP Station houses an art gallery that is sure to please one’s artistic senses. The local library offers many programs for a variety of ages. Many of these attractions are located in beautiful heritage buildings. To view photos of Virden’s landmarks, click here.
There is a thriving sports and recreation community in Virden. The hockey arena, outdoor swimming pool with waterslide, curling rink, race track, golf course and ball diamonds are kept busy by various recreation and sports organizations. Virden is home to the Virden Indoor Rodeo and Wild West Daze, an annual rodeo that has long been a source of entertainment and excitement for Virden and area. Victoria Park boasts beautiful landscaping and an outdoor band shell available for many types of entertainment.
Virden has a strong service and education community. Virden's many churches and service groups work hard to make this community a great place to live. These groups are active in meeting the various needs of Virden's residents through dedicated volunteerism. Virden has four schools and many organizations who strive to bring education and literacy opportunities to the community.
The School
Virden Collegiate is the high school. Principal Rob Tomlinson and Vice-Principal Emma Lou Evanson help run a school that really cares about their students. Currently, VCI is planning a research program with Brandon University to explore student motivation. The staff wants to know how students are motivated and how it can help students be more prepared for life after high school.
In the first semester of the 2009-2010 school year students had a course completion rate of 93%. Students also performed well on the provincial exams in Math and English.
Students in the school extend their caring attitude into the community with fundraisers. The hockey team dyed their hair pink to raise money for breast cancer research. After the earthquake in Haiti, students gathered loose change to raise money for disaster relief. To find out more about what’s going on at VCI, visit Mr. Tomlinson’s blog here.
Special thanks to the staff and faculty at Virden Collegiate for their continued efforts to create a student centered learning environment.
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Art Class
Jazz Band
Mr. Rob Tomlinson, Principal
Physical Education Class
Learning with classmates
Study Time in the library
