Recognition program for the beautification of the village

1. Introduction

This proposal outlines the establishment of a Victoria recognition program held every two years for the beautification of the Village to recognize and celebrate excellence in design, construction, renovation, and overall contribution to the visual and functional enhancement of Victoria.

The program aims to encourage high-quality development and promote community pride.

2. Objectives

The objectives of the program are to:

  • Encourage excellence in architectural design and site development

  • Promote improvements to existing residential, commercial, and industrial properties

  • Enhance the aesthetic appeal and livability of the Village

  • Foster community engagement through active participation in nominations and public voting

3. Award Categories

The following categories are proposed:

  1. Best Design – New Residential Construction

  2. Best Improvement – Existing Residential Property

  3. Best Design – New Agricultural, Commercial, or Light Industrial Development

  4. Best Improvement – Existing Agricultural, Commercial or Light Industrial Building

  5. Best Garden Design

4. Eligibility Criteria

4.1 Geographic Eligibility

  • All nominated projects must be located within the municipal boundaries of the Rural municipality of Victoria.

4.2 Permit and Compliance Requirements

  • Projects must have obtained all required municipal permits and approvals, where applicable.

  • Projects must be in good standing with municipal bylaws, including compliance with the Dangerous, Hazardous and Unsightly Premises (DHUP) Bylaw.

4.3 Project Completion Status

  • Both completed and substantially completed projects are eligible, provided sufficient work has been undertaken to allow proper evaluation.

4.4 Nomination Sources

  • Nominations may be submitted by:

    • Property owners

    • Contractors or designers, with the written consent of the property owner.

5. Nomination Process

  • Nominations may be submitted via email, or in person at the municipal office.

  • Required submission materials include:

    • Project description

    • Photographs (before and after, if applicable)

    • Relevant design or site information (optional but encouraged)

6. Evaluation Process

Public voting will be conducted to ensure community participation in the evaluation process.

Voting will be available through the following methods:

  • Online voting via the municipal website

  • In-person voting at the municipal office during regular business hours

To ensure fairness, each resident is limited to one vote per category.

7. Program Timeline

  • January 1, 2024 – August 15, 2026: Projects substantially completed eligible for the recognition programs

  • June 15, 2026 – August 15, 2026 : Call for nominations and submission period

  • September 1, 2026 - September 20, 2026: Evaluation by public voting

  • September 29, 2026: Planning Board meeting to review and scrutinize the voting results

  • October 13, 2026: Council meeting to approve the voting results

  • Late October: Awards Ceremony and presentation of certificates and prizes to award recipients

8. Awards and Recognition

Recipients of each award category will receive:

  • A $50 Gift Card;

  • A Certificate of Recognition presented by the Municipality;

  • Recognition on the municipal website and municipal newsletters;

  • An Award Plaque acknowledging their contribution to the beautification and enhancement of the Municipality.

9. Promotion and Communication

The program will be promoted through:

  • Municipal website and newsletters

  • Community notice board

  • Direct communication with permit applicants

10. Conclusion

The Program represents an opportunity to celebrate excellence, inspire higher standards in development, and strengthen community pride. By recognizing both new construction and improvements, the program supports sustainable growth and aligns with the long-term vision of the Village.