Alexandre-Aimée Baker
Special to the Tribune
The downtown core of Verner is about to get a major burst of colour and a welcoming touch of whimsy, thanks to a dedicated group of local volunteers and a generous boost from the financial community. The Verner Beautification Committee is rolling out its highly anticipated summer revitalization project, bringing vibrant hanging flower baskets and brand-new benches to Principale Street.
Securing approval to mount flower baskets on hydro poles along the main stretch required navigating a complex web of logistical steps, working closely with the municipality and utility providers. Now, that behind-the-scenes determination is paying off in a big way. Beautification Committee President Alicia Giroux notes that the hanging baskets have been a dream for many years. “We wanted to bring more colour and vibrancy to our community, and we believe that adding touches like this strengthens community pride while making our little downtown more welcoming and visually appealing,” she says.
An innovative feature of the new hanging baskets is their year-round versatility. Rather than being packed away when the warm weather fades, the structures will remain active throughout the winter months. The ambitious project was made possible through a major financial contribution from the Caisse Alliance. Known for their deep community roots, the cooperative stepped forward with a donation that helped purchase not only the hanging baskets but also five new benches to replace the existing ones throughout Verner. The older benches, which originally served the community during the International Plowing Match, had grown decrepit over the seasons despite years of diligent upkeep, scraping, and painting by volunteers. “We are extremely grateful to Caisse Alliance for their support, generosity, and belief in our committee and our vision for the community,” Giroux expresses.
