Come out and join one of Courtenay’s biggest community planting events. The Mile of Flowers is marking 59 years of filling Cliffe Avenue boulevards with colourful blooms on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
The Plant-In starts at 5 p.m. and goes until around 7 p.m. Volunteers from the community are invited to help fill the garden beds on both sides of Cliffe Avenue from 8th to 21st streets with summer flowers provided by the City of Courtenay.
No prior experience is required — just pick an open spot and start planting. Participants are asked to bring garden gloves, a trowel and drinking water. Parks staff will be on site to help direct volunteers and answer questions.
Typically, between 200 and 500 volunteers are needed. Youth groups are encouraged to take part, and all youth groups attending will be entered in a random draw to win a free private pool party.
“The Mile of Flowers is a great example of community spirit in action,” said Tyler Johns, Horticulture Supervisor for the City of Courtenay. “Every year, volunteers of all ages come out to help plant along Cliffe Avenue, and their work helps brighten the community for the months ahead.”
The Mile of Flowers is a tradition dating back to 1967, when Kathleen Kirk set out to commemorate Canada’s centennial year. That year she planted 7,800 seedlings as a welcome to tourists. What began as the initiative of one woman now involves hundreds of volunteers and around 30,000 flowers.
The City of Courtenay maintains the flower beds using compost and mulch to improve water retention. Water-efficient drip irrigation systems have been installed in several beds. Some have also been converted to water-efficient perennial blooms and shrubs.
A free barbecue will be available at Standard Park, courtesy of Courtenay Rotary and the City of Courtenay.
The City of Courtenay sends thanks to all the community volunteers, clubs and organizations who have helped beautify the community for so many years.
For more information, please visit www.courtenay.ca/mile-of-flowers