THE RURBAN FRINGE

‘Tidy Towns’ Initiative Encourages More Than Neatness

Posted on | November 6, 2009 | 3 Comments

In an effort to foster environmental responsibility, civic pride, and community beautification, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL) developed a unique initiative for communities large and small:  Tidy Towns.

Tidy Towns is a competition.  Yet whether a community wins or loses, the benefits of being involved far outweigh any short-term glory. 

“By promoting clean, ecologically sound, heritage-aware communities, Tidy Towns increases tourism from both within and outside the province.  The activities that communities embrace to prepare for Tidy Towns (for example, restoring heritage sites and gardening) encourage the economy through the sale of construction products, plants and signs.  Tidy Towns promotes the beautification and maintenance of public and private open spaces.”

- Tidy Towns, MNL 

Yet becoming a ‘Tidy Town’ community involves more than simply being neat, it also involves grasping the ideals required to be a sustainable community. 

Community engagement, youth involvement, and voluntary leadership, for instance, are necessary for communities to succeed, and demonstrate long-term commitment to improving local infrastructures, natural spaces, and social dynamics.

For 40 years, Australia has operated a Tidy Town initiative focused on conservation, environmental innovation, cultural heritage, and local educational initiatives.  Ireland, too, manages a national Tidy Town program which encourages communities to make their area a better place to live, work, and visit.

Could your town be a ‘tidy town’?

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Comments

3 Responses to “‘Tidy Towns’ Initiative Encourages More Than Neatness”

  1. Joanne Steele
    November 11th, 2009 @ 9:06 am

    Great article! Thanks Jennifer. I’ve been following the links from this post all morning enjoying learning how folks all over the world are working on community revitalization. I’ll be referring to it in today’s post at my blog.

  2. Jennifer
    November 11th, 2009 @ 9:35 am

    @Joanne – Thanks! You’ve lots of great rural tourism info. at your site … I’ll be sure to stop by often!

  3. How to Use 40 Years of Success to Help You Revitalize Your Town | ruraltourismmarketing.com
    November 11th, 2009 @ 12:49 pm

    [...] http://www.therurbanfringe.com/tidy-towns-initiative-encourages-more-than-neatness/ [...]

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