Moosomin in bloom: Nutrien’s support helps prairie town flourish

There’s something about prairie life that is nurturing by nature. In small towns like Moosomin, Saskatchewan – there’s a rhythm of care and connection. When a neighbor needs help, hands are quick to rise.

That spirit was on full display when Moosomin—population 2,657—set out to rejoin the Communities in Bloom program after a long hiatus. The town’s Parks and Recreation department, which relies heavily on community support to fund facilities and programming, needed both financial backing and volunteers to make it happen.

A Blooming Partnership

The good news came from Rocanville’s Community Investment Committee: a $10,000 contribution to kickstart Moosomin’s revitalization efforts in 2023.

“After an amazing summer of programming we would be awarded four Blooms,”says Mike Schwean, Director, Moosomin Parks and Recreation. “In 2024, we reentered the program with more experience and improvements – and earned five Blooms and entry into the National Communities in Bloom.”

“Blooms” are points based on a rating system from one through five, with five being the highest ranking. One bloom is worth fifty-five points and the maximum five blooms is worth eighty-two points. Up to two communities in each province will be invited to participate in the following year’s national edition.

Photo credit: The World Spectator

National Judges from Communities in Bloom National evaluate Moosomin and area towns.

Growing Great Places Together

Since 1995, Communities in Bloom has inspired towns across Canada to enhance quality of life through people and plants. Communities are evaluated by a volunteer jury on six program criteria – Community Appearance, Environmental Action, Heritage Conservation, Tree Management, and Floral Displays.

Results and program winners are released each year, in the fall. In 2024, Moosomin was recognized for its Commitment to Cultural Heritage Preservation and received a special Environmental Action Award for a town-wide cleanup. In 2023, the town earned Blooms for Community Business Support and Volunteers.

Photo credit: The World Spectator

National Judges from Communities in Bloom National evaluate Moosomin and area towns.

“We were able to offer programs, contests, displays and community projects we would never have been able to without Nutrien’s support,” says Mike. “Sometimes recognition just feels right… this is one of those occasions.”

Rocanville Team Honored with Community Builder Award

For their continued support, Nutrien was awarded the 2025 Corporate Community Builder Award by Moosomin Parks and Recreation. The award was accepted by Justin Young, General Manager of our Rocanville mine—just down the road from Moosomin, where many employees live and volunteer.

Photo credit: The World Spectator

Justin Young, GM,Rocanville accepts the Community Builder Award from Moosomin town Councillor, Devin Nosterud. 

Left to right: Daniel Miller (Mine General Foreman, Rocanville), Justin Young, Allan Holman (Mine Maintenance Engineering Manager, Rocanville), Devin Nosterud.

“This isn’t just about the money – we don’t just show up with cheques,” says Justin Young, General Manager, Rocanville. “Our team roll up their sleeves, lace up their skates, and spend countless hours coaching sports teams, volunteering at events, and helping bring essential projects to life.”

A History of Local Roots

This marks the second time Nutrien has received the Community Builder Award from Moosomin Parks and Recreation. Past collaborations include the Nutrien Sportsplex, but the partnership goes far beyond infrastructure.

“Nutrien has helped our department in every way imaginable,” says Mike. “To be honest, I couldn’t count the number of times they’ve helped us out on projects big, small, and everything in the middle.”

True community building comes down to a simple but powerful concept – caring about each other.

“We don’t just see these as donations,” says Justin. “We see them as investments in memories, passions, and the future our neighbors deserve.”

Planting Seeds for the Future

Through its support of Moosomin’s Communities in Bloom efforts, Nutrien is helping strengthen both the land and the bonds between people in this tight-knit prairie town.

“When our employees give their time, they are planting seeds of change,” says Renee Glushyk, Senior Manager, Community Relations & Investment, Nutrien. “Through our Employee Engagement programs, our people are empowered to turn everyday actions into lasting impact.”

The Rocanville team continues to be active in surrounding communities, contributing time, energy, and heart.

“We hope others will be inspired by Moosomin and by the volunteerism of Nutrien’s Rocanville team because caring for our communities is how we grow together,” says Renee.

Employees in Action: Volunteer Stats

Here’s how Rocanville employees supported their community in 2024:

• More than 450 community groups supported
• Over 3,800 employee volunteer hours tracked
• Over $44,000 volunteer reward dollars donated
• Nutrien matched employee donations, totalingmore than $125,000.