November 20, 1998

To:Economic Development Committee

From:Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

Subject:Canada Blooms - The Toronto Flower and Garden Show

Purpose:

To provide Council with an update as to this department's participation and assistance to the 1999 Canada Blooms - The Toronto Flower and Garden Show.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Funds and resources required for the department's participation in the show are modest and are provided for in various activities of the department. It is specifically noted that many staff are volunteering time to assist at the display as well as in the organization of the overall event.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that this report be received for information.

Council Reference/Background/History:

Several of the former municipalities have participated in earlier Canadian Blooms shows.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

Canada Blooms had its beginnings in 1997 with its inaugural show at the Toronto Congress Centre. The week-long show attracted in excess of 70,000 visitors and was deemed an instant success.

Last year's show was staged at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and saw in excess of 110,000 visitors. This year's show is scheduled for March 10-14, 1999, returning to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. It is anticipated that the 1999 show will exceed the earlier year's visitor participation, making it one of the largest horticultural expositions in North America.

The format for the Canada Blooms show is multi-faceted, including six acres of display gardens themed in 1999 as garden escapes, a large horticultural marketplace with a variety of horticulture products for sale and equally important, an informative lecture series with gardening experts from across Canada and abroad.

The show is operated through a partnership agreement between The Garden Club of Toronto and Landscape Trades Ontario. Proceeds from the show go to worthy environmental projects with the Don Valley Brickworks project and the Teaching Garden in Edwards Gardens, the recipients of funds from the initial two shows.

Our participation in Canada Blooms provides a unique opportunity to promote the City's garden parks, conservatories and other horticultural attractions. The skills and expertise of our staff are showcased for the public to see and ask questions of staff who are in attendance.

It is extremely timely to participate in such shows as horticulture and gardening are one of the most popular leisure time activities nation-wide. We are extremely proud of our award winning gardens and staff, and welcome the opportunity to be a participant in the 1999 show.

Conclusion:

The 1999 Canada Blooms - The Toronto Flower and Garden Show provides a unique venue for this department to inform and educate the public about our parks and horticultural attractions, as well as an opportunity for our staff as a whole to come together and participate in the development and execution of an inspired horticultural exhibit.

Contact Names:

Frank Kershaw

392-8199

Claire Tucker-Reid

392-8182

Joe Halstead

Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture & Tourism