STAFF REPORT

February 28, 2000

To: Economic Development and Parks Committee

From: Joe Halstead, Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

Subject: Results of the "Nations in Bloom 1999" Competition

All Wards

Purpose:

To provide an update to Council on the City of Toronto's award-winning performance at the "Nations in Bloom 1999" competition.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There are no financial implications resulting from the adoption of this report.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) the Economic Development and Parks Committee be presented with the "Nations in Bloom 1999" award, in recognition of the numerous Departments, community groups, and partners who have helped Toronto achieve environmental excellence; and

(2) the appropriate City Officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Background:

In 1998, the Economic Development Committee requested the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism to enter the City of Toronto in the "Nations in Bloom 1999" competition (Clause No. 8(a) of Report No. 4 of the Economic Development Committee, adopted by Council on October 28, 1998).

Nations in Bloom is a non-profit organization based in the United Kingdom that is associated with the International Federation of Park and Recreation Administration. The objectives of the Nations in Bloom competition, launched in 1997 and dubbed the "Green Oscars," are to encourage enhanced public awareness of exemplary environmental management to improve the quality of life of all citizens, and to encourage others to achieve high standards.

The two-stage competition is guided by an international panel of judges, who review all written submissions and short-list finalists for an oral presentation and defence of the submission. Communities are grouped into population categories and are judged according to how they manage their environment in five areas: enhancement of the landscape; heritage management; environmentally sensitive practices; community involvement; and planning for the future.

The submission by the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department included input and support from staff from Works and Emergency Services, Urban Development Services, the Toronto Preservation Board, and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Based on its written submission, Toronto was short-listed along with cities from China, Brazil, and Russia as a finalist in the "communities over 1 million population" category.

"Nations in Bloom 1999" was hosted by the City of Hamamatsu, Japan on February 10-14, 2000. Toronto was represented by Frank Kershaw, Director of Policy and Development, and Fiona Campbell, Co-Chair of the Parks and Forestry Advisory Board (West District) and a volunteer active in Etobicoke environmental affairs. These representatives made an oral presentation and showed a video highlighting Toronto's environmental achievements, and defended our submission before a panel of six judges. Toronto placed first in its population category and received an award from Nations in Bloom.

Comments:

The Nations in Bloom award represents international recognition of Toronto's environmental excellence. It reflects positively on the policies, programs, and practices adopted by past and present Councils, the initiative and dedication displayed by City staff, and the active engagement of our citizens in making Toronto a green place. It indicates that Toronto is on the right path to becoming a sustainable city.

The award stands as a benchmark against which our future environmental improvements can be measured. It can be used in promotional campaigns to attract people and businesses to an environmentally progressive city. Locally, the award should be promoted to enhance community pride and send a message of appreciation to the many volunteers and partners who have helped improve Toronto's quality of life.

Conclusions:

The "Nations in Bloom 1999" competition provided Toronto with an opportunity to demonstrate its environmental excellence on the world stage. Toronto responded to this challenge by placing first in the "communities over 1 million population" category. This reflects highly on the Council, staff, and citizens of the City of Toronto and their ongoing efforts to secure the best possible urban living environment and quality of life in the new millennium.

Contact:

Frank Kershaw,

Director Policy and Development

Tel: 392-8199

Fax: 395-0278

e-mail: frank.kershaw@toronto.ca

Joe Halstead

Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism