City Divisions won numerous awards in 2017. Learn more about their achievements
Division: City Planning
This award was presented to the City Planning division for The TOcore Avatars initiative. The TOcore avatars are fictional characters based on demographic data, created as a key component of the planning process for Toronto’s new downtown plan. The project reflects an intersectional approach to planning that seeks to understand how different communities and individuals might be impacted by a particular proposal. The Canadian Institute of Planners’ annual Awards for Planning Excellence honour planning projects judged on excellence, innovation, impact on the profession, implementation potential and overall presentation.
Divisions: Municipal Licensing & Standards and Information & Technology
The City’s Vehicle for Hire Legislation Solution and Enterprise Geospatial Environment were recognized with the Excellence in Municipal Systems Award. Both these solutions furthered the City’s strategic objectives using information technology, an improvement in service delivery to clients, residents and businesses, and a high level of collaboration between City divisions. Each year, MiSA Ontario recognizes municipalities and individuals within municipalities who have successfully undertaken a significant initiative or set a new standard that other municipalities may follow in the use and delivery of technology.
Divisions: Municipal Licensing & Standards and Information & Technology
The City’s Vehicle for Hire Legislation Solution won the 2017 Digital Transformation Award in the large public sector category. Selected from over 25 finalists, the inaugural Digital Transformation Award recognizes excellence in digital transformation in Canada.
Division: Municipal Licensing & Standards
The City was awarded the 2017 E.A. Danby Award for the implementation of the new Vehicle for Hire legislation from the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario. This award is presented to municipalities that demonstrate an initiative or a willingness to explore innovative techniques, resulting in greater efficiency for the municipality.
Division: Parks, Forestry & Recreation
The City of Toronto’s Peace Garden in Nathan Phillips Square was recognized with the National Award for Public Landscapes Designed by a Landscape Architect presented by the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects.
Division: Parks, Forestry & Recreation
The City of Toronto Parks, Forestry & Recreation division won Canada Blooms 2017 awards in the categories of Outstanding Interpretation of Show Theme, Outstanding Use of Interior Plants and Best Overall Use of Colour.
Division: Parks, Forestry & Recreation
The following City of Toronto gardens were recognized with the Canada 150 Garden Experience designation as part of the North American Garden Tourism Conference awards:
Divisions: Purchasing & Materials Management, Social Development, Finance & Administration, and Equity, Diversity & Human Rights
The City of Toronto was presented with the President’s Award from WBE Canada. This award recognizes the outstanding leadership of the City’s social procurement work in supporting Supplier Diversity in Canada by advancing support and knowledge not only at the municipal level but provincial and federal levels.
Divisions: Purchasing & Materials Management, Social Development, Finance & Administration, and Equity, Diversity & Human Rights
On behalf of the City’s Purchasing & Materials Management division, Director Mike Pacholok was awarded the 2017 Program Ambassador of the Year Award from the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. This award recognizes the City’s work on social procurement, specifically supplier diversity.
Division: Toronto Public Health
The annual CPRS National Awards of Excellence recognize outstanding public relations campaigns, internal and external programs and tactics, and the dedication and contribution of public relations professionals. Toronto Public Health’s condomTO Wrapper Design Contest was celebrated for its creative and innovative approach to engaging Toronto’s youth in conversations about sexual health and condom use.
Division: Toronto Public Health
The IABC Toronto OVATION Awards recognize excellence in the field of communications, while fostering a greater appreciation of the communications profession. Toronto Public Health’s condomTO Wrapper Design Contest was celebrated with a Communications Management Award of Merit for its creative and innovative approach to engaging Toronto’s youth in conversations about sexual health and condom use.
Division: Solid Waste Management Services
The City of Toronto was honoured with two Excellence Awards from the Solid Waste Association of North America. The City received a Gold Excellence Award in the Integrated Solid Waste Management System category for the City’s Long Term Waste Management Strategy, and a Bronze Excellence Award in the Landfill Management category for the City’s Green Lane Landfill.
Division: Solid Waste Management Services
The City of Toronto won two Gold Promotion & Education Awards from the Municipal Waste Association for the Recycle Right campaign and 3Rs Ambassador Volunteer Program. The Recycle Right campaign was designed to address contamination in the Blue Bin recycling stream by making residents aware of the most common mistakes and costly consequences of putting things in the Blue Bin that don’t belong there. The 3Rs Ambassador Volunteer Program engages resident volunteers living in apartments and condos to teach their neighbours how to increase the amount that they reduce, reuse and recycle.
Division: Long-Term Care Homes & Services
Long-Term Care Homes & Services was recognized by the Aphasia Institute with the 2017 Community Partner Award for organizing the annual Toronto Challenge a 5k run, 5k walk and 1k which raises awareness and funds for Toronto seniors. The Aphasia Institute are long-time agency participants in the Toronto Challenge, which has become their most important annual fundraiser to support their many initiatives.