City of Pickering Wins Provincial & Environmental Communities in Bloom Awards Pickering, ON, September 18, 2007 - Despite being a first time participant, the City of Pickering has been awarded Five Blooms, the highest possible rating, at the 2007 Communities in Bloom Ontario Awards Conference, while also receiving the Environmental Awareness Award in recognition of its work in Sustainability. Participating communities were evaluated on eight criteria - Tidiness; Environmental Awareness; Community Involvement; Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation; Tree / Urban Forest Management; Landscaped Areas; Floral Displays; Turf and Groundcovers. Pickering's inaugural entry eclipsed all expectations, by excelling in most of the criteria, and earning an unprecedented yet well-deserved Five Blooms rating. This accomplishment is one of the very few instances where a municipality has been awarded this most prestigious rating for its first ever campaign. "Being judged as one of Ontario's very best Communities in Bloom municipalities is a watershed moment in Pickering's history," said Mayor Dave Ryan, Communities in Bloom Advisory Committee Co-chair. "I am very proud of the outstanding effort put forth which is demonstrative of the pride, passion and commitment that exists in our community." In addition to being awarded the Five Blooms rating, the City of Pickering capped off an extraordinary campaign by also winning the 2007 Environmental Awareness Award. "Communities in Bloom is an integral part of the City of Pickering's Sustainability journey," said Regional Councillor Bill McLean, Communities in Bloom Advisory Committee Co-Chair. "Pickering is striving to be the most sustainable municipality in Ontario, and winning the Environmental Awareness Award affirms the progress we are making." In their evaluation, the Communities in Bloom judges had several glowing comments. "The City of Pickering has not only developed well thought out programming that touches every one of the judging criteria, but brilliant marketing programs with realistic goals measure the success of each of the programs." "All too often we do not see the value and unique heritage of our own community. As visitors, this tour of Pickering has brought lasting memories and the privilege of meeting a vast array of extraordinary people." For more information on the City of Pickering's Sustainability and Communities in Bloom initiatives, please visit sustainablepickering.com.
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