Pickering, ON, February 1, 2010 - The Pickering Horticultural Society was awarded the Elsa Bethal-Haydon Award on January 11, 2010 by the Ontario Park Association. The Ontario Park Association holds the award ceremony annually and is dedicated to celebrating groups and individuals that exemplify efforts to beautification, conservation and who practice their motto "Protecting Tomorrow Today”.

The Elsa Bethal-Haydon Award recognizes the contributions of volunteers and non-professionals, who meet the objectives of the Association and further recognizes the increasing contribution to the profession made by committed members of the community.

Beautifying the City of Pickering since 1933, the Pickering Horticultural Society has worked diligently to educate and inspire residents to create masterpieces on their own front and back lawns. More recently the PHS has worked closely with the City of Pickering to create the Pickering Blooms program which had great success in 2009. The group holds weekly meetings and new members are always welcomed!

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As the gateway city to the east GTA, Pickering (population 94,000) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet. Pickering is an affluent community that is steeped in history, natural beauty and small town charm with all the amenities and services that a big city has to offer. The City of Pickering is considered a municipal leader in fiscal management, service delivery, sustainability and the environment; and offers a wealth of sports, leisure and recreation opportunities to its residents. Pickering has been recognized by Profit magazine as one of the ten best cities in Canada for growth companies and received the 2008 FCM-CH2M Hill Sustainable Community Planning Award.

Media Contact:
Krystal Ferguson
(Acting) Coordinator, Marketing & Revenue
Email kferguson@cityofpickering.com
Phone 905.420.4660 ext. 2064
TTY 905.420.1739