Where are Canada's Greatest Places?

Annual competition kicks off as Canadians vote for their favourite location

OTTAWA, Nov. 29 /CNW/ - Beginning today and over the next four months, C
anadians across the country will be competing to put their favourite location on the map.

Will a street, public space, or neighbourhood in your city or town be named one of Canada's greatest places? Will your special location make it to the top?

Today's launch of Great Places in Canada marks the first annual contest that encourages people to nominate and vote for the place they love most. "We expect a great deal of friendly rivalry as people get behind a particular place," says Steven Brasier, Executive Director of the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), the sponsor of the competition.

The competition is open to everyone - just go to www.GreatPlacesInCanada.com where you can nominate, write about, and post images of the place that inspires you. And by making a nomination, you'll be entered into a draw for fabulous prizes.

Votes will be tallied in real time so it will be easy to track the leading locations. "This is going to an exciting contest as people enlist family and friends in support of their entries, communities compete with one another, and Canadians take pride in the many wonderful places in this country," Brasier adds.

Nominating and voting will close March 25, 2011. A panel of judges will then select the finalists in late April, and the winners will be announced be announced in May.

Each winning location will receive a plaque, presented to the local mayor or reeve, and winning nominators will also be awarded.

About CIP

CIP was established in 1919 and has a membership of 7,800 professional planners. The Institute sets a Code of Professional Practice and national standards for training, certification and best practices.  Please visit http://www.cip-icu.ca/.

.

For further information: