Toronto placed first in the category of cities with populations over 1 million in the 1999 Nations in Bloom competition held in Hamamatsu, Japan.
Nations in Bloom is the world's only international environmental competition.
Following a rigorous selection process that required an initial written presentation, followed by the submission of a video, an oral presentation and a defense of the submission in the final stage, Toronto was awarded the 'Green Oscar' award for its efforts.
Other final contenders included Qing Dao City, China and Salvador, Brazil.
"The Green Oscar is a symbol of international recognition that we are succeeding in our efforts to make Toronto green," said Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman.
One hundred cities from 28 countries entered the Nations in Bloom.
Submissions were judged against the following criteria -- enhancement of the landscape; heritage management; environmentally sensitive practices; community involvement; and planning for the future.