Vaughan’s Recreation Services brings home gold!

The City of Vaughan’s Recreation Services team has been recognized for their exceptional work in innovative, data-first marketing, receiving a prestigious ACE Award (PDF) by the Canadian Public Relations Society. 

The City’s 2024 Slo-Pitch Marketing Campaign won the Gold award in the Marketing Communications Campaign of the Year category. Mayor Steven Del Duca and Members of Council recognized this impressive achievement with a special ceremonial presentation during the Sept. 9 Committee of the Whole (1) meeting.  

The awards recognize outstanding work in the practice of public relations and strategic communications, as judged by some of the industry’s most accomplished leaders. In 2023, Vaughan’s adult slo-pitch league was canceled due to no registrations, but a strategic, research-driven relaunch in 2024 led to a fully booked season with eight teams, 52 players and a 970 per cent return on marketing investment. The program’s success has fueled rapid growth, expanding to 12 teams in 2025 with further expansion planned for 2026. 

To learn more about the City’s Recreation Services team, visit vaughan.ca/recreation.

QUOTES

“Vaughan’s Recreation Services team sets the bar high in how they promote active and healthy living in our city, through the diverse services and programs they provide, including the Vaughan Sports Slo-pitch League. This Gold ACE Award from the Canadian Public Relations Society for Best Marketing Communications Campaign reflects the hard work put into this program. This team goes above and beyond to engage with residents through a variety of strategic communication and marketing tactics, so everyone has the opportunity to experience programming that is second to none. I want to extend my sincere congratulations to Recreation Services on this well-deserved recognition.”

- Mayor Steven Del Duca

“The City of Vaughan’s Recreation Services team hit it out of the park with this one! The 2024 Slo-Pitch Marketing Campaign was creative and played a significant role in putting the Vaughan Sports Slo-pitch League back on the map. This award is an example of what can be achieved when City staff take that extra step and go above and beyond for the community. Thank you to everyone who put their time and effort into this campaign, and congratulations on this incredible recognition.”

- Zoran Postic, City Manager

“I want to congratulate our Recreation Services department for receiving the Gold ACE Award from the Canadian Public Relations Society for Marketing Communications Campaign of the Year. This is a truly impressive achievement, and is the result of innovation, hard work and dedication. By producing award-winning marketing campaigns, we are helping ensure Vaughan residents and visitors are aware of the many programs and services available to them so they can achieve their health and wellness goals.”

- Gus Michaels, Deputy City Manager, Community Services

“I am proud of the Recreation Services department for earning this recognition. The slo-pitch campaign demonstrated how creative, targeted marketing can connect more residents to recreation opportunities that support active living and community well-being. This award is a testament to their talent, collaboration and commitment to excellence.”

- Anna Dara, Director, Recreation Services 

QUICK FACTS 

• The City of Vaughan’s Recreation Services department received a Gold ACE Award by the Canadian Public Relations Society in the Marketing Communications Campaign of the Year category for the 2024 Slo-Pitch Marketing Campaign.
• Mayor Del Duca and Members of Council recognized this impressive achievement with a special ceremonial presentation during the Sept. 9 Committee of the Whole (1) meeting.
• The City of Vaughan’s Recreation Services’ webpage
• The Canadian Public Relations Society’s 2025 ACE Award recipients (PDF)

LEARN MORE 

• The City of Vaughan’s Recreation Services’ webpage
• The Canadian Public Relations Society’s 2025 ACE Award recipients (PDF)