July 24, 2009

Victoria, BC - Two 100-plus year old Grandes Dames of the local tourism industry unite today on the front lawn of The Fairmont Empress.

The Butchart Gardens' Model T Ford pickup will arrive for an extended stay on the lawn. The two Victoria icons will use the flower bedecked truck and The Gardens' staff to act as ambassadors not only for The Fairmont Empress and The Gardens, but also Greater Victoria.

Both Victoria landmarks are raising the awareness to local residents and visitors of their Afternoon Teas and other services offered at their respective businesses. The increased presence on the Inner Harbour is expected to encourage visitors to extend their stays as they become educated on the additional things to see and do in BC's capital city region.

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About the Model T Ford pickup
The Model T Ford pickup was designed and originally produced a century ago in 1908, the same year The Fairmont Empress opened for business.  In the second decade of the last century, during which much of The Butchart Gardens was developed, the Model T was the most common vehicle on the roads, and many took part in the transformation of The Gardens from rock quarry to display garden.  This particular truck delivered the rural mail from 1926 till 1949.  It continues to perform working duties as part of The Gardens' fleet.

About The Fairmont Empress
Rising regally on Victoria's spectacular Inner Harbour, The Fairmont Empress' luxury resort hotel showcases the spirit and energy of Vancouver Island in grand style. With her turn-of-the-century beauty, The Fairmont Empress resort hotel captures the grandeur and elegance of a bygone era, while her facilities and services meet the needs of today's traveler.


About The Butchart Gardens
The Butchart Gardens, created in 1904 by Jennie Butchart out of her husband's worked-out limestone quarry site, welcomes close to one million visitors from around the world each year, and it has been designated a National Historic Site. The 22 hectare (55 acre) year round gardens are located 20 km (13 miles) north of the city of Victoria, British Columbia, on the Saanich Peninsula.


CONTACT:

Graham Bell
Public Relations
250-544-4479
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