Toyota dedicates new Japanese Tea Garden at Montréal Botanical Garden

MONTREAL, Sept. 17, 2002- The new Tea Garden at the Japanese Pavilion of the Montréal Botanical Garden was officially opened today and dedicated to the late Hector Dupuis, a former Toyota Canada executive and prominent figure in Canada's automotive industry. Yoshio Nakatani, Chairman of Toyota Canada Inc., Tetsuo Shioguchi, Japanese Consul General in Montréal, Cosmo Maciocia, member of the Executive Committee of the City of Montréal and representatives of the Montréal Botanical Garden were joined by Mr. Dupuis' wife, Louise, for the ceremony.

The new Tea Garden leads into the Japanese Pavilion's Tea Room where the elegant, centuries-old Japanese tea ceremony is celebrated throughout the summer. The garden's traditional role is to provide an oasis of peace in which guests leave behind the cares of the day before entering the tea room.

"Hector Dupuis began his automotive career here in his native Montréal and he was a tireless supporter of many of its most worthy causes," said Nakatani. "Toyota is proud to honour his community service and his love of the city by offering this garden in his name. I know our dealers and associates, here and across the country, agree it is a fitting tribute to his life, and we are pleased to have his family join us for this special occasion."

Toyota Canada provided a total financial contribution of $175,000 to the Montréal Botanical Garden to build the Tea Garden. The Tea Garden was designed using plans provided by Montréal's sister city of Hiroshima.