CNLA Newsbrief Magazine Fall 2023

CELEBRATE THE 2023 CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE

NURTURE YOUR CAREER WITH LHCP

PROTECTED AGRICULTURE STEWARDSHIP STANDARDS

THE 64TH ANNUAL IGCA CONGRESS • QUÉBEC

CELEBRATING GREATNESS THE 2023 DISTINCTION AWARD RECIPIENTS

PLANTS LOVE YOU NEW AGRI-MARKETING CAMPAIGN RECOGNIZED EMPLOYER PILOT PROGRAM FOR TFWP

JOIN US AT IGCA CONGRESS 2024

FROM THE IGCA CONGRESS COMMITTEE

IGCA CONGRESS

THE 64TH IGCA CONGRESS is coming to Canada! This annual event will be hosted by GCC in Montréal & Québec City, and will showcase an elite group of garden centres in the province to top retailers from across the world.

During the annual Congress, more than ten garden centres will be visited plus local attractions. Morning business sessions and an Interactive Tour are being offered allowing garden centres time to exchange best practices, ideas and experience with one another at this week-long event.

Register now at: www.IGCA24.ca, or e-mail: info@IGCA24.ca

For circulation or content please contact communications@cnla-acpp.ca

CNLA EXECUTIVE BOARD

President Bill Hardy, CLHM - BC

Past President Anthony O’Neill - NL

Vice President, Anita Heuver - AB

Communications

Committee Chair

Second Vice President Alan White - ON Climate Change Adaptation Chair

Treasurer, Professional Jeff Foley, CLHT, CLHM - BC Development & Human Resources Chair

CNLA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BCLNA Heike Stippler, CLD - BC

Landscape AB Jeff Oudyk - AB

Landscape SK Leslie Cornell - SK

MBNLA Guy Dowhy, RSE, CLHT, CLHM - MB

Landscape ON Dave Wright, CLD, CLHM- ON

Landscape NS David Thompson - NS

Garden Centres Robin Godfrey - NS

Canada Chair

Landscape NB/PEI, Kevin Nauss, CLHM - NB

Member Services Chair, Insurance Chair

Landscape NL Peggy Head - NL

Landscape Canada Peter Guinane - ON Committee Chair

Research Chair Phil Paxton - AB

Government Christene LeVatte CLHM, CLD - NS Relations Chair

Growers Canada Chair Jeff Olsen - ON

CNLA STAFF

Executive Victor Santacruz, CLHM, CAE, Director victor@cnla-acpp.ca

Deputy Executive Rebecca Doutre, CLHM, CAE, Director rebecca@cnla-acpp.ca

Finance & Cheryl Gall, CAE

Administration Manager cheryl@cnla-acpp.ca

Growers Sector Jamie Aalbers Specialist jamie@cnla-acpp.ca

Communities in Bloom Sonia Parrino Program Specialist bloom@cib-cef.com

Landscape & Anne Kadwell, CLHT

Retail Sector Specialist anne@cnla-acpp.ca

Industry & Government Leslie Sison, CAE Relations Specialist leslie@cnla-acpp.ca

Communications Dave Mazur Specialist dave@cnla-acpp.ca

Communications Lauryn Mullan

Coordinator lauryn@cnla-acpp.ca

Media Stuart Service

Coordinator stuart@cnla-acpp.ca

Content & Design Sarah McIntosh

Coordinator sarah@cnla-acpp.ca

HortProtect Marketing Teagan Schroeder

Director & Special Projects teagan@cnla-acpp.ca

Member Services Cathy Lam

Coordinator cathy@cnla-acpp.ca

Member Services Nicole Xavier

Coordinator nicole@cnla-acpp.ca

Certification Edith Oyosoro, CAE

Coordinator edith@cnla-acpp.ca

Environmental Policy Frydda Sandoval, CAE

Coordinator frydda@cnla-acpp.ca

Minor Use/IPM Peter Isaacson B.Sc. MPM Coordinator peter@cnla-acpp.ca

NEW FORMAT A HIT IN WINNIPEG!

BY STUART SERVICE

THE DEBUT OF THE Circle Of Excellence at the 20th annual National Awards of Landscape Excellence (NALE) built excitement throughout the August 9 gala at the Winnipeg Fairmont.

The Circle of Excellence is awarded to the top three scoring projects in five categories: landscape design, landscape construction (residential and commercial) and landscape maintenance (residential and commercial). This was a way to recognize thrice the number of outstanding projects, while also guiding the gala towards a concluding crescendo.

Each announcement of a winning project led to genuine surprise, followed by emotional, offthe-cuff acceptance speeches, which created an overall better experience for the more than 130 in attendance.

GROWERS

Jamie Aalbers, Growers Sector Specialist jamie@cnla-acpp.ca www.cnla.ca

GARDEN CENTRES

Anne Kadwell, Landscape & Retail Sector Specialist anne@cnla-acpp.ca www.cnla.ca

Subscribe to CNLA’s YouTube channel ( youtube. com/CNLA) to see the ceremony for yourself, as well to enjoy interviews with the 2023 Circle of Excellence recipients as they share the stories of their beautiful landscapes.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Frydda Sandoval, Environmental Policy Coordinator frydda@cnla-acpp.ca www.cnla.ca

GOVERNMENT

Leslie Sison, Industry & Government Specialist leslie@cnla-acpp.ca www.cnla.ca

Thank you to our sponsors for helping to realize this ambitious 2023 NALE gala: Caterpillar, John Deere, Equinox Environmental Products, HortProtect, Fenchurch General Insurance Company, LMN, Lacoste Garden Centre, and Greenhouse Canada Magazine.

CERTIFICATION

Discover more at: www.NALE.ca

Edith Oyosoro, Certification Coordinator edith@cnla-acpp.ca www.cnla.ca

COMMUNICATIONS

Stuart Service, Media Coordinator stuart@cnla-acpp.ca www.cnla.ca

FOSSIL LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION

MODERN LUXURY

WINNER • RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION

SPONSORED BY CATERPILLAR

FOSSIL LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION brings to life a beautiful and challenging design by Paul Sangha Creative in its project Modern Luxury.

Among the design features is a curved, sloping driveway that wraps around a multi-layered staircase surrounded by plant material and custom concrete walls. The numerous angles and heights of this property’s focal point was “definitely a tough one to wrap our heads around,“ said Andrew Foster, Project Manager for Fossil Landscape Construction.

He added that building the driveway and other areas of the site the way they were envisioned in the design kind of felt like putting together a Lego set “but no one has provided the instructions. So, you’ve got to write those yourself before you begin.“

The sheer scale meant that multiple tasks needed to be occurring simultaneously at a property in one of the most prestigious areas in Vancouver in West Point Grey. A large, well-coordinated crew pushed through to ensure that Modern Luxury, which began construction in January 2021, could meet its Summer 2022 deadline.

Fossil Landscape Construction

Vancouver, British Columbia fossillandscapeconstruction.com

PLANTA LANDSCAPE WINNER • LANDSCAPE DESIGN

BRITANNIA RESIDENCE

DESIGNING ‘BRITANNIA RESIDENCE‘ started immediately after the homeowners bought the property in 2018, when Planta Landscape met the clients and the architect to determine how to transform this plot of land in southwest Calgary.

Planta Landscape, a design/build Calgary-based company established in 1991, helped not only to design the planting arrangements and the garden beds, but also to construct many of the features in the back and front yards.

“I think that’s part of what makes a project successful, to be involved from day one, and to work hand-in-hand with architects, engineers, the builders, and the homeowners,” said Planta Landscape Studio’s Design Lead María del Sol Galdón.

Two long fireplaces anchor each side of the swimming pool, which leads to a spectacular view of the city. Vegetation of this yard is used to soften the stone used on the house, with numerous whites from hydrangeas and mock orange shrubs blooming throughout the seasons to compliment the white marble siding of this modern home.

The palette may be simple, “but used quite extensively to create that lushness and softness to the landscape,” María said.

Planta Landscape Inc.

Calgary, Alberta plantalandscape.com

TRIM LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPE AWARD WINNER PEGGY’S COVE

WINNER • COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION

SPONSORED BY CATERPILLAR

SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY have been dramatically improved at Peggy’s Cove, a Canadian jewel in Nova Scotia, thanks to eight months of work by Trim Landscaping and numerous subcontractors.

Peggy’s Cove is a tiny fishing village of approximately 30 residents but is a beloved tourist spot that draws over one-million visitors annually to marvel at the picturesque lighthouse.

The most challenging aspect of the design by Omar Gandhi Architects was breaking through the solid granite to create space for the new viewing deck. Cantilevered 11 meters out, the deck minimized construction on the natural landscape, providing visitors with an accessible and extraordinary view of the lighthouse and the Atlantic Ocean.

“Breaking granite on the shoreline there is next to impossible“ said Trim Landscaping CEO Brendan Wilton, adding that on a good day his team could fight the rock and break through a few cubic metres in an hour. “And then there were some days where we’d make a wheelbarrow of dust.“

Pouring a one-metre-thick concrete superstructure presented a major challenge. Due to specific requirements and the time constraints, the task had to be completed overnight with coordinated arrivals of numerous concrete trucks.

After conquering logistical and landscape hurdles, the final touches on the viewing deck advanced steadily.

Trim Landscaping Inc. Halifax, Nova Scotia trimlandscaping.ca

STRATHMORE COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT

CONSILIUM PLACE

WINNER • COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE

MANICURED LAWNS AND FULL GARDEN BEDS are exploding with colour, turning Consilium Place, a Scarborough office complex, into a sight to behold thanks to the work of Strathmore Commercial Landscape Management.

Strathmore, established in 1963, began maintaining the Consilium grounds in 2019, and was the national company’s first project in Toronto. Its success has led to several ongoing jobs around the city.

Sergiu Galitchi from Strathmore calls the Consilium Place grounds his “baby,” having been there from the start. “This is one of my favourite places.”

Strathmore’s Consilium team of four members have a tight bond that’s grown over the past four years. “I treat them like part of my family,” Sergiu said, adding that the landscapes they’ve created tend to inspire the team each day to go above and beyond.

strathmore.pro

Strathmore Commercial Landscape Management LaSalle, Québec

LANDSCAPE AWARD WINNER

IT’S ABOUT THYME GARDEN DESIGN & LANDSCAPING

URBAN OASIS

WINNER • RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE

URBAN OASIS IS AN APPROPRIATE NAME for the front and back yards of a Kitchener-Waterloo area home that were designed, installed, and now continually maintained by It’s About Thyme Inc. since 2016.

Comprehensive maintenance by the Kitchener based company, established in 1997, is a year-round endeavor, looking after over 50 trees, 280 shrubs and 250 perennials on this property. The plant roster includes Japanese Maples, Goldspire Ginko trees, White fringetrees, beech, yew and lavender hedges, and hostas and hydrangeas for days.

It’s About Thyme owner Melissa McKerlie is proud that only a fraction of the plant material has needed replacing over her and her team’s seven years of maintenance.

“It’s just been so nice to see this transform from a bare, empty lot to this beautiful, relaxing oasis that the homeowners enjoy on a daily basis,” she said.

Around the home are 11 seasonal planter displays that get changed up each season, an ongoing creative challenge in which Melissa’s aim is to “try to make them bigger and better,” she said.

“It’s About Thyme” Garden Design & Landscaping Kitchener, Ontario itsaboutthymelandscaping.ca

CELEBRATING GREATNESS

THE 2023 DISTINCTION AWARDS RECIPIENTS

BY STUART SERVICE

WINNER • GREEN FOR LIFE COMMUNITY AWARD: ST. MATTHEW’S HOUSE REJUVENATION PROJECT

Following years of hard work by a team of volunteers and Landscape Ontario members, a #GreenMyCity project in Hamilton’s Barton Village celebrated its official grand opening in June before receiving the Green For Life community award.

Work towards finalizing the new look of St. Matthews House, which supports seniors, children and vulnerable members of the community, began in 2019. Dedicated efforts by volunteers over the years have transformed the neglected playground and parking lot corner into an inviting, natural oasis with a vibrant seating area in the courtyard.

“Today is the day where it all comes together,” said St. Matthew’s House Executive Director Renee Wetselaar, seated at a picnic bench in the courtyard following the official grand opening. “It’s really phenomenal what a space like this can do to a neighbourhood.”

Wetselaar said enhancements to the St. Matthews House grounds fill a missing need for Barton Village by providing a welcoming outdoor space for neighbours to congregate. “It’ll be here for years and years to come. And I have so much thanks for that.”

Discover more at www.GCFoundation.ca

WINNER • 2023 GROWER OF DISTINCTION: JEFFRIES NURSERIES

JEFFRIES NURSERIES LTD. specializes in hardy, northern grown nursery stock for garden centres, growers and landscapers. The company was founded by Wilbert and Sharon Ronald in 1982, growing over the years from a small retail garden centre into one of Manitoba’s largest nurseries.

Jeffries provides quality plants across Canada and the northern United States through their Northern Garden Collection brand. The nursery

is situated on more than 200 acres of land in Portage la Prairie, MB, which includes over 65,000 square feet of greenhouse production space that specializes in perennials, roses, hanging baskets, herbs and annual production.

Jeffries’ tree and shrub seed program supplies nursery seed across North America. A major Jeffries’ specialty is in its research and development, which over the years has introduced more than 40 new plant varieties resistant to ever-evolving pest and disease issues, as well as tolerance to the challenging hardiness zones in the prairies.

WINNER • 2023 ‘GREENHOUSE CANADA’ GARDEN CENTRE OF DISTINCTION: ALTERNATIVE CHOICE GARDEN CENTRE

THE 2023 GARDEN CENTRE OF DISTINCTION, sponsored by Greenhouse Canada Magazine, was awarded to Alternative Choice Garden Centre, which is a destination shopping experience located in Brandon, Manitoba, featuring friendly, knowledgeable staff and a well-stocked nursery that offers thousands of plant varieties.

The garden centre is open year-round and frequently hosts popular events during the offpeak “shoulder” seasons. By effectively promoting these events using multiple social media platforms, Alternative brings in customers even when it’s -40 degrees outside.

The parent company, Alternative Group, is celebrating its 25th year in business.

RECOGNIZED EMPLOYER PILOT PROGRAM FOR TFWP

BY LESLIE SISON, CAE

IN EARLY AUGUST 2023, the government of Canada announced the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The REP will help reduce the administrative burden and simplify the hiring process for repeat TFWP employers who demonstrate a history of complying with program requirements.

The biggest issue we continued to hear regarding the TFWP is the amount of time it takes to process Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA) each year. An LMIA confirms that there is a need for a temporary foreign worker, that no Canadians or permanent residents are available to do the job, and ensures that the employer’s job offer is legitimate and that the employer has complied with Program requirements to protect workers.

The new pilot will help to alleviate the administrative workload for some and simplify the repeat hiring process of Temporary Foreign Workers for employers who demonstrate a history of complying with the program requirements. Recognized Employers will have access to LMIA validity for up to 36 months, and potentially simplified LMIA applications to hire additional workers in the future.

REP WILL BE ROLLED OUT IN TWO STAGES:

To participate, employers must have a minimum of three positive LMIAs for the same occupation over the past five years from a list of occupations that have been designated as in-shortage and supported using Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) data.

.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

l Stage 1 begins in September 2023, when employers in the Primary Agriculture stream will be able to apply in time for the 2024 season.

Phase 1 Occupation List:

l Stage 2 begins in January 2024, and opens intake to all other industry sectors.

Phase 2 Occupation List: (only occupations relevant to our industry are listed below):

21201 Landscape architects

64100 Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers

72429 Other small engine and small equipment repairers

85101 Harvesting labourers

85103 Nursery and greenhouse labourers

Applications for both streams will be accepted until September 2024.

The eligibility is based on occupations within program streams and not program streams specifically. For example, a general farm worker could be under SAWP (Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program) and the low-wage stream, and this occupation is on the list of eligible REP occupations

There are four occupations open to employers in primary agriculture starting in September. Employers hiring for work in primary agriculture, including those under the SAWP, can apply to become recognized employers at the same time they apply for their SAWP LMIA.

ELIGIBILITY:

When applying for the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP), Service Canada will conduct a rigorous, up-front assessment of your LMIA application to determine eligibility for the REP. You may be eligible for the REP if:

l you’ve received at least three positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) decisions in the last five years to hire temporary foreign workers (TFWs) for positions on the REP occupations list.

l you meet the highest standards for working conditions, living conditions and worker protection as demonstrated through your history with the TFWP, and you agree to adhere to the regular TFWP requirements.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

If you meet the eligibility criteria listed above, you may still be found ineligible for the REP if:

l you’ve received negative LMIA decisions

l you’ve been found non-compliant

l significant allegations have been made against you for putting the health and safety of TFWs at risk

l you’ve failed to meet requirements associated with inspection check-ins, or there’s a change in the labour market that impacts the position you’re trying to fill

You don’t need to provide additional information to apply for the REP. When you submit your LMIA, you can choose to apply for REP at the same time. We’ll determine whether you’re eligible based on your history with the TFWP. If you’re not approved for the REP, you’ll still get an LMIA decision.

You must meet TFWP requirements, as well as those for the REP. You must also uphold the conditions and rules set out in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act regarding hiring a TFW.

TWO WAYS TO APPLY:

l Through the LMIA Online Portal, a reliable and secure platform where employers can complete and submit an online application to ESDC

l If the employer has valid proof of valid exemption to the LMIA Online Portal, they can e-mail a PDF application form to ESDC.

The assessment of a REP application will be based on the employer’s history of compliance with the TFW Program and how often they use the Program to fill in-demand occupations.

Employers who are expected to meet REP eligibility criteria will be proactively invited to apply using a dual-purpose LMIA application which differs from the regular LMIA. Eligibility will be based on the employer’s history with the TFW Program by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Employers can request that the application be used to apply for recognized status under REP and for the LMIA at the same time. Industry occupations that have been designated as in-shortage and supported using Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) data. Relating to our Industry include:

FEES:

The fees stay consistent with the standard LMIA. You must pay $1,000 for each position requested under the REP to cover the cost of processing your application.

l The processing fee won’t be refunded if your application is withdrawn at your request, canceled or if your application

receives a negative assessment. Refunds are issued only if a fee was collected in error.

l The processing fee cannot be paid by nor be recovered from the TFWs.

l The LMIA processing fee doesn’t apply to occupations: •Related to primary agriculture

•Positions under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes 80020, 80021, 82030, 82031, 84120, 85100, 85101 and 85103

There may be a variety of fees and costs incurred in the process of recruiting TFWs, including, but not limited to:

l cost of using a third-party representative

l advertising fees

l fees paid by a foreign national for assistance with finding or securing employment

l fees paid by an employer for assistance or advice in the hiring of foreign nationals

As an employer, you must confirm and ensure that you or anybody recruiting on your behalf doesn’t charge or recover any recruitment fees, directly or indirectly, from the TFWs. Failure to do so will result in a negative LMIA decision.

MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION

We all know that many suffered from mental health issues through COVID at unprecedented rates. What isn’t discussed as much is those that are suffering through the transition out of COVID. Your mental health is important no matter the reason and if you are struggling please know there is help. We wish to promote that people break the stigma and take care of themselves if they realize they may need help. In that effort, we wish to provide you with a list of mental health helplines and websites, as well as an idea of what to expect if you reach out to a help centre.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

MENTAL HEALTH HELPLINES

British Columbia: 1-800-784-2433

Alberta: 1-877-303-2642

Saskatchewan: 1-800-667-4442

Manitoba: 1-866-367-3276

Ontario: 1-866-531-2600

Quebec: 1-866-277-3553

New Brunswick: 1-800-667-5005

Nova Scotia: 1-888-429-8167

Prince Edward Island: 1-800-218-2885

Newfoundland and Labrador: 1-888-737-4668

WHEN YOU CALL A HELPLINE, THEY WILL...

The hardest part of asking for help is making the decision to ask for help. If you reach out to a helpline you can expect some of the following:

l All aspects of your conversations will be kept confidential

l They will not judge you

l They may ask you questions about your situation and will most likely ask about your support systems (Friends, family, professionals)

GROWERS

Jamie Aalbers, Growers Sector Specialist jamie@cnla-acpp.ca www.cnla.ca

l They will help prioritize issues and determine what needs to be addressed and what can wait.

l They can help understand what is and isn’t within your control.

GARDEN CENTRES

Anne Kadwell, Landscape & Retail Sector Specialist anne@cnla-acpp.ca www.cnla.ca

l They will problem-solve to be more capable of looking at things in a different way

l Will help assess what has and has not worked to deal with issues

CLIMATE CHANGE

Frydda Sandoval, Environmental Policy Coordinator frydda@cnla-acpp.ca www.cnla.ca

GOVERNMENT

Leslie Sison, Industry & Government Specialist leslie@cnla-acpp.ca www.cnla.ca

Self-watering Desert Planters offer up to 80% savings on Fuel, Watering, and Labour. This means your not only save financially, you drastically reduce your greenhouse gas emissions. With over 60 different styles in 17 different colours, Desert Planters provide environmental sustainability and beautification to any area. Visit www.DesertPlanters.com for more information. We look forward to the opportunitytoassistyou.

NURTURE YOUR CAREER WITH LHCP

BY EDITH OYOSORO, CAE

THE LHCP PROGRAM Is your gateway to unlocking a world of possibilities in the flourishing green industry.

CULTIVATE YOUR EXPERTISE

Delve into the art and science of landscaping with a comprehensive curriculum derived from national and industry standards for landscape horticulturists. From plant identification and landscape design to sustainable, safe practices, our certification exams will nurture and guide your knowledge and competence toward becoming a skilled professional.

BLOSSOM YOUR CAREER

Dive into a field that’s always in bloom! Landscape horticulture offers a diverse range of career pathsfrom designing stunning gardens to managing lush parks and green spaces. Let your passion take root and grow a fulfilling career that makes a positive impact on the environment and people’s lives.

FLOURISH WITH PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

Theory meets practice in our hands-on practical tests. Record yourself working on live projects and submit your videos for assessment of your competence to tackle any landscaping challenge that comes your way.

JOIN A THRIVING COMMUNITY

Connect with fellow enthusiasts, industry experts, and potential employers. Our membership network will support you through the certification journey and open doors to exciting new opportunities.

GROWERS

NURTURE THE FUTURE

Jamie Aalbers, Growers Sector Specialist jamie@cnla-acpp.ca www.cnla.ca

Landscape horticulture isn’t just a career choice; it’s a way to give back to Mother Nature. By mastering sustainable practices, you’ll play a vital role in preserving our environment for generations to come.

GARDEN CENTRES

Anne Kadwell, Landscape & Retail Sector Specialist anne@cnla-acpp.ca www.cnla.ca

For more information, visit www.cnlagetcertified.ca, or e-mail

certification@cnla-acpp.ca

CLIMATE CHANGE

Frydda Sandoval, Environmental Policy Coordinator frydda@cnla-acpp.ca www.cnla.ca

NEW CERTIFIED MEMBERS

Olena Korobka, CLHM - BC

GOVERNMENT

Travis Shaw, CLHT - ON

Leslie Sison, Industry & Government Specialist leslie@cnla-acpp.ca www.cnla.ca

CERTIFICATION

Edith Oyosoro, Certification Coordinator edith@cnla-acpp.ca www.cnla.ca

In Memoriam, Hedy Dyck 1956 - 2023

Hedy was born in 1956 in Chilliwack, British Columbia as Hedwig Irene Dyck, the third child –and first daughter – of Peter and Elsie Dyck. She grew up in Chilliwack surrounded by farming and family. Upon graduating high school, Hedy pursued agricultural studies at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), which led her into a lifelong career focused on plants, soil and agricultural industry administration. At the peak of her career, Hedy led the BC Landscape & Nursery Association as a deeply knowledgeable and powerful advocate for the industry. She had a sign in her office that she referred to often that said, “I yell because I care.”

Hedy lived her adult life in Langley and Surrey, BC, and was known for her enjoyment of great food, live music and theatre, and great company. While she kept much of her life to a close circle of friends,

those who knew her appreciated her great cackling laugh and sly sense of humour, as well as her caring nature. After a battle with cancer she passed away in 2023, leaving behind her partner Don, two daughters, several grandchildren, and her devoted pup Rosie.

In Hedy’s words, “I do not want big monuments or epitaphs. I want the quiet whisper of leaves rustling and sun on a running stream. The rest is all done. Be good to yourself and others.”

In lieu of flowers, Hedy requested that donations be sent to the Green Cities Foundation, which connects plants and people for a greener, healthier urban climate.

Visit www.GCFoundation.ca/Donate

GCC SUMMIT SUCCESS THANK YOU VANCOUVER!

BY ANNE KADWELL, CLHT

GCC SUMMIT 2023 WAS A SUCCESS, with feedback yielding 100% satisfaction with the garden centre locations and event organization!

The summit started with a networking reception, where over 40 garden centre owners touched base and shared their busy-year stories. Day one hosted a full day of tours to five garden centres big and small with amazing displays and so much colour! The first day of tours concluded at Kato’s Nursery, where live music and amazing mountain views were enjoyed by all.

Day two started with an engaging speaker and industry panel of experts. The discussions were lively, as the entire room engaged in swapping ideas and experiences. Then to Capilano Suspension bridge, where we got to experience the lush forests of the west coast. Garden centre tours resumed, visiting two more locations, wrapping up at GardenWorks’ new location.

The third and final day of the summit was all about learning and sharing consumer research, business know-hows and local expertise. There was a lot of positive feedback about the variety of presentations and the relevancy to the industry. We also welcomed international delegates from Australia who were very engaging and informative.

Thank you to all our sponsors, delegates and the Garden Centres Canada Committee who made this event possible!

GROWERS

Check out our consumer website at www.gardencentrescanada.ca

Jamie Aalbers, Growers Sector Specialist jamie@cnla-acpp.ca www.cnla.ca

Anne Kadwell, Landscape & Retail Sector Specialist anne@cnla-acpp.ca www.cnla.ca

LET’S GREEN YOUR COMMUNITY APPLY FOR A GREEN SPACE RENOVATION PROJECT

BY FRYDDA SANDOVAL, CAE

THE GREEN CITIES FOUNDATION and our Partners share a commitment to connecting plants and people, and revitalizing green areas for community members to enjoy and benefit from. This is especially the case in cities, where more than 80 percent of Canadians reside.

The #GreenMyCity program supports the restoration and building of green spaces, serving different populations and in different environments from parks, community gardens, sports fields, playgrounds and public open spaces.

Greenery is critically important infrastructure that makes resilient and healthy communities.

l They help slow down climate change by storing away carbon.

l They manage stormwater in urban areas to prevent flooding.

l They provide local wildlife with essential habitat.

l They increase our mental and physical well-being.

GROWERS

Jamie Aalbers, Growers Sector Specialist jamie@cnla-acpp.ca www.cnla.ca

The Green Cities Foundation wants to work together with you to Green Your Community! We can provide matching funds and/or material and labour donations to support green space renovation projects in your neighbourhood.

GARDEN CENTRES

Apply today at www.GCFoundation.CA/Apply

Anne Kadwell, Landscape & Retail Sector Specialist anne@cnla-acpp.ca www.cnla.ca

Frydda Sandoval, Environmental Policy Coordinator frydda@cnla-acpp.ca www.cnla.ca

PLANTS LOVE YOU

NEW PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR MEMBERS

BY NICOLE XAVIER

FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF THE “YEAR OF THE GARDEN” campaign CNLA has applied for funding to promote a new national campaign “Plants Love You”. The Plants Love You campaign is a sustainable, environmental approach to market products for their health and environmental benefits. The campaign’s goal is to raise awareness about the positive impacts that plants have on the environment, our physical and mental health, and our overall well-being.

If you are interested in participating in the “Plants Love You” campaign please contact Member Services Coordinator Nicole Xavier at nicole@cnla-acpp.ca

Year 1 of the campaign runs until March 31, 2024 We encourage your company to start using hashtag #PlantsLoveYou now!

We look forward to working with you to support the growth of the Nursery and Landscape sector!

This link will take you to a folder with Facebook and Instagram posts you are welcome to add your logo to and use to promote the #PlantsLoveYou campaign on your social media channels. Images have been created in both English and French.

As with the previous campaign, you will be required to provide a backup of the size of reach, circulation of promotion, or number of website / social media views, so please begin tracking this information.

Nicole Xavier Member Services Coordinator @cnla-acpp.ca www.cnla.ca

Plants Love You 4-colour Process Logo - Linde Dax Regular Font (100% Black)

PROTECTED AGRICULTURE STEWARDSHIP BEGINS JANUARY 1, 2024

BY JAMIE AALBERS

AS OF JANUARY 1, 2024, Protected Agriculture Operators (i.e., greenhouse operators) wishing to purchase pesticides labelled for greenhouse use will either need to be certified (Category 1 - closed-loop irrigation facilities) or have a waiver in place (Category 2 - open irrigation systems where chemigation liquid is not captured). Most nurseries with greenhouses that purchase products labelled for greenhouse use will fall under Category 2 and are reminded to apply for your waiver before the end of this year. However, if you recycle your water, you will need to go through the audit process for Category 1 which will take several months, so make sure you are getting started on this process.

The auditors for the PAS Standards are from the AgriChemical Warehousing Standards Association

(AWSA), and registering for Category 1 or Category 2 can be completed at their website.

WHAT IS THE INTENT OF THIS CERTIFICATION?

The 2016 re-evaluation decision by PMRA for Imidacloprid raised water quality concerns related to greenhouse product use. As a result, a group of impacted stakeholders agreed to work towards the development of a credible protected agriculture pesticide lifecycle stewardship program.

The intent of the program is to ensure protected agriculture growers adhere to a standard of use and application of pesticides that precludes tahese pesticides from entering the environment, specifically streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and groundwater.

GROWERS CANADA

WHO IS DEVELOPING IT?

The Standards were drafted by a multistakeholder committee including CropLife Canada and its members in collaboration with both provincial and federal grower groups. Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) and Agriculture and AgriFood Canada (AAFC) acted in an advisory capacity to guide development of the standards. CNLA and Flowers Canada were both members on the PAS Steering Committee. CropLife Canada represents the Canadian manufacturers, developers and distributors of pest control and modern plant breeding products.

WHO DOES THE STANDARD APPLY TO?

Protected Agriculture (PA) refers to crops that are grown under structures such as greenhouses, shade houses, high tunnels, warehouses, etc. Crops grown under these systems include fruit, vegetables, flowers, and other commercial crops like mushrooms and cannabis. The trigger for registration is the purchase of pest control products labelled for greenhouse use.

A closed system is one where any excess chemigation liquid delivered to the crop is captured via trough, drainage tile or other similar conveyance system, rather than allowed to percolate into the ground.

In initial planning for the standards, there were indications that these standards will eventually evolve to include open greenhouse irrigation systems, high tunnels and then nurseries. It does not appear that this will occur any time soon, but CNLA continues to sit on the PAS steering committee and will ensure that any movement in this direction is brought to growers for consultation.

JAPANESE BEETLE, THE PAST (EAST) AND THE PRESENT (BC)

Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica) has been found annually in BC since it was first detected in 2017, in the False Creek area of Vancouver. In 2022, it was detected in Burnaby, Port Coquitlam, Richmond and Vancouver. Since 2017 CFIA, the affected cities, and other industry and non-governmental stakeholders have been collaborating on an ongoing response to prevent the spread and attempt eradication. BCLNA has been an active member of this response.

The potential consequences of Japanese beetle establishment in BC extend beyond the damage the pest inflicts on nursery stock. Establishment may also result in the loss of BC’s Japanese beetle Category 1 pest-free status, which would then require industry to set up and maintain Japanese beetle certification programs. Growers in the east are well

aware of CFIA’s Directive-96-15 that sets out the requirements growers need to complete to ship plants with soil or soilrelated matter attached to non-infested areas. Japanese beetle is established in Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and in many US states. Canada and the United States have adopted a harmonized approach to prevent the spread of this pest.

Phytosanitary requirements for certification are established based on the category number of the state/province/ territory of origin of the plant material and the category number of the state/ province/territory of destination. The categories are Category 1: Uninfested/ Quarantine pest; Category 2: Uninfested or partially infested, Category 3: Partially or generally infested, and Category 4: Area not known to be infested/Unlikely to become established.

As an alternative to production under a certification program, plants may be produced during the pest-free window (the period of time during which Japanese beetle adults are not in flight). To qualify, the entire plant production cycle (Planting, growth, harvest and shipment) must be completed outside of the adult beetle flight period (June 15-October 15 in Canada, and June 1-September 30 in the US).

These plants must also be grown in Japanese beetle-free commercial growing

The Japanese Beetle (Popilia japonica)

GROWERS CANADA

medium or field soil that has been sterilized. Pesticide drenches or dips may be used as a certification option for plants with soil, provided that the rootballs do not exceed the size restrictions specified:

l balled and burlapped, potted and/or containerized plants with rootballs that are larger than 30cm (12 inches) in diameter are not eligible for the regulatory treatment option if they are moving to a Category 1 area.

l balled and burlapped, potted and/or containerized plants with rootballs that are larger than 81cm (32 inches) in diameter are not eligible for the regulatory treatment option if they are moving to a Category 2 area.

Intercept (imidacloprid) is now only allowed for JB control on non-flowering plants so most tree and shrub crops can still use imidacloprid. However, for flowering crops shipping from a Category 3 to a Category 1 or 2 area Acelypryn (chlorantraniliprole) must be used instead. Products containing chlorpyrifos (Lorsban, Dursban) will no longer be allowed after December 2023 as this active ingredient is being phased out for most crops by the PMRA.

This of course is only a short summary of some of the key points in certification for Japanese Beetle. Please consult D-96-15: Phytosanitary Requirements to Prevent the Spread of Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica) in Canada and United States on CFIA’s website for the complete details.

Eradicating any new pest to an area is a challenging and sometimes futile endeavour, especially when dealing with flying pests. However, it is possible to succeed as was seen with the eradication of Asian long-horned beetle along the Toronto/Vaughan border in April 2013. Implementing and maintaining certification programs can also be a real challenge for growers but as can be seen with the Japanese Beetle certification

program, will support the continued movement of nursery stock when a new pest has been established in a new region. The best result for BC and BC nursery growers will be for the eradication to be successful and they retain their Category 1 status. It can be accomplished, and thankfully the cooperative efforts of regulators, industry, invasive species councils, governments and the public are making an impact.

PATHWAYS TO CHANGE

HORTICULTURE AND INVASIVE SPECIES NATIONAL CONFERENCE TO BE HELD VIRTUALLY NOVEMBER 8-9, 2023

Invasive species are spreading across the globe at an unprecedented rate and causing widespread ecological damage, according to a new report from the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

More than 37,000 alien species have been introduced by many human activities to regions and biomes of the world. The report finds that alongside dramatic changes to biodiversity and ecosystems, the global economic cost of invasive species exceeded $423 billion annually in 2019, with costs having at least quadrupled every decade since 1970.

Prevention measures – such as border biosecurity and strictly enforced import controls – are identified by the report as having worked in many instances. And as we all know these prevention measures can also seriously impact the free trade of nursery stock.

The Canadian Council on Invasive Species (CCIS) is organizing a virtual conference

that will address these topics and CNLA will be there to present on the plant certification tools developed in Clean Plants and by the CFIA that are aimed to support the trade of plants while preventing the spread of invasive species The event is aimed to connect industry, environmental organizations, indigenous communities, and government to share key information and inform national and regional approaches to address invasive species impacting horticulture to protect Canada’s habitats and communities in the face of changing climate.

Registration is now open for the conference:

The Canadian Council on Invasive Species (CCIS) is the national voice and hub to protect Canada from the impacts of invasive species. With members and chapters from all corners of Canada, along with governments and businesses, the CCIS brings people together to build practical solutions to prevent the spread of invasive species.

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