Summer Newsbrief 2020

Green Industry News SUMMER 2020 VOL 29 ISSUE 2

What’s inside: • Communities in Bloom launches 2020 program!

• Pandemics & the need for more Green Spaces

NEW MADE-FOR-CANADA ROSES TO JOIN VINELAND’S 49th PARALLEL COLLECTION

• New Savings program with VW Canada • COVID-19 and the Workplace • Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)

Aurora Borealis™ above and Yukon Sun™ bottom left

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wo new beauties are set to become part of Vineland’s growing 49th Parallel Collection of bred-in-Canada garden and landscape roses.

Aurora Borealis™ will be officially released by Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland) in 2021 and the first yellow rose in the collection, Yukon Sun™ will become available in 2023. Both of the new releases are part of a series of roses developed specifically for Canadian conditions, with cold weather hardiness as well as the ability to thrive and bloom almost anywhere in Canada.

Vineland’s rose breeding program is in close collaboration with the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA), which obtained the rights a decade ago to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s hardy rose breeding program.

“We’re really excited to have two new roses to add to Vineland’s 49th Parallel Collection in the next several years, and we appreciate CNLA’s longstanding support of our rose program,” says Vineland’s Travis Banks, Director, Plant Variety Development. “This continued growth is also a testament to the licensees who continue CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2020

Industry News

EXECUTIVE BOARD

President Past President First Vice President Second Vice President Treasurer & Communications Chair

Phil Paxton, CLT, CLM - AB Bruce Hunter, CLT, CLD, CLM - BC Gerald Boot, CLM - ON Anthony O’Neill - NL Bill Hardy, CLM - BC

DIRECTORS

BCLNA Representative Michael Kato - BC Landscape AB Representative Jeff Oudyk - AB Landscape SK Representative Aaron Krahn - SK

MBNLA Representative Guy Dowhy, RSE, CLT, CLM - MB Landscape ON Representative Paul Brydges, CLD - ON Landscape NS Representative Robin Godfrey - NS & Garden Centres Canada Chair Landscape NB/PEI Representative Kevin Nauss, CLM - NB Landscape NL Representative Peggy Head - NL

Human Resources Chair Harold Deenen, CLM - ON Climate Change Adaptation Chair Alan White - ON

Landscape Canada Chair Leslie Cornell, RSE - SK

Research Chair Vic Krahn, CLT - SK

Government Relations Chair Michael Murray - NL Professional Development Chair Jeff Foley, CLT, CLM - BC

Growers Canada Chair Anita Heuver - AB Insurance & Member Service Chair Rene Thiebaud, CLM - ON BC Landscape & Nursery Association 19951 Fraser Highway Langley BC V3A 4E2 bclna.com 604-575-3500 Landscape Alberta 18051 107 Avenue NW Edmonton AB T5S 1K3 landscape-alberta.com 1-800-378-3198 Landscape Saskatchewan snla.ca 1-800-378-3198 Manitoba Nursery & Landscape Association PO Box 1755 Winnipeg MB R3C 2Z9 mbnla.com 204-661-6397 Landscape Ontario 7856 Fifth Line S. Milton ON L9T 2X8 horttrades.com 1-800-265-5656 Landscape Newfoundland & Labrador PO Box 8062 St. John's NL A1B 3M9 landscapenl.com 709-700-2165 Landscape New Brunswick & PEI PO Box 742 Saint John NB E2L 4B3 landscapenb-pei.ca 1-866-752-6862 Landscape Nova Scotia PO Box 28 Stn Main Dartmouth NS B2Y 3Y2 landscapenovascotia.ca 902-800-4321

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to believe in, support and promote the collection across Canada.” Aurora Borealis™ is a dramatic, sunset pink rose with glossy, dark green foliage inspired by the brilliant contrasting colours of Canada’s northern lights.

It’s a low maintenance plant with black spot resistance and will grow to a height and spread of approximately one metre. Yukon Sun™’s glorious yellow colouring and continuous bloom reflect the magic of the midnight sun that marks the summer months across Canada’s north.

Vineland’s 49th Parallel Collection made its debut three years ago with the wildly successful release of Canadian Shield®, a bright red rose launched to commemorate Canada’s 150th birthday and was named Plant of the Year at Canada Blooms in 2017. It was joined last year by Chinook Sunrise® with its unique coral blossoms ranging in colour from deep apricot to bright pink.

Black spot tolerance, low maintenance and winter hardiness to -40°C, long-standing challenges for Canadian gardeners, are all hallmarks of Vineland’s 49th Parallel Collection.

And Vineland’s consumer insights researchers work closely with the breeding team to ensure the collection’s releases meet the expectations and needs of today’s Canadian gardeners.

Candidate roses for the collection are tested in field trials across Canada as part of the CNLA partnership.

“Thanks to our close partnership with CNLA and its members, these roses truly meet the needs of Canadian gardeners across the country and are able to withstand the rigours of Canada’s various climate zones,” adds Banks. “We look forward to ongoing collaboration as we continue to expand this made-in-Canada collection.”

More information about the collection and its roses, including upcoming releases, is available at 49throses.com.

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is a uniquely Canadian results-oriented organization dedicated to horticulture science and innovation. Vineland delivers innovative

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products, solutions and services through an integrated and collaborative cross-country network to advance Canada’s research and commercialization agenda.

Vineland is an independent, not-for-profit organization funded in part by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Box Tree Moth Research and Scouting Underway

With funding from the Landscape Ontario Growers Group, two initiatives are now underway to manage Box Tree Moth (BTM).

A scouting program in the infested core areas and outside the periphery of that infested area began on May 4th. Around the same time, a collaborative research proposal was approved for funding at the University of Guelph and Toronto. The research will investigate the biology of the moth in Ontario, evaluate control products for BTM and also seeks to identify natural biological control agents for the pest.

CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2020

Industry News Letter from the President

On behalf of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA), I want to commend everyone for their tireless efforts and dedication to the industry over the past couple of challenging months.

Entering into my final year as CNLA President, it has certainly been a difficult time for our members, but I know that we are all doing the very best that we can during these unprecedented times. The benefits of associations are strongest when there are new challenges at play – the CNLA and our provincial associations connect companies from coast to coast, represent your needs to government, and provide you with the information and resources you need to safely operate your businesses.

Thank you to all of our provincial and national volunteers who have stepped up when their own businesses were suffering to work for the greater good of our profession. We are also very thankful to front line workers, who have been keeping us all safe.

Our Board of Directors meets twice annually to review the priorities for our association, and this August will be a first for a "virtual" format. The Executive Committee, our Commodity and Committee Chairs, along with our Provincial Representatives and Executive Directors will discuss how this "new normal" will affect our membership moving forward. The virtual format does make way for our ability to retool our typical National Awards of Landscape Excellence (NALE) gala into a new webinar format – save August 12th and 19th for our NALE ceremony and subsequent interviews with our winning companies across Canada. We hope that you will tune in and consider submitting an award provincially next year.

STAFF

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

Deputy Executive Director Rebecca Doutre, CAE

rebecca@cnla-acpp.ca

Executive Assistant & Cheryl Gall, CAE

Office Manager cheryl@cnla-acpp.ca

Growers Manager Jamie Aalbers jamie@cnla-acpp.ca

Landscape & Anne Kadwell

Retail Sector Specialist anne@cnla-acpp.ca

Industry Human Resources Leslie Sison

& Government Relations leslie@cnla-acpp.ca

Communications Dave Mazur dave@cnla-acpp.ca

Andrew Dmytrasz andrew@cnla-acpp.ca

Member Services, COPF Teagan Giddings

& Special Projects teagan@cnla-acpp.ca

Member Services COPF Megan Farias

Administration megan@cnla-acpp.ca

Professional Development Edith Oyosoro edith@cnla-acpp.ca

Lauryn Mullan lauryn@cnla-acpp.ca Environmental Policy Coordinator Frydda Sandoval Frydda@cnla-acpp.ca

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

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

As we approach our 100th year in 2022, I am so proud to be a part of an industry that benefits our environment and the health and well-being of people in Canada. I am heartened by the stories of landscapers, growers and retailers sharing resources to help one another, and helping out in their own communities since March.

Please visit CNLA.ca, and your provincial association websites, to find the most up to date information on regulations and how to best operate in your area, as well as to see all of the member benefit savings programs and services available to you.

Wishing you the very best in all things that this season has to offer, and that you and your employees, families and friends stay safe.

Respecfully,

-7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T-2X8 1-888-446-3499 • 905-875-1840 info@cnla-acpp.ca• cnla-acpp.ca

Members Save!

For the latest updates on membership savings and other benefits be sure to like us on Facebook. /canadanursery

PHIL PAXTON President

and subscribe to our e-news at: cnla-acpp.ca

1-888-446-3499

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CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2020

Industry News

COPF staff update

CNLA would like to thank Sandy Trickey for all her work over all the years with the COPF. It was a pleasure working with her, and we wish her all the best.

With the departure of Sandy, Megan Farias (Member Services Administration, megan@cnla-acpp.ca) will now be handling all of COPF’s administration. The new 2020 Royalty Report is now up on our website (copf. org) and the AGM will be held on July 22.

Most invoices are being sent electronically and the royalty payouts are still twice a year with one reporting period. We have recently been sending out quarterly e-newsletters so please be on the lookout for our featured plants and any new updates.

If you are a COPF member and not already receiving the newsletters, please contact admin@copf.org.

Green Cities Foundation provides hope in Hamilton this Fall

is uniquely positioned to assist in projects to improve, enhance and create those spaces.

The Foundation had been busy preparing to launch our first project in Hamilton this Spring, at St. Matthew’s House, a place of hope that supports people in need downtown Hamilton, Ontario as well as at three parks in the surrounding neighborhood.

Through our affiliation with the CNLA membership, we are looking for volunteers and material donations to help make this project a reality starting this Fall. Through this project we will demonstrate the importance of community engagement and community members’ connection with the environment, the positive impacts of increased public green spaces in urbanized environments on the health and wellbeing of children, older adults, and at risk citizens, as well as improving the climate of Canadian communities, one project at a time.

Please contact Rebecca Doutre, Executive Director, for more information on becoming involved in this important project – gcfdirector@gcfoundation. ca, or visit us at gcfoundation.ca.

CiB: Bloomin' On! Communities in Bloom (CiB), along with their sponsors and partners, are delivering an exciting virtual program in 2020 to keep communities blooming and engaged. The CiB Board of Directors has also been busy developing a new Strategic Plan, as well as a tactical plan for the committee’s to work.

Established by the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, The Green Cities Foundation is a community connecting plants and people for a greener, healthier urban environment.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, urban dwellers have been required to shelter in place and maintain social distance. As the restrictions on movement and gatherings are eased, citizens are moving outdoors and there is a growing realization that urban areas need more green, open spaces for people to congregate safely to enjoy the outdoors. The Green Cities Foundation, with the help of our membership across Canada,

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We are excited to share our updated values, vision and mission: Values: Integrity • Respect • Collaboration Excellence • Accountability Vision: To inspire all communities to enhance the quality of life and our environment through people and plants in order to create community pride.

Mission: We are a volunteer & partnership driven organization that uses multi-tiered competitive evaluation to foster community strength, involvement and continuous improvement by nurturing environmental sustainability, enhancements of green spaces, and heritage conservation in cultural and natural environments in key community sectors including municipal, residential, commercial and institutional spaces.

For members interested in participating, the 2020 Special Edition program includes: - Free Webinar Series (July & August) - Community-based Contests, Awards & Grants - Online community chat portal - 'Virtual' Symposium (Fall 2020) To register, or for more info visit us online at communitiesinbloom.ca Reach out and become involved!

CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2020

Industry News

The Pandemic: Five Opportunities Hidden Within the Problem

In today’s COVID-19 world, even loved ones are potential threats to our health. Millions remain unemployed. Misinformation about the pandemic spreads faster than the virus – exploiting our fears and divisions.

The economy lurches back to life, albeit unevenly, with many businesses gone.

Thanks to my dad bringing me up as an entrepreneur, I have to ask: Is there a silver lining in all of this? What lessons might we draw from this unsettling experience that can help us grow back better and emerge stronger as an industry and as a society.

Here are my top five suggestions.

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The science is clear. Accessible, safe green space is critically important for the maintenance of our mental health and physical well being. More and more people realize this because for many lockdowns and quarantines have meant no access to greenery. Millions of people have come to realize that having access to a nearby park, a rooftop garden, a well landscaped backyard or a lush green wall can make a big difference in their daily lives. We must accelerate the adoption of policies that grow quality green space, green infrastructure, not only in our communities but in and around our buildings.

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Images of empty shelves in grocery stores, shut downs of processing plants, the closing of international borders and the shortage of farm workers provide a much-needed wake up call about the fragility of our food systems. Policies that enable the protection of regional farming, and the expansion of urban agriculture can provide us with better food resiliency. And one of the good places to make this happen is on roofs. That’s not an investment in today. It’s an investment in saving billions in potential damage from inevitable disruptions in the future.

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The destruction of the world’s forests and resulting closer contact between wild animals and humans have been blamed for the development of new viruses. This provides yet another reason to protect forests and biodiversity. We can protect and enhance urban

biodiversity, with policies and programs that reduce the negative impact of buildings on bird populations, instead designing them to support native flora and fauna, particularly pollinators.

The pandemic has shown that biodiversity isn’t some abstract concept, but rather its protection and regeneration is key to our long-term health.

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Viruses don’t distinguish between the rich and poor victims. In that sense we are all in this together. However, because far too many people are living on the edge financially, the coronavirus has been particularly tragic for these members of our society. Moreover, many of these individuals are on the front line, providing important essential services. Policies that provide living wage jobs to construct and maintain green infrastructure in disadvantaged communities and neighborhoods is a step in the right direction. Given the millions of unemployed, there is a growing awareness of the importance of establishing living wage policies, and a basic level of income security for everyone. Should the pandemic accelerate the automation of jobs, the need for basic income security will grow, as will public support for the idea.

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Generating employment as part of the Post-COVID recovery is everyone’s priority. The recent economic impact study of the green infrastructure industry in Ontario by Green Infrastructure Ontario and The Greenbelt Foundation found that we are standing by and ready to go to take advantage of new federal infrastructure spending. In 2018, the green infrastructure sector accounted for 120,000 jobs in almost every corner of Ontario and over $8 billion in economic activity.

1-888-446-3499

Instead of more capital-intensive mega-projects built faraway, we need to embrace thousands of green infrastructure development projects in our neighborhoods across the country.

I have learned over the years the supreme importance of setting goals and work plans.

Let’s aim to green 10 per cent of all of our rooftops and walls, regenerate protect and wetlands, build tens of thousand of bioswales, and have 40 per cent of our communities covered in trees by 2050. Investments in these measures will not only stimulate local economies now, but they will pay out dividends for generations to come.

The pandemic has shone a bright light on our weaknesses, revealing how fragile many of the things we rely upon truly are. It can also light the path towards a better future.

-Steven W. Peck, GRP, is the founder and president of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, the North American green roof and wall association and the founder of Green Infrastructure Ontario, a coalition of organizations promoting green infrastructure in Ontario and across Canada. greenroofs.org greeninfrastructurefoundation.org greeninfrastructureontario.org

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CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2020

Climate Change & Adaptation

COVID-19 and the need for more Green Spaces

The Financial Benefits of Green Infrastructure Investment

WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY / MBA TEAM

Urban green spaces are increasingly important due to the growing percentage of people who live in cities. Over half of the world's population lives in urban areas; In Canada, this is now close to 80% Built natural environments assist millions of people to not just to stay physically healthy but also mentally healthy. During these anxiety-inducing times, gardening, a walk through a park, green space or garden, has become an essential de-stresser and scientific studies have shown that exposure to nature might be indispensable for human well-being.

Experimental studies observed that participants had an improved mood, more self-esteem, and a lower level of stress hormones when they were exposed to green spaces.

Epidemiological studies observed that increased long-term exposure to green spaces is associated with improved mental health. In these studies exposure to green space was assessed as; the amount of vegetation surrounding the home, the percentage of land in the neighbourhood dedicated to green space, or the distance from the home to the nearest one. These exposures were associated with improved mental health outcomes in numerous observational studies, including large, population-based studies and longitudinal studies.

A reduced percentage of tree canopy cover in urban communities exacerbates environmental issues such as air pollution, floodings and the heat island. During the summer months, increased daytime temperatures, reduced night-time cooling, and higher air pollution levels associated with urban heat islands affects human health. Summer time is around the corner, as the temperature increases,

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the body consumes added energy to keep cool. At the same time, the pollution sources clustered in neighbourhoods affects our health, it has an impact on respiratory diseases, underlying health conditions that increase the severity of COVID-19. Also, impermeable surfaces and a lack of green space make our neighbourhoods more vulnerable to flooding.

More green spaces are beneficial to our health and well-being, and the Green Cities Foundation is committed to restoring, protecting and increasing the amount of public green space in Canadian cities, while at the same time encouraging individuals to do the same.

We are committed to connecting communities across Canada with these important living environments, especially important for the world's increasingly urbanized population.

As stated before, there are a number of reasons why increasing the urban green spaces is highly desirable. These benefits include reducing the mental health impacts of the pandemic, the overall health benefits of access to green space and the environmental benefits of green spaces.

Get involved and help #greenmycity Open call for donations of time or materials, contact: greencities@cnla-acpp.ca

cnla-acpp.ca

By definition, green infrastructure refers to "constructed features that use living, natural systems to provide environmental services, such as capturing, cleaning and infiltrating stormwater; creating wildlife habitat; shading and cooling streets and buildings.

Researches are amassing a body of evidence to prove the benefits of incorporating nature in communities all over the world. Although there is a general understanding of the many environmental benefits, there is still a need for financial analysis to prove the economic gains over grey infrastructure.

In a continuing effort to form alliances in promoting our member's products and services, the CNLA partnered with an MBA team from Wilfrid Laurier University in a study to analyze the "Financial Benefits of Green Infrastructure Investment." The group examined various types of green infrastructure investments in Canada to demonstrate its economic value and, therefore, provide services for the community.

The team developed a business model for various types of green infrastructure investments for different areas of Canada.

The target measures include stormwater management, energy savings, air quality, mental health, longevity, commercial property tax, residential property tax, commercial property income tax and health care.

In the following months, we will be presenting some of the key findings of the study. This analysis is meant to provide a better understanding of why implementing green infrastructure practices as well as methods are essential for our member's services, products and also contributes to environmental protection efforts, which are beneficial in both short and long-term situations. For more information go to cnla.ca

CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2020

Member Services

Quickly Return to Business-As-Usual with ClaimsPro

ClaimsPro is Canada’s leading provider of independent claims adjusting, is the exclusive claims administration service provider for the CNLA’s group insurance program; provided by Marsh.

We have enjoyed assisting CNLA members for over 10 years through the HortProtect Insurance Program, and we look forward to continuing to support your claim needs.

After a loss incident, we understand that getting back to business as usual and as quickly as possible is the primary focus for any company, regardless of size. This can have a huge impact on the long-term viability of your business.

As a longstanding Canadian company, ClaimsPro has been providing independent claims adjusting services to clients like you for over 30 years, backed by our team of over 800 adjusters and 120 offices from coast-to-coast. With adjusters in every sizable Canadian community and a short drive from smaller communities, we can guarantee a quick response to any claim.

Our local adjusters understand the varied needs of CNLA members, from the unique types of vehicles, facilities, and equipment required, to the cyclical nature of the landscaping and snow plowing business. We work with each member company to develop a business continuity plan so you can continue serving your customers, minimizing the disruption any claim may cause. ClaimsPro prides itself on providing customized claims handling instructions for all clients, and CNLA members are no different.

New Savings Program

You can also sign and complete necessary documents remotely through a secure link provided by the adjuster.

This means CNLA members have access to the same expertise, service reach, and quick response to which they are accustomed to receiving from ClaimsPro, but at a distance should that be required.

We process all types of claims and business losses including automobile, property, and liability and we have appointed a dedicated team of adjusters exclusively to support CNLA members. We are here to assist 24 hours a day as part of the HortProtect Insurance Program.

For more information about ClaimsPro and other services, please contact: Luis Costa at 905-882-3570 or by email at luis.costa@scm.ca.

To report a claim, please send details to: CNLAclaims@scm.ca or call our 24-hour emergency claims service number at 1-877-657-6125.

CNLA is pleased to announce a new endorsed supplier partnership program with VW Canada. All CNLA members will receive access to a competitive assistance program, including special discounted pricing on a selection of 2020 model year vehicles.

CNLA Members are to contact the CNLA Member Services Team at 1.888.446.3499 or info@cnla-acpp.ca for more information regarding the program, and to request a Member Confirmation Letter. This document gains the member access to the fleet program discount and it is required at the time of purchase by the dealer. Each confirmation letter is VIN# specific, and a $200 administration fee is required to be paid to CNLA before the letter is provided.

ClaimsPro also provides safe claim support with remote and cloud-based technology tools which is highly important during lockdown situations requiring restricted person to person contact such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

Our adjusters use SMART Field Inspection tools to virtually capture site and property loss information and assess damages remotely as much as possible. An adjuster will guide you to capture specific photos and angles with your mobile phone that they can use to assess damages.

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CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2020

Industry Human Resources

COVID-19 and the Workplace

Who is eligible?

The Benefit is available to workers: Residing in Canada, who are at least 15 years old;

Since February, the world has been turned upside down and everyone is grappling with the "New Normal”. Governments are racing to provide financial support as fast as businesses are closing, and the CNLA staff has been monitoring the situation and working to ensure the best interests of our sector are not overlooked.

Many programs were designed with the “average business model” in mind and "seasonal" did not always fit into that perspective. Our staff was online, and on calls with government officials to ensure that seasonal industries were not left out of these supports, and we continue to work to be your voice!

Below is an outline of the various government supports that are currently available, and some that are still in the works. Hopefully, you have been able to find the support that is right for your business and it has helped you if you needed the extra helping hand.

Agri-Programs: AgriStability - The deadline to apply this year has just been extended, without penalty, from April 30 to July 3, 2020. See the media release from AAFC. The Advanced Payment Program is now available for nursery crops in AB, SK and MB. The AgriCommodity Management Association has application forms ready to go.

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) The CEWS opened for applications on Monday, April 27.

As a Canadian employer whose business has been affected by COVID-19, you may be eligible for a subsidy of 75% of employee wages for up to 12 weeks, retroactive from March 15, 2020, to June 6, 2020. This wage subsidy will enable you to re-hire workers previously laid off as a result of COVID-19, help prevent further job losses, and better position you to resume normal operations following the crisis.

Concerns raised by members were addressed with the Canadian Payroll Association (CPA) and Judith Andrew, Commissioner of Firms for Employment Insurance. According to the call and the additional clarity provided on the minister’s roundtable, owners and family are eligible for CEWS if they were employees paid by payroll prior to March 15th. The issue still remains on compensation outside the boundaries of typical payroll. Commissions and sales are part of the calculation and will be supported under the CEWS up to the maximum weekly subsidy per employee.

The Prime Minister has announced that the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy program will be extended beyond June of 2020.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, the CERB benefit may provide you with temporary income support. The CERB provides $500 a week for up to 16 weeks.

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cnla-acpp.ca

Who have stopped working because of reasons related to COVID-19 or are eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits or have exhausted their Employment Insurance regular benefits or Employment Insurance finishing benefits between December 29, 2019 and October 3, 2020; Who had employment and/or selfemployment income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application; and, Who have not quit their job voluntarily.

When submitting your first claim, you cannot have earned more than $1,000 in employment and/or self-employment income for 14 or more consecutive days within the four-week benefit period of your claim.

When submitting subsequent claims, you cannot have earned more than $1,000 in employment and/or self-employment income for the entire four-week benefit period of your new claim. For more information, go to canada.ca

Temporary Foreign Workers The Mandatory Isolation Support for Temporary Foreign Workers Program (MISTFWP) is a one-time $50-million program to help with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on food supply in Canada by assisting the farming, fish harvesting, and food production and processing sectors. The program will assist Canadian employers with some of the incremental costs associated with the mandatory 14-day isolation period imposed under the Quarantine Act on temporary foreign workers upon entering Canada.

CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2020

Industry Human Resources

Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) This program will lower rent by 75% for small businesses that have been affected by COVID-19.

The government is also providing further details on the program: The program will provide forgivable loans to qualifying commercial property owners to cover 50 per cent of three monthly rent payments that are payable by eligible small business tenants who are experiencing financial hardship during April, May, and June.

The loans will be forgiven if the mortgaged property owner agrees to reduce the eligible small business tenants’ rent by at least 75% for the three corresponding months under a rent forgiveness agreement, which will include a term not to evict the tenant while the agreement is in place. The small business tenant would cover the remainder, up to 25 per cent of the rent.

Impacted small business tenants are businesses paying less than $50,000 per month in rent and who have temporarily ceased operations or have experienced at least a 70 per cent drop in pre-COVID-19 revenues. This support will also be available to non-profit and charitable organizations.

It is expected that CERCA will be operational by end of May, and further details will be announced soon.

Workplace Policies Our main goal is to return to work and the way things used to be, but unfortunately that will be still take some time. In the meantime, you need to ensure that you have all of your policies and procedures in place and that includes you’re your existing Health and Safety protocol.

As businesses reopen, there is a strong possibility of the Ministry of Labour checking in to ensure the safety of anyone on site. New policies will have to be written to ensure your staff knows what is expected of them and how they need to adapt in their working practices to remain safe. Posters and safety guide will need to be visible and everyone on site should know where to find information. These policies need to address all levels of management, staff consultants, contract workers and guests/ customers. If you do not have these in place, there can be severe repercussions ranging from fines, to shut-down orders and even as far as possible jail time.

You may want to tackle different groups in different policies, but they should provide structure around the following: •

Will they be doing daily health checks?

•

Social distancing measures (designation markings on the ground, max numbers in locations, shared spaces, eating areas)

•

Cleaning and disinfectant requirements, masks

•

Specialized training (hand washing, glove removal – it may sound like common sense, but it really isn’t in a lot of cases)

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•

•

• • •

Absenteeism (personal health, taking care of family, day care – how will these be addressed by the company) Travel – how many in a truck, special precaution, off-site wash stations?

Distance meetings Keeping customers / visitors safe What happens if someone has symptoms / tests positive What happens if you need to close again for a second wave?

The policies should be crafted to your business, how you operate and the precautions that you need to address. Fortunately, there are a lot of resources out there to assist with this. You can find many templates, suggestions and tips online to assist with this task, but you should have this vetting by a legal professional to ensure you are not mistakenly doing anything illegal!

Now is also a good time to ensure your Health and Safety Committee (or Health and Safety Representative) is up to par. If a check is done on your location, they will likely check to see this as well. If you do not have one in place, now is the time to start!

While overall most of the requirements for Workplace Health and Safety are consistent across Canada, there are some Provincial differences. For a better breakdown on the regulations where you are, please feel free to consult the Canadian Centre of Occupational Health and Safety or your local provincial government site. They will also have COVID-19 requirements for you to follow as well.

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*Rates above are based on a 1.3 conversion from USD. ** For CNLA member offer terms and conditions, please visit www.cat.com/cnla. † For all other special offer terms and conditions, please visit http://www.catresourcecenter.com/offers. © 2020 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” and Cat “Modern Hex” trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

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CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2020

Garden Centres Canada

Garden Centres & COVID-19

As many are aware over the past several months, provincial regulations have affected every province in different ways. While some provinces allowed retail garden centres to open, others did not. The verbiage used for the essential lists across Canada was not always clear, leaving a great deal of interpretation up to industry. By sharing ideas and practices across Canada and Europe, stores were able to open safely with the upmost concern in protecting the public as well as employees.

Recently GCC sent out a survey to gain some perspective on how retail garden centres are doing. This survey will continue to be open to gain further insight until July 30th.

Link to survey: surveymonkey.com/r/QSGM8TP Notable results to date:

RCC Rate change As a CNLA member you also have access to the benfits of the Retail Council of Canada (RCC).

This means that you are eligible for special credit card processing rates.

The new norm post COVID-19 will continue to be cashless transactions. This applies to all three of CNLA sectors, Growers, Landscapers, and Retailers. Chase Paymentech will be lowering their credit card processing rates as of August 2020.

If you have any questions about accessing RCC programs or how to sign-up please contact Jodi White directly at: jwhite@retailcouncil.org

GCC will be postponing the 2020 Summit

- The highest volume of sales across the country were in soil, seeds and vegetable seedlings

Those who have registered will be provided with a full refund. We will return to Edmonton for 2021, at the same location, with the same speakers (already confirmed!). So save-the-date for next year's GCC Summit 2021- July 11-13.

- 82% of responses indicated higher sales then normal for the 2-month duration between March 15th and May 15th, some indicated sales being as high at 200% over last year

Keep a keen on eye on our social media and future e-News for a fresh new look and announcements on additional speakers.

- A majority of businesses used CEBA, Agri-Stability and the 75% Wage Subsidy programs - Challenges included; unpredictability of regulations, store changes/set up, and getting enough stock to keep shelves full - Tools which were useful included CNLA Guidelines, Provincial Association COVID-19 Resources and webinars.

We have witnessed industry coming together, sharing and supporting one another, illustrating our relevance as a sector. All over Canada customers are understanding the importance of gardening and realising the positive mental and physical impacts it can have. This is our opportunity to keep growing, and to keep educating.

An example is this large sign at GardenWorks garden centres entrance. It reminds the public to social-distance, have your credit card ready and only touch products that you intend to purchase. These shopping guidelines are essential in providing the customer with an efficient and productive shopping experience.

As always, any questions or concerns you may have, please reach out to Anne Kadwell at anne@canadanursery.com

Please Wait Here

Now that you have your purchase it's time to step on that red spot! This is an example of waiting cues at Hunters Garden Centre in Vancouver.

A friendly circular reminder of social distancing and an icon that will forever be a COVID-19 memory!

New signs in Garden Centres As garden centres across Canada have opened, employers are keeping their COVID-19 health and safety precautions in check for the benefit of their employees and customers.

Signage has been key to successful customer flow and safety as they all contribute to keeping customers aware and compliant.

1-888-446-3499

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CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2020

Grass? Gone.

Dirt? Done.

Rocks? Rocked.

Have it all so you can do it all. Discover 100+ John Deere attachments for all your landscaping needs.

12 JohnDeere.ca/compactattachments

cnla-acpp.ca

CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2020

Professional Development Recently Awarded Landscape Horticulturist Certifications Landscape Manager Rebecca Doutre, CLHM

ON

Landscape Designer Debi McKellar, CLD

ON

Technician - Irrigation Daren Bukator, CLHT BC Designations as of June 1st, 2020

professionals, businesses and customers.

Are you previously certified? The LHCP Certified directory is a listing of certified individuals and companies by designation and province. Those previously certified have been awarded equivalent designations under the new LHCP and appropriate documentation and proof of certification will soon be issued.

Visit the directory to find certified individuals and/or companies. Please ensure the contact details, website, address, logos, social handles, etc are listed correctly.

Branding: New LHCP logos are available for certified individuals and companies. Brand your business premises, vehicles, website, workwear, stationary, etc., to prove you operate at a set standard with proven competence and professionalism. Logos are available upon request.

The New LHCP Website LANDSCAPE HORTICULTURE

CERTIFICATION Do you want to become Landscape Horticulture Certified? The LHCP is a self-study process and recommended study manuals are available for each designation.

The CNLA and partner provincial associations are pleased to publish the Landscape Horticulture Certification Program (LHCP) website www.cnlagetcertified.ca

program

Certified Landscape Horticulturist Manager (CLHM) Accredited Landscape Horticulture Company Valid-8: is the new software solution for delivering technician certification under the LHCP. The application facilitates online and hands-on testing delivery making certification even more accessible and convenient. Learn more online.

Why Certify? This page showcases benefits of certification to landscape horticulture

THE GUIDE FOR LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS ACROSS CANADA

NOW AVAILABLE IN FRENCH & ENGLISH DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

SALE

The website is modern, easy to navigate and packed full of information about the new certification program. It contains detailed information on company and individual designation programs and modules for the following:

Certified Landscape Designer (CLD)

SECOND EDITION

OR PRINTED EDITION

The updated Canadian program was launched in January and delivers technical certifications to ensure Red Seal occupational standards are upheld nation-wide.

Certified Landscape Horticulturist Technician (CLHT)

CANADIAN LANDSCAPE STANDARD

Completely enhanced and revised, the CLS is THE best way to specify landscape construction projects in Canada.

LIMITED TIME DISCOUNT!

Now only $25.00 for Students To order manuals: Download, complete and return the manual order form (fillable PDF).

To register: Download, complete and return the exam registration form (available in fillable PDF).

For more information contact CNLA Professional Development: certification@cnla-acpp.ca 905-875-1399 ext 8620 cnlagetcertified.ca 1-888-446-3499

CANADIAN SOCIETY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS & CANADIAN NURSERY LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

csla-aapc.ca/standard

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CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2020

Growers Canada

COHA/ACHO Launches Ornamental Research Website As part of the COHA Research Cluster initiative, a new website has been developed dedicated completely to research in Canada’s ornamental sector. COHA Connections (www.cohaconnections.ca) is intended to be your one-stop website for all industry-related research matters, including the research work that is on-going through COHA and other industry partners.

In conjunction with the launch of COHA Connections, the website for COHA itself was also renewed. For information on COHA and its activities outside of research please visit www.coha-acho.ca.

The third COHA Research Cluster is coming to the end of its second year of the 5-year initiative that partners COHA members, researchers, industry and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. In February researchers shared their results to date in the second webinar of this cluster. The presentations from this webinar will be posted to COHA Connections in both official languages in the near future. Webinars and reports from the previous two clusters are already posted and can be easily located under the research tab. A new and developing feature of the website is the Article Archives tab, where relevant ornamental research that is being conducted in Canada outside of the cluster is being loaded.

Emaravirus sp. a.k.a.

Rose rosette disease a.k.a. witches’ broom

Rose rosette disease is a virus that requires a very tiny, non-flying mite called an eriophyid mite (Phyllocoptis fructiphilus) to transfer the disease between plants.

Symptoms include witches’ broom/rosettetype growth, excessive thorns, discoloured and distorted growth, and, unlike most other rose diseases, usually results in plant death.

The virus host is most often Rosa multiflora.

It is hypothesized that the spread of the disease began with the introduction of multiflora roses into North America.

Rosa multiflora is native to eastern China, Japan, and Korea and was introduced into North America in the 1800s for use as a rootstock, and also for wildlife, erosion control, “living fences,” and informal hedges.

Over time rose rosette started to spread from multiflora roses to other cultivated roses, and significantly expanded its geographical range and incidence. The virus is now considered native to North America and all ornamental roses are susceptible to rose rosette disease.

The virus spreads when the mites feed on an infected rose and are then transferred to another rose by wind, on a person, tool or animal or by simply walking from one plant to the next if the roses are touching.

Left side of image; (Rosa) plant affected by rose rosette. Right side; still normal.

Photo credit Missouri Botanical Garden

Through its feeding on the plant, the mite transmits the virus into the vascular system of the uninfected plant.

If a rose is confirmed to have rose rosette, it must be removed entirely. Replanting with another rose is not recommended. The virus does not survive in the soil, but any roots remaining in the soil could still contain the virus.

In the United States the Specialty Crop Research Initiative Project Combating Rose Rosette has been funded by the USDA, universities and industry. This “Rose Rosette Team” is continuing their research on the biology of the P. fructiphilus mite, along with figuring out possible new control methods, discovering resistant hybrids and educating growers, landscapers and consumers.

The website has been developed with communications funding within the cluster budget, and with the professional communications support of CNLA’s retired Growers Manager Rita Weerdenburg.

Please browse the site and share any comments or questions you may to me (jamie@canadanursery.com) and I will pass them along to Rita.

Photo credit Joe Boggs Ohio State University Extension

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cnla-acpp.ca

CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2020

Landscape Canada

Prepared for Summer?

Call for Landscape Designers We are lookiing for Landscape Designers to participate on a National Landscape Designer Sub-Committee. They will be completing such tasks as: review of test guidelines and requirements for the Certified Landscape Designer (CLD) program, assisting in marketing strategies to promote certification to industry.

How has your company been operating during COVID-19? Let’s continue to share creative ideas, this is the new working norm.

As spring moves into summer across the country so do the innovative ideas of how to work during the pandemic.

The goal is to keep crews and the clients safe, and to educate the public that we have their best interests, and safety in mind.

Above is an example of keeping safe distancing, and illustrating to the public that you are doing so! Thank you to Heike Designs Inc., BC for this example. Here, the crew is meeting on site (this photo was actually taken by the client who posted it on Facebook!),it illustrates how landscapers have arrived and are being considerate and safe!

or out of date. Some Provinces do maintain lists, often these are agricultural focused, not landscape.

This project pulls together a sortable list of pesticides registered for urban landscapes and growers. The list will be unable to deal with local restrictions due variation of regulations nationally. Once this list is completed it will be reviewed by both committees then placed as a resource in the membership portal of the CNLA website www.cnla-acpp.ca.

CNLA’s Landscape Canada Committee and the Growers Committee are working together with Peter Isaacson IPM specialist in putting together, a list of available pest control products in Canada to be available at your fingertips. There are a number of resources out there, most are incomplete

If you want to participate and assist please contact Anne Kadwell directly at anne@canadanursery.com.

LOW RATE RETAIL FINANCE PACKAGES

Please feel free to share your story and pictures by sending them to Anne Kadwell at anne@canadanursery.com

Pest Control products in Canada

We are looking for a representative from each province. Presently, we have representation from Landscape New Brunswick, and Landscape Ontario.

nts ayme s!

P o N y 0 Da for 9 Trust Wacker Neuson for equipment designed to increase efficiency, allowing you to complete more landscape projects every day.

Now, you can take advantage of low rate retail financing on our line of mini excavators, skid steers and compact track loaders. Visit our website for details and to find your local Wacker Neuson dealer. www.wackerneuson.com

1-888-446-3499

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CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2020

Reliability that counts ƒ FS 94 R BRUSHCUTTER Dependable performance meets variable speed control.

The STIHL FS 94 R brushcutter delivers outstanding power-to-weight ratio, weighing just over 10 pounds – ideal for use as your primary landscape tool. Its state-of-the-art control handle features an ECOSPEED throttle set wheel, providing you the ability to control the required speed for each task such as low throttle for edging around delicate plants. Hit the throttle and the lever returns to normal operating position. This high performance and fuel-efficient engine tackles all of those demanding jobs. Combined with an antivibration system to help reduce operator fatigue and provide a comfortable operation all day long. This is a durable and superior brushcutter designed for the professional landscaper.

SPECIFICATIONS DISPLACEMENT

24.1 CC

POWER OUTPUT

0.9 KW

WEIGHT ①

4.6 KG/10.1 LB

① Weight without fuel, cutting attachment or deflector.

PRO-FLEET COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE PROGRAM STIHL’s Pro-Fleet Commercial Landscape Program is designed to provide commercial landscapers a volume discount on major purchases of 5 or more landscaping power tools. Visit your STIHL Dealer today to find out more and take advantage of the savings!

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