Landscape Ontario - December 2017

December 2017 HortTrades.com

ANNUAL REPORT How LO elevated your profession in 2017 Page 13

DON’T MISS CONGRESS ’18 JANUARY 9 - 11

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The last waltz

By Paul Brydges LO President

I

t is amazing how fast two years has gone by. I started my role as president by asking for a one word change, from “industry” to “profession.” We even voted to make this change in our language to better reflect the change in perception of who we are. I have heard this change take place easily and loudly; both internally, as we speak about ourselves, and externally, as we speak to the public. If I have achieved nothing else, my hope is that I have made everyone understand that perception and self-valuation are an important tool in advancing all of our initiatives.

Until I became president, I can honestly say I did not know how many different initiatives and connections we have throughout Landscape Ontario. At each Provincial Board meeting, we heard about many projects and meetings with aligned professionals from Tony DiGiovanni. Sitting on the Finance Committee, I heard many proposals about how we can, or should spend

December, 2017 • Volume 35, No. 11 Landscape Ontario’s mandate is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable environment for the advancement of the horticultural profession in Ontario.

ISSN 1928-9553 Publications Mail Agreement No. PM40013519 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department Landscape Ontario 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 Canada Phone: 905-875-1805

money or direct staff resources towards many of our diverse initiatives. Once I attended meetings and became actively involved in the conversations, I realized how well-respected LO is, and how deep those connections and initiatives run.

I have worked alongside many people over the last 30+ years of my career, and have discovered my friends and colleagues who are members, as well as LO staff, epitomize what I perceive as professionals: people who provide value and quality goods and services to their customers on a daily basis — even under the trying conditions of client expectations and weather.

As we transition to our next president, Warren Patterson, I hope to remain actively-engaged with some of the committees I have either asked to be created, as with those ingrained within the association.

When I asked Alan White and Paul Doornbos, co-chairs of LO’s Branding Committee, to take on the task of focusing our energy, they were brave enough to step-up for another round of self-reflection.

Their work over the years has helped all of us to realize how critical it is to understand where to allocate our money and energy in an age of global digital marketing. I truly appreciate their energy and tenacity when it comes to keeping the discussion focused

Editor Robert Ellidge rellidge@landscapeontario.com, 647-722-5645 Assistant editor Scott Barber sbarber@landscapeontario.com, 647-478-3171 Multimedia designer/IT coordinator Mike Wasilewski mikew@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5343 Sales manager Steve Moyer stevemoyer@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-0708 Integrated solutions representative Greg Sumsion gsumsion@landscapeontario.com, 647-722-6977 Communications coordinator Angela Lindsay alindsay@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5305 Accountant Joe Sabatino jsabatino@landscapeontario.com, 647-724-8585 Publisher Lee Ann Knudsen CLM lak@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-7557 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO STAFF

Darryl Bond, Amy Buchanan, Kim Burton, Rachel Cerelli, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Denis Flanagan CLD, J. Alex Gibson, Meghan Greaves, Sally Harvey CLT CLM, Heather MacRae, Kristen McIntyre CHT CEM, Kathy McLean, Linda Nodello, Kathleen Pugliese, Ian Service, Myscha Stafford, Tom Somerville, David Turnbull, Martha Walsh, Cassandra Wiesner

and positive. Without knowing who we are, we can’t properly tell our story to the world.

We want to be the primary source for living green infrastructure. We have the data to back this up. Now it is a matter of figuring out what that package looks like so the world can consistently find us.

As we have just observed Remembrance Day, it is a fitting time to reflect on the success of the Veterans Memorial Parkway project in London. The project is considered to be finished, but my view is that things are just getting started. It is a start towards showing the public how we can commemorate previous generations of Canadians and help to improve our depleted tree canopy.

The Highway of Heroes Living Tribute campaign is really starting to gain momentum. Through the strength and vision of our champion Mark Cullen, the project has planted about 12,000 trees so far. It’s a great start on the initial goal of 117,000 trees and the long-term goal of 1.8 million.

I challenge all members who have ever had a family member serve in our military, to donate a tree in their honour. It would be fitting if each company could donate $150 towards this project to commemorate our great nation’s 150th birthday.

I look forward to a lifetime of friendship and comradery with all of you at many meetings, at Congress and on various job sites. I wish you all prosperity and health.

You are the reason I accepted the honour of being your president. I hope you feel I have represented you well.

Paul Brydges may be reached at paulbrydges.la@sympatico.ca.

2017 LO ANNUAL REPORT Pages 13-46

FEATURES 4 REASONS TO ATTEND CONGRESS 6 10 12 47 58

ASSOCIATION NEWS NEW MEMBERS EVENTS INDUSTRY NEWS AD INDEX

Views expressed are those of the writer concerned. Landscape Ontario assumes no responsibility for the validity or correctness of any opinions or references made by the author. Copyright 2017, reproduction or the use of whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Published 11x per year. Rates and deadlines are available on request. Subscription price: $43.51 per year (HST included).

For subscription and address changes, please e-mail subscriptions@landscapeontario.com

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 3

The Congress conference features panel discussions, keynote speakers and experts on many topics from around the world.

18 reasons to attend Congress ’18 Take a much-needed break this holiday season, because the landscape profession’s largest event of the year, Congress ’18, runs January 9-11 at the Toronto Congress Centre. Haven’t started your Christmas shopping yet? Register yourself and your staff for Canada’s Premier Green Industry Show and Conference before special early-bird pricing ends at midnight on Dec. 15. And if saving money is not enough incentive, here are 18 reasons why you should attend Congress ’18: 1. Over 600 exhibitors: Good suppliers are key to the success of your business.

Congress gives you access to great deals on tools, equipment, supplies and services at the largest landscape superstore ever.

2. New Products Showcase: Survey after survey of Congress attendees continues to confirm seeing the latest new equipment, products, plants and technologies is one of the main reasons why over 13,000 professionals visit Congress each year.

3. Conference sessions: Experts from around the world come to Congress to teach you how to maximize your

4 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO DECEMBER 2017

profits and manage your most pressing business issues. Many are specific to the green profession and can relate to your business.

4. HardscapeLIVE!: Hardscape pros will do a live build on the show floor, demonstrating efficient techniques and the latest tools and technologies. The twice daily sessions qualify attendees for ICPI CECs. 5. O wner’s Only Workshops: These two-hour workshops drill down and provide owners with an intimate forum for learning and sharing.

6. T ailgate Party: The ultimate appreciation event includes a fabulous dinner and great entertainment. It’s free for all badge holders on Wednesday after the show closes.

7. D esigner Conference: The educational event of the year for designers features an inspiring day of sessions. Presented in recognition of the OALA. Attendees qualify for CECs. 8. G arden Centre Symposium: Retailers gather at this unique event that includes a keynote speaker and awards ceremony for LO’s Garden Centre and Growers programs.

9. IPM Symposium: Lawn care contractors and arborists have gathered at this annual event for over 50 years. The full-day of technical sessions allows attendees to earn six CECs from the IPM Council of Canada.

10. L ife Lessons at Lunch: There’s so much to see and do at Congress, so why not learn from industry leaders in a social setting while you eat? These popular sessions fill up fast.

11. D aily keynote speakers: The conference kicks off each day with an outstanding keynote speaker in the large ballroom. Speakers are energizing, insightful, and will get you motivated for a day of doing business at the trade show.

12. T hree shows in one: Spread over eight acres, Congress includes exhibitors from the Canadian Fence Industry Association (CFIA) and Garden Expo, giving you access to even more suppliers, products and services.

13. DriveLIVE!: See live demos twicedaily, free on the show floor from O.P.P. officers and Toronto Police.

Re-learn how to conduct a proper circle inspection, including proper forms, pretrip inspection reports and more.

14. P eer to Peer Workshop: This full

day workshop created with the overburdened owner in mind will teach leaders how to rise to their next level of success.

15. GreenLIVE!: Learn everything you need in order to succeed with trees from Ontario experts. From selection, handling and site prep to planting techniques, maintenance and long-term care — all free on the show floor, with two demos daily.

16. Awards of Excellence ceremony: Join your peers for the Oscars of the green profession. Winners of LO’s construction, maintenance and design programs will be revealed. The entertaining evening at this ticketed event includes delicious refreshments at the President’s Reception.

17. Canada Blooms Campus: Come see what horticulture program students are learning these days in the stunning student gardens on the show floor.

18. Landscape Ontario booth: LO’s home office staff are on hand to show you ways to get full value from the exclusive benefits you enjoy as an LO member. The booth is conveniently located just inside the main entrance to the show.

Live demos on the trade show floor are included with trade show admission.

Don’t forget, some of these events start January 8 (Warm-Up Monday), prior to the trade show. For full details, and to register, visit LOcongress.com.

Congress ’18

Canada’s leading green professional trade show and conference

New products are one of the main reasons why people attend the show.

When: Jan. 9-11, 2018 with Warm-Up Monday conferences preceding the trade show on Jan. 8.

Where: Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Rd. with some events held across the street at the Delta Toronto Airport Hotel, 655 Dixon Rd. Conveniently located to Toronto Pearson Airport and highways 427, 401, 409 and 407.

Free parking at the Toronto Congress Centre.

Early bird pricing ends Dec. 15.

Register online at LOcongress.com Fun, food, games and prizes at the annual Tailgate Party.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 5

ASSOCIATION NEWS

that it doesn’t necessarily have to be more expensive, and in fact, they can actually save a lot of money on the back end.”

Another round of FLP training is scheduled for February 27-28, 2018. To apply, visit HortTrades.com/fusion.

LO PROMOTES GREEN INITIATIVES AT CANADA BLOOMS

Sean Hayes and Connie Cadotte discuss the design principles of Fusion Landscaping.

LO members become Fusion Landscape Professionals The first group of Landscape Ontario members recently completed the training and exam requirements in order to become Fusion Landscape Professional (FLP) certified companies.

After successful completion of the program, the member companies will then have access to grants from the Region of Peel and Regional Municipality of York that will qualify clients for large rebates when choosing an approved contractor to design and install a Fusion Landscape on their property.

Fusion gardens use established design principles to create beautiful gardens that effectively manage water on a property and lessen the impact on municipal infrastructure.

Held Nov. 1-2 at the Landscape Ontario home office in Milton, Ont., the group consisting of landscape contractors and designers worked on a number of exercises, including group sessions and hands-on components that dealt with the skills required for building Fusion Landscaping projects.

In mid-November, the participating companies then returned to complete a written exam.

Sean Hayes, president of Clintar Landscape Management Brampton, was accepted into the limited number

6 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO DECEMBER 2017

of training spots for the program. Hayes says he has become increasingly interested in implementing more sustainable water management practices in his maintenance and construction divisions in recent years, however, consumer demand has been sparse.

“Without question, the biggest challenge in getting Low Impact Design (LID) out there more is educating the public,” Hayes explained. “I’m optimistic that by taking part on the Fusion Landscape Professional program, I will have the knowledge and the ammunition I need to get the message across on the importance of storm water management and water conservation to my clients.”

Connie Cadotte, owner of Garden Retreats in Toronto, also participated in the FLP program. As a landscape designer, Cadotte said, “The timing is right for this kind of program as clients are becoming more educated.” Cadotte believes her role as a landscape designer is to put as much thought as possible into a design and be able to offer clients things that are important to them.

“I have noticed that some clients assume these design and maintenance strategies are going to be more expensive,” Hayes said. “Landscape professionals need to be educating clients on the fact

At Canada Blooms 2018, Landscape Ontario is proud to support two very important initiatives: the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute (HOHLT) and Fusion Landscaping.

LO member Joe Genovese, Chief Creative Officer of Genoscape, has been tapped to design the HOHLT garden, which will incorporate native plants and a bridge, representing bridges along Hwy. 401 where Canadians gather to honour fallen soldiers along their journey from Trenton to Toronto.

“We are humbled and honoured to have been asked to design and build the Highway of Heroes Tribute feature garden,” Genovese said. “The Highway of Heroes Living Tribute is a campaign that pledges to plant one tree for every fallen Canadian hero along Highway 401. It is a worthy cause, as it not only encourages another 117,000 trees to be planted, but it is a living tribute to honour our bravest Canadians.”

In November, Genoscape released a short video on their Facebook page promoting their involvement with HOHLT for Canada Blooms 2018. See gfl.me/h3G4.

Genovese is no stranger to creating award-winning display gardens at the festival. In 2017, Genoscape won three awards, including the People’s Choice Award as voted by festival attendees, for their stunning and emotional “Secret Path” garden in collaboration with the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjac Fund.

In 2016, Genovese again won the People’s Choice Award as well as two others for their feature garden display at the festival.

Anna van Maris and Parklane Landscapes are designing a Fusion Landscaping feature garden, with funding from the Peel and York Regions. The garden will feature Low Impact Development elements, and is intended to show the public how beautiful water-smart designs can be. The garden will be built with the help of students in the environmental landscape management program at Seneca College. Fusion Landscape Professionals will staff the garden during the show to provide visitors with information on storm water management and educate them on

the value fusion landscaping practices.

Landscape Ontario’s Growers’ Sector Group will once again engage the public with a display of Ontario-grown plant material. For 2018, the group is planning to include more interactive elements in an effort to educate consumers on the people, history, expertise and production methods involved in bringing quality plant material to retail shelves across the province.

Volunteers are needed to help with the build and tear down of LO’s significant contributions at the festival. Interested members can contact Amy Buchanan, LO event coordinator at abuchanan@landscapeontario.com or 416-548-8029.

OTTAWA CHAPTER PREPS MILITARY CEMETERY FOR REMEMBRANCE DAY

The 12th annual Ottawa Chapter Day of Tribute to the Canadian military and their families, presented by Geosynthetic Systems, took place at the National Military Cemetery at Beechwood in Ottawa, Ont., on Nov. 3. Event chair, retired Master Warrant Officer Pete Campbell opened the ceremony with thanks to the 26 people in attendance.

Volunteers spent a day to prepare the grounds at the cemetery for Remembrance Day.

Attendees included the following dignitaries and sponsors: Pete Campbell, Geosythetic Systems, Day of Tribute Chairperson; Warrant Officer Julie Archambault, Department of National Defense; Dominique Boulais, Commonwealth War Graves Commission; Deputy Mayor Bob Monette and his assistant Cynthia Morgan, City of Ottawa; Benoit Bazinet, Beechwood Cemetery; Trevor Davidson, Head Horticulturalist, Beech-

wood Cemetery; Chris Urquhart, Ottawa Chapter board member; Brett Jeacle, Manderley Turf Products; Kelly Mulrooney, Geosynthetic Systems.

Thank you to the following companies who participated in this event: Clintar Landscape Management Ottawa, Geosynthetic Systems, Green Unlimited, Hirsig Landscapes, Lafleur de la Capitale, Mr T General Contractors, Natural Impressions Landscaping, Nutri-Lawn

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Sponsors of the event included: Jerome Landscaping (coffee and muffins), Bradley’s Insurance (lunch), Peter Knippel Nursery (plant material), Plant Products (fertilizer).

GREENTRADE EXPO TO CELEBRATE 25 YEARS

Landscape Ontario’s Ottawa Chapter will showcase the 25th anniversary edition of GreenTrade Expo on Feb. 14, 2018 at the EY Centre in Ottawa, Ont. The buying, idea-gathering and networking event of the year for the horticultural and landscape sector in Eastern Ontario will feature over 110 exhibitors, free attendance, free parking and free all-day business education seminars.

Over 1,400 green industry professionals attend the show, and some new features this year include expanded show hours, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and a 25th

e

Anniversary Celebration Beer Tent.

The popular MTO Contractors Breakfast, a ticketed event in the early morning of the show day, will once again return in 2018.

LO’s Ottawa Chapter will also hold their fourth annual Awards of Distinction and Casino Night in conjunction with the show on Feb. 13. The ticketed event includes dinner, awards presentations and lots of fun games and prizes.

To register for the free trade show or purchase tickets for special events, visit greentrade.ca or contact Martha Walsh at marthawalsh@greentrade.ca or 613-7965156.

LIGHTING CONFERENCE RETURNS IN FEBRUARY

The ninth annual Landscape Lighting Conference is scheduled for Feb. 1 at Lionhead Golf and Conference Centre, 8525 Mississauga Rd., Brampton, Ont. Conveniently located just north of Hwy.

407, the all-in-one event for lighting professionals will continue to be a wealth of information on new products and technical information.

Landscape Ontario’s Landscape Lighting Sector Group plays host to the event.

Members of the group have worked hard to ensure the content for the day is geared to both seasoned contractors and not just for beginners. Several exhibitors will also be on hand, showcasing both new and existing products for the upcoming season.

Education for the day will take place over four main sessions, where attendees will attend a variety of topics including: lamp demonstrations, personal experience stories, technical aspects of landscape lighting and architectural instruction.

The event continues to grow in popularity and in size, and the facility provides lots of space for networking and a reception. Lunch is also provided via an excellent catering team.

Tickets are $90 for LO members and $110 for non-members until January 18.

Full details and registration are available online at LightingConference.ca.

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Owner Herman Ciardullo (left) with general manager Mark Poloniato.

OAKRIDGE LANDSCAPE CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

Congratulations to Oakridge Landscape Contractors on their recent celebration of 25 years in business. Established in 1992, the Hamilton, Ont.-based residential and commercial design/build company has been a member of LO since 1998.

The company also offers lawn maintenance, janitorial and snow and ice management services and has won numerous awards from Landscape Ontario, Snow and Ice Management Association and Hamilton Construction Association to name a few.

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PROUD MEMBER OF LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

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NEW MEMBERS DN Grading Inc

DURHAM Gus Brown Buick GMC Port Perry Michael Adam 10 Vanedward Dr Port Perry, ON L9L 1G3 Tel: 905-985-8474 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Wintermere Sod Growers Darrel Winter 50 Taunton Rd E Ajax, ON L1T 4V9 Tel: 905-686-0972 Membership Type: Associate

GEORGIAN LAKELANDS C&R Roofing (2012) (1876317 ON Ltd) Larry Chamberland 344 Yollie St Sudbury, ON P3B 3V4 Tel: 705-560-5279 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Connolly Construction

Robert Connolly 35-490 Veterans Dr Barrie, ON L4N 9N4 Tel: 705-717-2209 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Darryl Newcombe 27 Red Cedar Lane Angus, ON L9R 1B6 Tel: 705-623-3351 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Landscape Designs

by Jodie Munshaw

EJ Landscape

Jodie Munshaw 47 Pine Ridge Trail Barrie, ON L4M 4Y8 Tel: 705-828-2758 Membership Type: Active

FCL Concrete

Jay Murphy 1-1A Lee Valley Dr Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0 Tel: 705-765-3555 Membership Type: Active

Kit Redding Media

Jim Ghikadis PO Box 21 Bracebridge, ON P1L 1T5 Tel: 705-706-2203 Membership Type: Active

Joanne Soares 784 Rose Lane Innisfil, ON L9S 2H3 Tel: 416-357-8477 Membership Type: Interim Fabio Louro 95 Decarolis Cres Angus, ON L0M 1B0 Tel: 416-677-7076 Membership Type: Associate Kit Redding 171 Napoleon St Flesherton, ON N0C 1E0 Tel: 705-994-2888 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

MLI Solutions Inc

Muskoka Lakes Property Management

Pat Lalonde Fencing

Michele Gillesby 108 Arlynn Cres Penetanguishene, ON L9M 2G9 Tel: 705-549-5006 Membership Type: Associate

GOLDEN HORSESHOE Atalla Property Management

Marco Atalla 6100-1 Hunter St E Hamilton, ON L8N 3W1 Tel: 905-334-5695 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Paragon Landscaping

Tim Macintyre 434 Beach Blvd Hamilton, ON L8H 6X1 Tel: 905-514-7669 Membership Type: Interim

Rosemary Hawkrigg

Rosemary Hawkrigg 4 Balgownie Crt Waterdown, ON L8B 0A9 Tel: 289-895-9378 Membership Type: Active

The Lawn Consultant (683488 Ontario Ltd)

Louie Ventresca 579 Glovers Rd Hannon, ON L0R 1P0 Tel: 905-575-7511 Membership Type: Active

Elizabeth Brooker

Ancaster, ON Membership Type: Horticultural

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LONDON Outdoor Aesthetics Inc Sam Vail 2361 Brayford Cres London, ON N6K 0CH Tel: 519-639-7762 Membership Type: Active

Vertigo Research Labs

Mongo Andrews 210 Delamere Ave Stratford, ON N5A 4Z5 Tel: 416-571-5151 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Francavilla Ltd

Paul Francavilla 1675 Enterprise Rd Mississauga, ON L4W 4L4 Tel: 416-676-5619 Membership Type: Active

Green FX Landscaping Inc Pino Arpa 201-100 Rexdale Blvd Toronto, ON M9W 1N7 Tel: 416-747-7277 Membership Type: Active

Impex Stone & Tile Limited

OTTAWA

Mukesh Bansal 2-180 Caldari Rd Concord, ON L4K 4L1 Tel: 800-336-3545 Membership Type: Associate

Commercial Pro

Perennial Gardenscapes

Daryl Bycraft CLT, CHT

Ilderton, ON Membership Type: Horticultural

Stephen Powell 611 Poplar Ave Brockville, ON K6V 0C5 Tel: 613-342-3535 Membership Type: Active

TORONTO Discount Towing

Zuhair Fethu 23 Creditstone Rd Concord, ON L4K 1N4 Tel: 416-841-1832 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Andrew Jochem 42 Yewfield Cres Toronto, ON M3B 2Y6 Tel: 416-737-4566 Membership Type: Active

Platoon Landscaping Inc Charles Hitchen 254 Rusk Ave Milton, ON L9T 8L8 Tel: 416-455-2099 Membership Type: Active

Viri Property Services Inc Riccardo Magaletta 39 Cadden Crt King City, ON L7B 1C4 Tel: 416-881-9599 Membership Type: Active

UPPER CANADA

WINDSOR

Cindergirls Inc

BK Cornerstone Design Build Ltd

WATERLOO

Caro Developments Inc (896975539)

Dorne Wilson 214 Ontario St Brighton, ON K0K 1H0 Tel: 647-236-9979 Membership Type: Active

Amazing Earth Nursery Shelly Cerrelli 1709 Hwy 5 W Troy, ON L0R 2B0 Tel: 905-494-1405 Membership Type: Interim

Cressmac Contracting Inc

Jeff Cressman 1745 Line 37 New Hamburg, ON N3A 4B4 Tel: 519-504-1053 Membership Type: Active

Ellis Construction Services Trevor Ellis 1197 Swan St Ayr, ON N0B 1E0 Tel: 226-920-8647 Membership Type: Interim

Gord Kinzie Ldsc. Inc.

Gordon Kinzie 201 Old Mill Rd Cambridge, ON N3H 4R8 Tel: 519-653-0649 Membership Type: Active

Brent Klundert 13405 Desro Dr Tecumseh, ON N8N 2L9 Tel: 519-728-3664 Membership Type: Active

Giovanni Caro 1930 Ambassador Dr Windsor, ON N9C 3R3 Tel: 519-567-4599 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Dolce Vita Investment Group Inc

Enrico Naclerio 9145 Westridge Line Blenheim, ON N0P 1A0 Tel: 519-380-5576 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Fraser Valley Landscaping (1744560 Ontario Inc) Ben Fraser 5777 Telfer Rd Sarnia, ON N7T 7H2 Tel: 519-332-6085 Membership Type: Active

Vince Murphy

LaSalle, ON Membership Type: Horticultural

VISIT US AT CONGRESS BOOTH #2230 & #2235

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM  11

EVENTS

Full details for all events can be found online at HortTrades.com.

Jan. 8

Jan. 9

Feb. 2

Toronto Congress Centre, Cohen Ballroom Lean about weather patterning, pests, invasive plants and more. Register online at LOcongress.com.

Delta Hotels Toronto Airport, Plaza Ballroom Get inspired by stunning projects by LO members. Buy tickets at LOcongress.com.

Lionhead Golf and Conference Centre, Brampton Are you prepared for the future of the irrigation profession in Ontario? Register by January 19 at IrrigationConference.ca to save $25.

IPM Symposium

Awards of Excellence ceremony

Jan. 10

LO Annual General Meeting

Jan. 8

Designers Conference

Delta Hotels Toronto Airport, International Ballroom Everything from edible gardens and water features to earning client trust. Register online at LOcongress.com.

Jan. 8

Peer to Peer Workshop: The Business of Improving Business Delta Hotels Toronto Airport, New York Room Learn how to improve your leadership abilities.

Register online at LOcongress.com.

Delta Hotels Toronto Airport, Ballroom B Learn what the association has been up to and what it is planning for the future. Please RSVP

by Dec. 29 to kathleenp@landscapeontario.com.

Jan. 10

Garden Centre Symposium

Toronto Congress Centre, Sutherland Room, A focus on Millennials and LO Awards of Excellence ceremony for garden centre and growers.

Visit LOcongress.com.

Feb. 1

Lighting Conference

Jan. 9-11

Congress ’18

Toronto Congress Centre Canada’s largest green industry trade show and conference features over 600 exhibitors, new products, live demos, a four-day conference program and more. Visit LOcongress.com.

Lionhead Golf and Conference Centre, Brampton Learn about lighting industry specific issues and meet with suppliers to see new products and technologies at this annual conference. Register at LightingConference.ca by January 18 to save $20.

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Irrigation Conference 2018

Feb. 7

Nursery Growers Short Course

Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington Hosted by LO’s Growers Group, this event includes research updates, new technologies and practices. Visit HortTrades.com/growers-group.

Feb. 13

Awards of Distinction and Casino Night EY Centre, Ottawa Celebrate the best suppliers in the Ottawa Chapter the night before GreenTrade Expo.

Visit GreenTrade.ca.

Feb. 14

GreenTrade Expo

EY Centre, Ottawa Eastern Ontario’s landscape and horticultural event of the year celebrates its 25th anniversary with expanded show hours and more. Register online at GreenTrade.ca.

Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association

2017 Annual Report

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM  13

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Success comes from supporting each other It is hard to believe this is my last written report as LO president. The two years have whirled by at an incredible rate. We have all had that conversation with an uncle or a grandparent, where they state that as they have gotten older, life and time have appeared to speed up. I had started to see the truth to this, and the last two years have really shown this to be true.

There have been so many initiatives over the past year, it is hard to capture them all in a single, brief report.

We have been getting closer and closer to a final plan from LO’s Building Committee for our planned home office renovation. I look forward to the day we can actually break ground, and take that first, exciting step towards creating a visual representation of our world-class association that embodies the spirit of our actions of leading the horticultural profession.

LO Executive Director Tony DiGiovanni recently attended a world horticulture event, and they have embraced the language of referring to us as a profession. What a big difference one year (and stubborn determination) can make!

While celebrating this success, we begin the journey faced by a new challenge. The new minimum wage requirements and changes to employment standards are likely one of the largest issues our profession and association have ever faced. Many sectors within our profession rely heavily on a minimum wage labour force. Combine this with the mandatory overtime possibility, and I am told costs may go up as much as 30 per cent. As business owners, we cannot absorb this internally. The coming year will be challenging as our society adjusts to the changes.

Despite record-breaking rain this year, many members have had their best year ever. Let us hope this trend continues, while we also plan for the changes coming down the line.

Discussions with the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA) continue to create positive results and collaboration on many different projects. Many of our allied professionals are realizing the value of collaboration and the greater results to be achieved when we all work towards common goals.

Living green infrastructure has been very slow to take off, but we are seeing this come more and more to the forefront in municipal planning.

The Fusion Landscape Professional (FLP) program managed by LO for both Peel and York Regions is a great example of this. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has recently expressed an interest in this project as well. Large municipalities and conservation authorities becoming part of the project brings credibility to the work and makes it easier to reach the general public. New legislation in 2018 regarding water conservation and water management will make initiatives like this even more important.

It is simply amazing that LO is really being asked to manage projects like these. It shows how valuable and relevant our profession is.

I continue to look forward to the ongoing transformation of the LO websites. Our new look is starting to portray a professional image, which makes it easier to tell our story.

Our dedicated staff at LO’s home office in Milton continue to make it easy for all of us volunteers to make informed decisions, get work done, and make a difference out in the field. I cannot thank all of them enough for all that they do. Without their commitment to our varied and vast initiatives, we would not be as successful and relevant as we are.

Finally to all the volunteers, thank you so much. With your help, we are all professionals each and every day.

Respectfully submitted, Paul Brydges President 2017

TREASURER’S REPORT

Strong finances help to accelerate our vision Landscape Ontario continues to do well.

Membership, Publishing and Trade Show departments exceeded budgets and last year’s performance. Education was down slightly, because we offered fewer courses in anticipation of renovations to the building. In addition, our investments have been doing very well, with a net gain of over $700,000.

I am happy to report, after operating costs, the association was left with $112,000 in retained earnings. These earnings were then allocated to the Industry Development Fund and Technology Fund. The association maintains a number of funds. Year end balances are:

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Horticultural Industry Development Fund: $1,386,908 Horticulture Centre Improvement Fund: $4,181,487 Technology Fund: $30,507 Legacy Fund: $5,657,348 Promotion Fund: $21,066 Total $13,735,694

We are thankful to be in such a great position to accelerate our vision of a prosperous, professional, ethical, recognized and valued profession.

Respectfully submitted, Lindsay Drake Nightingale Treasurer 2017

2017 LO ANNUAL REPORT MEMBERSHIP AND PUBLIC RELATIONS REPORT

Promoting professional members through successful initiatives Landscape Ontario continues to spread the word about our amazing members as well as the many benefits of our profession through numerous initiatives targeted to consumers, media and potential members.

Media members Our recent campaign to enlist members of the media continues to be very successful. We offer media (including garden writers, bloggers and broadcasters), a complimentary membership in Landscape Ontario that entitles them to free admission to our trade shows and events. We also send them exclusive press releases that keep them up-to-date on activities involving the green profession. We encourage media to share the information with their own audiences.

Canada Blooms This year, Canada Blooms was once again a showcase for our members.

Stunning gardens and a new display by LO’s Growers Group featured both quality nursery stock and excellent craftsmanship and design. We saw a large increase in media impressions this year. A report from the public relations firm, Enterprise Canada, showed the festival received over seven million impressions this year. The increase was attributed to social media hits, particularly the large number posts that were retweeted.

Home and garden shows LO chapters continue to create and staff displays at local home and garden shows. In Windsor, Waterloo and Ottawa, chapter members answered questions from the public and handed out copies of our popular Garden Inspiration magazine.

Garden Inspiration magazine Our main consumer publication, featuring award-winning gardens, new plant varieties and real-life accounts of the many benefits to working with a professional member of Landscape Ontario saw distribution of over 30,000 copies at Canada Blooms and 20,000 at other events.

Garden Days This national program promotes gardening and encourages people to visit public gardens during the days leading up to Father’s Day. Previously a week-long event, Garden Days was expanded to 10 days this year.

Combined with celebrations for Canada’s 150 Birthday, events across the country this year numbered in the thousands.

Membership increase After a successful membership campaign in January and February, we witnessed a healthy increase in membership this spring. A survey revealed the most popular reasons for joining LO continue to be the excellent networking opportunities, access to educational events and the financial (member savings) programs.

Member days Your LO membership department continued to hold the popular membership days this year. We set up our display at several Associate member locations and greeted existing members and promoted membership to other contractors.

Canada 150 celebration In late June, we held a special barbecue lunch at LO’s home office in Milton to celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday. Several members and their families also joined us to dedicate newly-planted trees in memory of some of our pioneer members: John Putzer, Paul Grobe and Horst Dickert. Attendees gathered around a newly-planted Vimy Oak provided by Connon Nurseries NVK. Several endorsed suppliers had exhibits and as usual, networking appeared to be the most popular activity.

Membership activities Many events happened during the summer across all chapters, creating a chance for companies to include their team members in golf, baseball, and other events.

International recognition Several of our independent garden centre members were showcased during a tour of the International Garden Centre Association (IGCA) Congress. More than 250 visitors from over 20 countries enjoyed the hospitality and excellent displays at some of Ontario’s best nurseries and retailers.

Summary 2017 has been a very positive year for membership. Thanks goes to membership department staff, Myscha Stafford and Meghan Greaves, and to the other LO departments that help to promote and support our initiatives and our members. Thank you also to the many chapter and sector volunteers who work tirelessly to support the association across the province.

Respectfully submitted, Denis Flanagan CLD Manager of Membership and Public Relations 2017

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2017

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Leading the way as a profession The landscape and horticulture profession has been very busy this past year. One of the wettest springs on record proved to be a real challenge, putting most members a few weeks behind schedule. Through months of hard work, that gap narrowed, and some exceptional fall weather helped many to catch up. In the end, most members are reporting strong growth.

The perennial concern for our profession continues to be the lack of qualified labour.

Anecdotal comments from many say they could handle 30 per cent more work if they had sufficient employees.

We are addressing the issue with numerous short- and long-term strategies, but the situation is not improving. We have a full-time person dedicated to promoting the benefits of the Apprenticeship Program. We also continue to promote the Specialist High School Major (SHSM) Program and landscape.jobs website. Our Human Resource Development Committee (chaired by Harold Deenen and managed by Sally Harvey) is broad, complex and extensive. Human resource development is by far the number one priority of our association as well as most associations across North America. We look forward to making progress on this significant issue.

The following is a summary of recent projects and activities: Building update We are planning a major renovation to the home office building to accommodate a better classroom environment and expanded offices for Landscape Ontario, CNLA, Ontario Parks Association and Canada Blooms. An architect has been engaged to develop renovation options.

We expect renovations to begin in 2018. In addition, CNLA will be purchasing a 10 per cent stake in the property for $1 million.

Branding LO and the profession LO’s Branding Committee’s vision is to develop a North American landscape authority website similar to Trip Advisor. This vision is long-term and complex. The concept involves a content-rich, customer-centric website that will attract organic Google searches.

We have developed the technical infrastructure (backend programming) which will simplify the process for uploading content. All content is then tagged so users see content related to what they originally searched for, plus additional content they may also be interested in.

Our second step is to improve the ‘Find a Company’ function on LandscapeOntario.com, which will better match customers with members.

In addition, LO staff have redesigned the HortTrades.com site and are in the process of redesigning the Landscape Trades, Source Book and consumer websites. Look for more exciting changes in 2018.

Labour Standards Act review In the spring of 2017, the government announced its intention to make significant changes to the Labour Standards Act and Employment Standards Act. The changes are wide spread and will affect our sector more

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than most. The current exemptions for horticulture and agriculture are at risk. We are dealing with this issue under the umbrella of the Labour Issues Coordinating Committee.

Minimum wage increases The minimum wage in Ontario is increasing to $14 per hour on Jan. 1, 2018 and to $15 on Jan. 1, 2019. This represents a 30 per cent increase.

Many of our members outside the GTA, including garden centres and growers, are concerned the change is too much and happening too fast.

A 30 per cent increase is difficult to deal with, especially when many long-term contracts are already signed. Extra costs must be passed on to the customer.

Insurance issues: hold harmless clauses LO’s Snow and Ice Sector Group is dealing with the issue of insurance risk. Slip and fall claims are making it difficult for many to obtain insurance. In many cases, property managers are transferring their risks to contractors through “hold harmless” clauses. Even though we encourage members to use LO’s Standard Form Snow and Ice Maintenance Contract, many property managers are forcing contractors to sign unfair contracts.

We are currently investigating a legislative solution based on some jurisdictions in the U.S. We are also working with SIMA on this issue.

Insurance claims guidelines In addition to a legislative remedy, we are also working with Marsh Canada insurance to develop guidelines on how best to deal with claims to prevent issues from going beyond the discovery phase. Most claims are settled before they go to court. Many are dropped at the discovery phase based on how well a contractor has documented their work and managed the claims against them. The proposed guidelines will help.

Proposed horticulture school at Cullen Central Park We held a meeting with top officials (including the president of Durham College and the Mayor of Whitby) to promote the idea of a practical horticultural school at Cullen Central Park in Whitby, Ont. The school would emulate the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture model.

The meeting went very well. A delegation also visited the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture to learn how their experiential learning model might be applied.

Highway of Heroes Living Tribute The Highway of Heroes Living tribute has a goal of planting 117,000 trees along Hwy. 401 from Trenton to Toronto, to recognize and honour those who gave their lives for our country. This is a mammoth task.

The contribution-ethic of our membership is inspirational. Many have donated their time, skill, equipment and products to this project. Over 12,000 trees have been planted so far. The event is gaining momentum.

Over $1 million has been raised to date.

There were a number of very successful community tree-planting events held this spring and fall. We are using planting standards developed by Vineland Research and Innovation Centre to plant the trees.

2017 LO ANNUAL REPORT

Maple Leaves Forever award We received an award for our work on the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute campaign from Maple Leaves Forever. The private foundation, founded by Ken Jewett (second from the left in the above photo) provides funds to organizations that plant native maples.

OALA Practice Act and Landscape Designers Name Act Work continues on this very important initiative. The relationship between our two groups has been very productive and amicable. We are supporting OALA efforts to obtain a Practice Act for landscape architects while they are supporting our efforts to obtain a Name Act for landscape designers.

Tree forecast project We received a grant to create a forecasting tool that would easily allow all municipalities to list their eight-year forecasts for tree planting. This project will be a great tool for sharing information between municipalities, but more importantly, it will help growers to determine what tree species they should be producing in advance of the demand.

Video content proposal As part of our efforts to add quality content to our evolving websites and promote the Canadian Landscape Standard, we received a grant to create a series of videos based on the Canadian Landscape Standard. So far, 18 videos have been created. The videos will serve as great content for LO’s consumer website in the new year.

City of Toronto garden contest We partnered with the City of Toronto to promote a city-wide garden contest that asked gardeners to nominate outstanding gardens within the city.

Green Infrastructure Coalition The Coalition continues to promote the value of green infrastructure to policy makers and government. We are gaining momentum. Our goal is to promote the life-enhancing benefits of green spaces.

Leaf blower best practices video A leaf blower education video is available to landscape professionals. We encourage all members to use it as a training tool for staff. Following the guidelines will not only improve our professional image, it will also reduce the risk of potential leaf blower bans in cities and towns. The video was produced in response to an initiative by the Town of Oakville that sought to ban leaf blowers.

Parkwood Estate donation LO provided a grant to support the purchase of grounds equipment for Parkwood Estate in Oshawa, Ont. Parkwood is over 100 years old and was the home of Sam McLauchlin (founder of Buick Canada in Oshawa).

The estate is maintained in part by students from Durham College. Parkwood’s outstanding period gardens are open to the public.

Vaughan licensing The City of Vaughan introduced a new licensing requirement that pertains to landscape installation businesses. LO members receive a discount. Vaughan will also recognize licenses from other jurisdictions.

Rain garden video series LO received a grant from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (through Canada Blooms) to develop a series of videos promoting rain gardens. As climate change continues to be an important issue and as urbanization continues, the requirement for rain gardens will continue to grow. In some cases, municipalities are offering incentives for the creation of rain gardens. This is an emerging market for our members.

Hamilton zoning victory After two years and many meetings, we finally received notification from the Ontario Municipal Board that 61 registered landscape companies would be allowed to operate from their residential properties indefinitely.

Grey to Green Conference We were given an opportunity to promote the value of green infrastructure (including turf) at the annual Grey to Green Conference in Toronto.

The conference was well-attended by green activists and policy makers.

American Public Gardens Association Conference Landscape Ontario and CNLA participated on the planning committee of this event held in Hamilton and Niagara from June 19-23. The conference brought hundreds of public horticulture professionals together.

Royal Botanical Gardens and Niagara Parks hosted the conference.

London Veterans Memorial Parkway project The last tree-planting event for this multi-year project was held in July.

LO members from the London area were instrumental in helping this very successful and inspirational project.

Dutch Consul tree planting As part of the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute campaign, the Dutch Consul planted a tree to commemorate Canada’s role in liberating Holland during the Second World War. LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2017

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Canadian Tulip Festival In May, LO President Paul Brydges attended the opening of the Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa. Paul made an excellent speech lauding the influence of the National Capital Commission on our profession. The festival included many additional exhibits and events in celebration of Canada’s 150th Birthday.

Monica van Maris award The Toronto Botanical Garden’s Woman-to-Woman event in May saw the first-ever Monica van Maris Influential Women in Horticulture award handed out. Monica van Maris is the first recipient of the award.

As a past-president of LO and an active volunteer for several decades, we are very proud of Monica receiving this award.

Garden Promenade We received a Canada 150 grant from the Ministry of Tourism to develop a Garden Promenade experience in Ottawa. Michel Gauthier was the architect of this wonderful event. Essentially, it connected many existing gardens in Ottawa into a garden experience that could be visited by foot, bike, car or bus. The brilliant project encourages existing gardens to upgrade their maintenance, while at the same time attract visitors to their site. This is a good model for other cities. The launch event was hosted at the Global Centre for Pluralism. The LO logo is prominently featured on the back decal.

Youth Fusion LO President Paul Brydges is responsible for bringing this important organization to our attention. Youth Fusion is a Quebec-based organization focused on raising graduation rates in high school by giving students opportunities for experiential learning. The program was so successful in Quebec that the Ontario government supported their entry into Ontario schools. A university design or environmental student is hired by the high school to coordinate a program where students design and build an outdoor space. This project-based activity is proving very popular and relevant to students and LO is a partner. Our job is to connect students with members in our profession. LO was invited to a final award presentation at Evergreen Brickworks where the Minister of Environment was a keynote speaker. Afterwards, we met with Minister Glen Murray to promote jobs in our sector. We also spoke about using Cap and Trade funds to “electrify” the landscape profession. The Minister was intrigued with the idea and promised to help us navigate the complex process of getting grant approval.

Come Alive Outside We have also accepted a board position with the Come Alive Outside organization. Come Alive Outside helps to reconnect children with nature and attract more young people into meaningful careers in the landscape profession.

The organization is also responsible for the community Green Streets Challenge where a street in a downtown location is sodded and the community is invited to play on the grass. The event took place in eight cities across Ontario this year.

Come Alive Outside also runs a very successful Design Challenge each year. The event has post-secondary students work together with high school and elementary students and with landscape professionals to design and build an outdoor-classroom style garden or playground at an elementary school.

Bug Finder App We participated in funding and supporting the Bug Finder app that was officially launched at the LO Growers Short Course on Feb. 15, 2017. The app, available for iPhone and Android devices, is a unique and very powerful tool for identifying pests in the field.

Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame Association We accepted a nomination to participate on the board of the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame Association. The purpose of the association is to recognize individual contributions to the agriculture sector. This aligns with our long-term goal of raising the profile of landscape/horticulture within the agricultural community.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2017

The future One of the most important activities for the new year is to revisit our Strategic Plan and plot our course for the future. Landscape Ontario has always been planning-oriented — it is a large part of our success so far.

Previous plans have become prophetic documents, as the ideas from our leaders and members have turned into reality. We are one of the largest and most relevant horticultural trades organizations in the world because we have made the effort to listen to our members and develop programs and activities that focus on building a prosperous, professional, ethical, recognized and valued profession. The future looks very bright for the profession and our organization.

Respectfully submitted, Tony DiGiovanni Executive Director 2017

2017 LO ANNUAL REPORT

2017 Chapter reports The regional needs of members are served through a network of nine chapters. Through monthly meetings and social events, the chapters represent an ideal way for member companies to keep abreast of concerns regarding the profession. The two most sought after membership benefits — education and networking opportunities — are provided through the association’s regional chapter structure.

Durham

President: Norm Mills Provincial board representative: Brian Baun Treasurer and Secretary: Carol Fulford Vice president: Brian Shelfoon Directors: Brian Alcock, Christopher Arnts, Ben Gray, Mark Humphries, David Lewis, Christopher Muller, Mike Pennington, Janice Shingler The Durham Chapter held meetings, usually on the first Tuesday of the month, at the Moose Lodge in Oshawa.

October 2016: Chapter members enjoyed a day in the moist Whitby air, planting hundreds of trees with the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute. Mark Cullen, (LO honorary lifetime member) was joined by local dignitaries and over 100 volunteers for the occasion, including about 20 members and their staff. Many thanks to all who gave their time, supplies, and their comradery to plant the donated trees. Special thanks to Mark Humphries of Direct Landscape Supply for the caliper maple and to Brian Baun from B.K. Baun Landscape for tilling the area in advance.

The rain stopped just as the first shovel hit the ground, and started again as the last burger was eaten. Someone was watching over us!

The October chapter meeting saw over 20 attendees enjoy the “A to Z’s of Landscape Design” with Paul Brydges, LO president, and gained good information about Landscape Ontario from Denis Flanagan, LO manager of membership and public relations.

November 2016: Our annual beer and wings night saw the return of Denis Flanagan with more great information from LO, as well as two full Congress passes as door prizes. Other suppliers donated an additional $200 in prizes for attendees. The meeting format featured an open discussion of any and all concerns that anybody had. If anyone left the table hungry for food, beer or information, it was (as my mom would say) “their own fault.”

January 2017: Congress days, AGM, trade show...what else to say?

February 2017: Our monthly meeting was postponed until April due to weather.

March 2017: Over 100 people filled the hall to hear Jim Slykhuis, (retired York Regional police sergeant) present our annual MTO Day, giving real factual info (not just the book stuff) on pre-trip inspections, load coverings, containment and security, and CVOR information. Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) also informed us

regarding new noise rules, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) 2015, and workplace violence and harassment. March was also our election meeting where we welcomed new faces and thanked all of the previous volun-tolds.

April 2017: Fred Young of WSPS led over 60 people to their WHMIS 2015 certifications and Alex Gibson from LO spoke about the Apprenticeship Program.

In each case, the meetings after the meeting were beneficial to all.

Acquaintances turned into friends, friends shared knowledge, knowledge improves everyone.

Attendance at meetings this year consistently increased. Maybe it’s the higher education and compliance content, or maybe it’s the food and beer. We don’t know, but we won’t turn down the results!

My first year as president has been both enjoyable, to say the least, and a learning experience. I would like to thank the entire executive and those who came before me for their contributions, with notable thanks to Janice Shingler for all of the fine food and to Carol Fulford, who, as secretary/treasurer (which is a lifetime position in the chapter), continues to keep everyone (especially me) on track, in line, and moving forward.

Respectfully submitted, Norm Mills President 2016-2017

Georgian Lakelands

President: Georgie Hamilton Vice President: Michael Di Nunzio Past President: Lexi Dearborn CLD Treasurer: Jen Cuddie Secretary: Laurie-Ann Stuart Provincial Rep: Margot Byers Directors: Lynne Barnes, Ken Dutka, Teresa Matamoros, Rob Reden, Debbie Wood Our year started off with the third annual Cascades Putting Challenge at Blue Mountain Village in Collingwood, Ont. The rain held off for the over 40 putters in attendance and the evening concluded with a delicious dinner at Rusty’s in the village where awards for our best and most honest putters were handed out.

This year, the Chapter partnered with Camphill Communities Ontario (CCO). CCO was established in 1986 and is part of a worldwide organization supporting persons with developmental disabilities and based on three essentials: the healthy spiritual nature of everyone — whatever their level of ability, a commitment to personal development and the building of communities that support and nourish the life of all its members. The Chapter initiated a greening project which involved cleaning out the gardens, weeding, resetting existing plants, resetting LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2017

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The Georgian Lakelands Chapter’s annual Ski and Spa Day continues to be a popular, mid-winter event.

stone edging to re-establish a medicine wheel, and planting new plants.

Thank you to all of the volunteers who assisted with this project.

The second annual Georgian Lakelands Chapter Awards of Distinction was held Dec. 1 at Casino Rama. The awards recognize suppliers and staff within the Chapter. Nominations are accepted for each category, then members vote to determine the winners for: Best Hardscaping Material Supplier, Best Plant Material Supplier, Best Supplier to the Landscape Trades, Best Salesperson of the Year, Best Boss of the Year, and the Georgian Lakelands Chapter Volunteer of the Year. The awards night continues to grow and we look forward to expanding the chapter Awards program in the future. Congratulations to all our 2016 winners!

The Chapter continued to rotate meetings in our major regions, including: Huntsville, Barrie, Collingwood, Owen Sound and Wasaga Beach. We are continue to work on meeting members where they live and making the meetings more accessible to members across the chapter.

Our full-day meeting format was very successful. It features a morning speaker or panel, followed by a group lunch, then an afternoon speaker.

Meeting attendees were able to select all, or part of a meeting to attend, allowing them to select speakers and topics relevant to their businesses.

The January meeting in Collingwood featured a triple-threat of speakers and topics. The morning kicked off with Julie Card and Dan Plouffe sharing their insights on email and digital marketing, with key strategies to assist members. Carl Hastings shared an update on the latest and greatest products in landscape lighting, including popular installations and designs and the selling features that lighting can add to landscape designs. The afternoon concluded with our social media expert Mike Pennington. Mike walked us through the pros and cons of social media sites, how to navigate these spaces and even gave a hands-on demonstration of the popular social media phenomenon: the mannequin challenge.

The February chapter meeting in Huntsville had a packed agenda, including a morning session with guest speaker Frankie Flowers. Frankie shared his stories about becoming a popular horticulturist, and lessons learned from a digital world. Frankie’s extensive resume and experience makes him a wealth of knowledge and he offered very valuable lessons for members to use in everyday business. The afternoon session was a showcase on new products in LED landscape lighting and app-based

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business tools with Ron Iserhot of Vanden Bussche Irrigation. Our afternoon also included a sneak peak of plant products in the pipeline for the coming years with Sheridan Nurseries, as well as insight into the production and selection process for the plant materials you are choosing from.

Our 2017 Ski and Spa Day was anything but cold. Balmy temperatures and gorgeous sunshine made for a great day on the slopes.

The designer’s day in Wasaga Beach offered the latest information, including a feature on new products and ways to incorporate them into landscape designs.

Our March meeting in Barrie was all about compliance. The morning panel was comprised of by-law officers that informed us on what members needed to know about getting permits, which elements need permits, and building codes in different municipalities within the chapter.

The afternoon portion of the meeting was hosted by MTO officer Hank Dubee. Hank was able to answer questions about commercial vehicle safety and the regulations business owners and staff need to be aware of.

This meeting was designed to help members and their staff take a proactive approach to compliance, both on the roads and on the job site.

Our final chapter meeting of the year was hosted in Owen Sound.

Guest speaker, Kees Govers of Live Roof Ontario, gave an in-depth look at green roofs. Green roofs are becoming increasingly used and Kees provided attendees with great information on both design and installation techniques, as well as products used for these jobs.

To conclude our year, Ego’s Garden Centre hosted our annual August barbecue and pig roast. This event always offers terrific networking with fellow green professionals and was a great break after a long summer.

With over 50 attendees, members had loads of questions for our guest speaker Jeff McMann who presented, “Submitting your winning Awards of Excellence Entry.” We hope to see lots of winners representing our Chapter.

Thank you to the Georgian Lakelands Chapter board members for their hard work in organizing these events and taking care of all the behind-the-scenes work. Thank you to our members who come out to, and support our events, including our generous sponsors, volunteers and everyone who helps to make these events a success. We couldn’t do it without you!

We look forward to continuing to offer new education and training

2017 LO ANNUAL REPORT opportunities and the chance for members to meet and connect with fellow professionals in the 705 regions as we continue to grow and develop the Georgian Lakelands Chapter.

Respectfully submitted, Georgie Hamilton President 2016-2017

Golden Horseshoe

President: Fran MacKenzie Provincial Board Rep: Tim Cruickshanks Treasurer: Andrew Barz 1st Vice President and Gear Up for Spring Chair: Tim Rivard Past President: Jeff Smith Chicken Roast Committee Chair: Fiore Zenone Meeting and Promotion Chair: Scott Duff Directors: John Bos, Chris Church, Chris DeCock, Allard DeVries, Christopher Utter Chapter Coordinator: Lee Rozon What a busy year it has been!

Sep. 10: The Golden Horseshoe Chapter (GHC) board took part in the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture’s “Rooted in the Garden” event.

Board members met attendees and answered questions about membership in Landscape Ontario.

Sep. 15: The annual Chicken Roast was hosted at Ferrell Builders’ Supply in Hamilton, Ont. The event was well-attended and proved to be another successful event with lots of roasted chicken and many fun activities and games for children.

Oct. 1: Landscapers’ Expo at O`Neils Farm Equipment showcased equipment for winter needs with presentations on equipment maintenance for changing technology. Attendees enjoyed an afternoon of networking with LO members. A free barbecue lunch was supplied by O’Neils Farm Equipment, and also featured educational seminars, prizes and more.

Nov. 1: Landscape Ontario member Arvils Lukss of Landscapes by Lucin presented, “Marketing Myopia” in which he shared his wealth of knowledge about effective strategies in today’s changing marketplace.

Feb. 2017: The GHC continued with their February tradition of hosting a family-friendly event combined with Family Day, to host a family bowling day at Splitsville Entertainment in Hamilton. The day was a complete success and proved to be an ideal setting for members to network and have fun with other members and their families.

March 28: Our Gear Up for Spring trade show continues to be an amazing event, growing again this year with a record turnout of over 300 visitors and sold-out exhibitor booth space. This event features presentations and seminars designed to get members thinking about, and up-tospeed on safety before the busy season begins. We are looking forward to an even bigger event in 2018.

April 1: A booth was set up at the Hamilton Home Show to greet attendees to the show. Chapter board members were on hand to answer questions about membership in Landscape Ontario.

April 25: Kelly Barnett from the City of Hamilton gave an informative and excellent presentation on bylaws for landscapers. There were lots of questions and answers and members who attended were very keen to

learn all about the bylaws that directly affect their business operations.

July 10: The Hamilton General Hospital Campus Community garden is an exciting new initiative developed in partnership with Hamilton Victory Gardens. The chapter presented a cheque for $7,500 to HVC during the official opening ceremony. The garden will contribute to food security for local residents and provide innovative therapy for rehabilitation patients.

Aug. 19: Our annual golf tournament returned to Willow Valley Golf Course in Hamilton and saw a record turnout of golfers and sponsors this year. The tournament hosted representatives from the MS Society of Canada who stated the event was the most successful fundraising golf tournament of the season for them. Hats off to our golfers for being so generous! It was a great day and a great time was had by all.

Aug. 31: The chapter would love to thank Lee Rozon for her many years of dedication as Chapter Coordinator. Lee has retired from the position to spend time with her family in Florida. Lee’s efforts and enthusiasm will be missed.

The chapter would like to welcome Mary Thompson as the new Chapter Coordinator.

Respectfully submitted, Fran MacKenzie President 2016-2017

London

President: Peter Vanderley CLM Provincial board representative: Michael Pascoe CLT Vice President: Matt Hart Secretary: Kevin Marshall CLT Treasurer: Bill Beamish Directors: Cindy Buelow (member recruitment/retention), Bill Degraaf (golf), Derek Geddes (membership recruitment/retention), Michael Martins, Tyler Rancourt (meetings), Paul Snyders (social and trade events), Jarrett Woodard (social and trade events) Chapter Coordinator: Wendy Harry CLT September 2016 marked our 11th annual golf tournament which has been the major fundraising event for our chapter over those years. With nearly a full house and gorgeous weather, it was once again a wonderful day filled with great food, prizes and fun for our chapter.

In October, we began our 2016-17 chapter meeting season with guest speaker Jason Vettese, Sales Manager at Best Way Stone and ICPI Technical Instructor. Jason shared his professional experience and expertise to outline ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) best practices when estimating and pricing hardscape jobs.

In November, Andrew Wall from Sandler Training, the world’s largest management and leadership development and sales development company, shared how to identify communication styles and how to adjust our approach to increase our effectiveness in customer service and sales.

Our February 2017 meeting featured our plant symposium which we hope will become an annual event. The 120 people in attendance were treated to wonderful speakers: Brenda Gallagher from the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority spoke on “Neat Things about our Native Trees;” Ross McGee presented “Everything Roses;” Ben Stormes presented “Plant Collecting and Why It’s Important,” and the day finished LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2017

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off with Liz Klose speaking on “Perennial Plants of the year: past and present.”

Our March meeting featured MTO’s Mike Turcotte reminding us once again on the importance of being compliant with the rules and laws of the province. Elections were held at the meeting and the chapter board was pleased to welcome five new faces.

In late April, a special black tie and gown gala was hosted by the Navy as a thank you to our chapter and those who participated in the building of the memorial garden at HMCS Prevost. Back in October, 24 volunteers from the chapter spent the morning planting 2,000 shrubs and 25 trees as part of the Battle of Atlantic Memorial, built to commemorate our fallen sailors during Members of LO’s Golden Horseshoe Chapter toured Ottawa Chapter’s GreenTrade Expo in February. the Second World War. The gala was a ticketed event, also open to the public. The evening together we can do so much.” featured a great meal and ended with a presentation from a University of Members from the Ottawa Chapter supported the following events New Brunswick professor who specializes on the Canadian effort during in the past year: chapter meetings, Day of Tribute to the Canadian Milithe Second World War. Many thanks to all those who helped make the tary, maintenance at the Ottawa Cancer Survivors Park, Ottawa Awards memorial garden a success. of Distinction, GreenTrade Expo, Living Landscapes, and the annual As I become the chapter’s past president in September, I have had Ottawa Chapter Charity Golf Tournament for the Children’s Hospital of time to reflect on the past decade I have served on the board of the LonEastern Ontario (CHEO) Foundation. Along with continued support of don Chapter. The opportunity has allowed me to grow both personally these many events, volunteers are also mentors, alongside educators, to and as a business owner. I consider my colleagues, both on the board and students in both the Horticultural Program, and the Apprenticeship prowithin the membership, as my good friends. I am amazed that as comgrams at Algonquin College. petitors, we truly care about one another and desire success for each of Volunteer members maintain the Ottawa Cancer Survivors Park. us in all of our endeavors. It has always been, and will continue to be, a There is a core group of 11 companies volunteering monthly from May delight to be a part of Landscape Ontario. to October. The maintenance of the park also works as a mentoring program for students from Algonquin College, who gain invaluable hands Respectfully submitted, on experience through support from member companies.

Peter Vanderley CLM This year, the Ottawa Chapter Charity Golf Tournament for CHEO President 2016-2017 raised $10,000, bringing the total donation to the Children’s Hospital Foundation to just over $32,000 over the past five years.

Growing Futures is an innovative initiative that brings local businesses, community partners, and children together to foster a healthier, President: Ed Hansen more financially resilient next generation. The Ottawa Chapter sponVice President: Chris Urquhart sored a Food Tower, which has been placed at the Ottawa Innovation Past President: Sundaura Alford-Purvis CLD Centre, and the produce of herbs and kale will be harvested and sold Treasurer: Steve Neumann locally to ThinkLunch café on site.

Past President and Provincial board representative: Membership increased in the Ottawa chapter by 19 per cent in 2017, Ed Hansen/Tyler Owen with more representation in sector groups and Chapter Associates noted.

GreenTrade Expo Chair: Bruce Morton CLM CIT Chapter meeting topics this past year included a utilities panel comprised Directors: Mike Fulcher, Cory MacCallum, Steve Montcalm, of Ottawa Hydro, Bell and Enbridge. Great attendance was noted as the Lindsey Ross, Stephanie Scott Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) Office of the Employer Chapter Coordinator: Martha Walsh Advisor walked members through the process of completing WSIB Form 7. The final chapter meeting of the year took place in March and Volunteers are the core of support for all Ottawa Chapter events, and included a celebration of the gardens of Living Landscapes, presented even more so in 2017. To quote Helen Keller, “Alone we can do so little; by members of the Ottawa Chapter of Landscape Ontario as part of the

Ottawa

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2017

2017 LO ANNUAL REPORT Ottawa Home and Garden Show.

GreenTrade Expo, presented by the Ottawa Chapter, celebrated its 24th year on Feb. 15. Despite a 20 cm snowfall, attendance was good.

With over 110 exhibitors, complimentary parking sponsored by Geosynthetic Systems and a day full of business-to-business seminars, the show concluded as another successful event. Both both student volunteers and members gave their time to make this chapter event a success.

The Ottawa Chapter Board would like to thank Sundaura AlfordPurvis for her two-year term as president, as well as for her continued support, especially her dedication to Living Landscapes and sustainable horticulture and landscaping.

Respectfully submitted, Ed Hansen President 2016-2017

Toronto

President: Jonas Spring Treasurer: Sabrina Goettler Vice President: Janet Mott Past President: Ryan Heath Secretary: Joe Pereira Provincial Board Representative: Jon Durzi Directors: John Bouwmeister, Paulo Domingues, Raffy Hanimyan, Steve Hary, Wendy Ladd, John Larsen, Skai Leja, Chaz Morenz, Say Saveall, George Schellingerhoud It has been a busy year for the Toronto Chapter.

Chapter meetings started off with a bang as the Toronto Chapter tackled a topic prevalent on everyone’s minds: staffing. The chapter partnered with Humber College and saw a great turnout with a mixture of business owners and future professionals. Guest speakers included an employment and labour lawyer, companies who specialize in off-shore labour, as well as a professor working with future green professionals.

Despite an early snow storm, the December meeting at Ryerson University had a great turnout to discuss the unique challenges of running a small business in the GTA. The “What’s Up with the Little Guy?” meeting featured a showcase on how small businesses operate in a region dominated by larger competitors, the challenges of finding space for storing equipment and marketing a small business.

Our January meeting continued the ”What’s Up?” series with “What’s Up with Weeds?” Sam Benvie and Sandra Pella spoke to a full house at the Toronto Botanical Garden to discuss native plants, the top choices for pollinator gardens and why native plants are associated with the term ‘weeds.’

The chapter’s full-day February meeting featured all things safety related. Attendees joined in a health and safety boot camp with Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) in addition to a seminar on commercial vehicle safety and a sample walk-around vehicle inspection.

Chapter meetings concluded for the year with a showcase on water features with representatives from Aquascape and Genoscape presenting products, design, and the benefits of incorporating water gardens and features into the landscape.

New this year was the Toronto Chapter Bursary Program. Rather than supporting one community project, the Chapter decided to dis-

tribute their contribution through smaller grants of up to $1,000 each.

The Bursary Committee made up of Toronto Chapter Board members were looking to support projects that would enhance physical, mental and spiritual wellness; offer environmental benefit (such as pollinator or wildlife gardens); provide community or educational benefit (such as community gardens). In the end, 14 projects throughout the GTA were selected, including community, food and pollinator gardens, as well as seed exchanges. We look forward to continuing this project next year.

The Toronto Chapter introduced “shop talk sessions” across the GTA this spring. These sessions were inspired by “the meeting before/after the meeting,” when green professionals network and have the chance to talk shop. There is no agenda and no speakers — just the chance to get together and talk about issues, problems, challenges and successes we all share. These were a great success and we look forward to continuing them in the future.

Despite a rainy summer, we were still able to host the chapter’s annual golf and baseball tournaments. Our original golf date was rained out, so we returned to Nobleton Lakes Golf Club for a rescheduled tournament with over 100 golfers. Richmond Greens hosted the 2017 Hank DeJong Memorial Baseball tournament with seven teams competing. Thank you everyone who took time out of their extremely busy schedules to attend these events.

Thank you to the Toronto Chapter board members for their hard work in organizing these events and taking care of all the behind-thescenes work. Thank you to our members who come and support our events, our generous sponsors, volunteers and everyone who helps to make these events a success.

We look forward to seeing you in the new year and continuing to bring you learning opportunities as we foster the growth and strength of the Toronto Chapter.

Respectfully submitted, Jonas Spring President 2016-2017

Upper Canada

President: Paul Doornbos Vice President: Jesse Perrin Past president /Provincial board representative: Terry Childs Treasurer: Pamela McCormick CLP Secretary: Neil Bouma Fundraising Chair: Pamela McCormick CLM Directors: Judy deBoer-Bell, David Gunn, Andre Ypma The Upper Canada Chapter continues to rotate meeting locations between Kingston and Belleville in an effort to make meetings more accessible to members across our wide-spread chapter.

The 2016-17 meeting season began with a round table discussion hosted in Belleville with a focus on character and how it can define your business.

The November chapter meeting in Kingston featured a presentation from Denis Flanagan on “debunking LO.” This meeting offered members the chance to ask questions about the association, including the many benefits they are entitled to and the resources available to member companies and their staff.

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The new year of meetings began in Belleville with a presentation from LO president Paul Brydges that focused on landscape architecture.

February’s meeting in Kingston featured LO Durham Chapter member, Mike Pennington. The owner of Lakeridge Contracting, Mike shared his insights and unique strategies on building a brand and selling to your customers.

February also included the 6th annual chapter squash tournament in Trenton.

The March meeting in Belleville featured our AGM and annual elections.

Our final meeting of the year featured presentations on commercial vehicle inspections, workplace safety and locate agreements.

The Chapter partnered with the Upper Canada Stone Company to host the 2nd annual Upper Canada Drystone Festival: a two day, handson drystone introductory course presented by Dean McLellan and other professional drystone wallers in Madoc, Ont. Due to the weather challenges faced for much of the first half of the season, our annual golf tournament was cancelled to allow members to make the most out of the better weather in August this year. We look forward to 2018 and being able to once again meet on the links with our colleagues.

Upper Canada was well represented this year on the LO Show Committee, as well as other provincial committees. The Chapter looks forward to continuing to offer local education and training opportunities for LO members and their staff.

Respectfully submitted, Paul Doornbos President 2016-2017

Waterloo

President: Jeff Thompson Provincial Board Representative: Thomas Blatter Treasurer: Robert Tester Vice President: Richard Burch Past President: Randy Adams Secretary: Blake Sicard Directors: Jason Dietrich, Trevor Garner, Eric Horst, Mike Silva The Waterloo Chapter had an exciting and eventful year with chapter meetings and social events which continue to grow.

While fall is still a busy time of year in the landscaping world, our September meeting continues to see a great turnout. Robert Chiarantano of RDA Insurance (the company that provides telephone legal advice to all members through DAS Legal) weighed the benefits of different business structures, including sole proprietor, partnerships and corporations, and explained the pros and cons, as well as legal implications of each type of business structure.

October featured an examination on corporate tax planning and preparation with Craig Keller. Craig provided members with information on how to develop a personal tax plan, structuring taxes to minimize any amounts owing, what deductions and incentives are available to green professionals and current legislation impacting corporate taxation.

It wouldn’t be November in the Waterloo Chapter without the annual snow and ice meeting. This meeting featured a panel discussion and

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Q+A session with Dave Amadori, insurance adjuster with Hort Protect (Marsh Canada), Lisa Morrell, personal injury lawyer with Morrell Kelly and Dave Wright, landscape contractor and owner/operator of Wright Landscape Services.

November also included the annual Fall Freeze-up Dinner and Dance which featured live music, dancing, and raffles. This event offers a great way to end the season with family and staff and was enjoyed by over 150 members and guests.

The year ended with a feature on by-laws in the tri-cities. Representatives from the cities of Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo by-law offices joined the chapter to discuss regulations in the cities and how they differ, and how you and your staff can ensure compliance on job sites.

The 2017 chapter meeting year began in February with a presentation from Chris Mace of Gelderman Landscape Services. Chris used case studies and shared personal experience to share lessons learned from implementing overtime payment for field staff.

The March meeting was all about social media with guest speaker Mike Pennington. A member of LO’s Durham Chapter, Mike is wellknown for his creative uses of social media for Lakeridge Contracting. He examined the different social media platforms and the pros and cons of each and discussed the ways in which using social media can help your business and build a unique brand.

Similar to all business this year, spring was a busy time for the chapter. Each spring we sponsor The Kitchener-Waterloo Home and Garden Show. Our booth saw over 2,500 attendees, each taking home a pine or spruce seedling for their yard.

Before everyone was out working in full force again, the Chapter hosted the annual safety meeting at Coleman Equipment. Richard Hutchinson of the Ministry of Labour (MOL) shared the latest updates on employer and employee responsibilities, current government legislation, rules and fines as well as what to expect during an MOL inspection. Landscape Ontario’s apprenticeship coordinator, Alex Gibson, was also on-site to discuss apprenticeship opportunities and incentives for employers and employees and to answer any questions about the program.

We are looking forward to another eventful season of strengthening the Landscape Ontario brand while supporting each of our members in developing their businesses. Thanks to our wonderful members who plan and participate at each of these events and our numerous social activities.

It is great to be a member of the Waterloo Chapter.

Respectfully submitted, Jeff Thompson President 2016-2017

Windsor

President/Treasurer/Provincial Board Representative: Donald Tellier Vice President/St. Clair College Liaison: Jay Terryberry Secretary/LOWC Assistant: Jay Rivait/Violet Harris Directors: Jessica Aytoun, Sal Costante, Dan Garlatti, Joe Santarosa Jr. Landscape Ontario Windsor Chapter (LOWC) members had a very exciting year with the completion and dedication of the Legacy Garden at St. Clair College. Thanks to funding from Landscape Ontario head office

2017 LO ANNUAL REPORT

The Legacy Garden built at St. Clair College recognizes founding members of LO’s Windsor Chapter.

and very generous financial, material and labour support from a number of Windsor Chapter member companies and students/staff from St. Clair College, the beautiful garden was dedicated in early June. A crowd of over 60 people, consisting of a few of the original members of LOWC, families, friends, students and current members enjoyed a beautiful morning that included some very heartfelt speeches from some of the long standing members in attendance including: Lex Kraft, St. Clair College Vice President Ron Seguin, Landscape Ontario representative Denis Flanagan and LOWC President Donald Tellier. The event concluded with a ceremonial tree planting and the unveiling of a beautiful wall plaque that includes the names of the original executive members that are no longer with us. Thanks to all who volunteered for construction of the garden and to those who helped out on the dedication day.

In early April, LOWC member volunteers and horticulture students once again volunteered to build a large feature garden at the 2017 Windsor Home and Garden Show. LOWC presented the speaker series to help educate the public on the many different aspects of landscaping and gardening. Thanks again to the local LO members who gave the inspiring talks.

Our chapter meetings started off with a bang in October 2016 with an open forum discussion on all things landscape related. Students and members talked about a variety of things from wages to employee/ employer expectations and everything in between. Don Tellier moderated the event.

In November, Chris Vasey discussed health and safety for employers and employees including responsibilities, training and proper forms and paper work.

Our annual bowling night was very successful – a fun night out for members and their staff as the landscaping season wound down.

Landscape Ontario’s Jeff Hicks headlined the January 2017 session with his very entertaining presentation about his time working in the Middle East and how leveraging resources can support development of our staff and member companies.

In February, Mike Pennington and Nancy Green from Lakeridge Contracting in LO’s Durham Chapter, gave an interesting take on the designer/contractor relationship. Both Mike and Nancy talked about how important it is to have a good, professional relationship on the job site.

Our March meeting was delivered by Matthew Mitchell from MTO. This annual member favourite covers the latest rules of the road and a hands-on safety review of on-site equipment.

The LOWC Bob Girard Memorial Golf Tournament took place in September 2017 on a beautiful Saturday at Sutton Creek Golf Club. A great day of golf, food, prizes and networking was enjoyed by all.

LOWC was once again involved in a number of community initiatives including our annual fall clean up and upgrade of the Solidarity Gardens at the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County in late October. A similar clean up will also take place at the Children’s Safety Village of Windsor this next spring.

Our fall meetings are set up and we are looking forward to another wonderful year in the LOWC. Thanks to all who volunteered their time or resources or both during the past year – we couldn’t do what we do without the support of all our members.

Respectfully submitted, Jay Terryberry President 2017-2018

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2017 Sector reports The scope and mandate — and therefore the needs — of the industry sectors served by Landscape Ontario are distinctly different. The specific requirements of each of these groups are facilitated by the association’s sector group structure. The objective of each sector group is to respond to current concerns resulting from marketplace pressures and government legislation.

Garden Centre

President: Norm Mills Provincial board representative: Brian Baun Treasurer and Secretary: Carol Fulford Vice president: Brian Shelfoon Past president: Greg Scarlett Directors: Brian Alcock, Christopher Arnts, Ben Gray, Mark Humphries, David Lewis, Christopher Muller, Mike Pennington, Janice Shingler Chair/Provincial board representative: Michael Van Dongen CHT Members: Brian Alcock, Barry Benjamin, Perry Grobe, Kevin Jack, Kennedy Johnston CLT, Frans J.R. Peters, Art Vanden Enden CHT With the support of the Landscape Ontario team, LO’s Garden Centre Sector Group has put tremendous effort into the 2016/2017 year.

With the move of Garden Expo to Congress, the Garden Centre Symposium was held at Congress on Jan. 11, 2017. This half-day event included the Awards of Excellence ceremony for both the Garden Centre and Growers Program, followed by guest speaker, Tom Shay of Profits Plus Solutions who presented “The Science and Art of Buying and Selling” and “Advanced Professional Selling Skills.” The presentation was followed by lunch and networking.

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) and Garden Centres Canada, under the leadership of Anthony O’Neill, had a productive year. In September, 2017, Ontario hosted the annual International Garden Centre Association (IGCA) Congress. The tour and conference was attended by over 250 delegates from over 20 countries who gathered to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. The group toured several of Ontario’s finest garden centres and growers. Everyone benefited with participants from so many countries and cultures sharing stores, experiences and knowledge. The 2018 IGCA Congress will be hosted in Prague, Czech Republic.

The sector group continue to work on and discuss the following: • Labour shortage of qualified workers •C hanges to labour under Bill 148, including the minimum wage increase • Hosting a tour in 2018 As always, we welcome garden centre owners and operators to join our group. We now host many meetings online, making it more convenient than ever to contribute to the sector group.

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Respectfully submitted, Michael Van Dongen Chair 2016-2017

Grounds Management

Chair: Brad Paton CLT Provincial board representative: Brian Marsh Members: Kevin Almeida, Sarah Beckon, Craig Cole, Jeff Fennema, Carmine Filice CLM, Brent Giles, John Hewson, Anthony Kampen, Jeff Lowartz CLT, Jeff McMann CLT, Steve Snider, Rodger Tschanz A grounds management symposium has been the main focus for our group over the past year. In 2017, the symposium was again a joint event with LO’s Landscape Contractors Sector Group. The event was held Feb. 28 at the Fontana Primavera Event Centre in Vaughan. The grounds portion of the event was held in the afternoon, followed by dinner and the contractors symposium. Guest speakers were: Jennifer Llewellyn, OMAFRA, on “Improve your game – diagnosing tree health issues for better Customer Service;” Jeff McMann, Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries, on “The Importance of Inventory Management and mapping in relation to Maintenance;” and Rodger Tschanz, University of Guelph Trial Garden Manager, on “New Plants and the 2016 Trial Garden Results.”

Rodger Tschanz had another successful season with his trial gardens. On display are over 164 rose cultivars planted in 2016 and 2017, 18 hydrangea cultivars and an assortment of other shrubs planted in 2016 and 2017 and over 300 different annuals and perennials in ground beds. The annual Trial Garden Open House was held Aug. 17, 2017 with guest speakers: Bob Reeves on “Mycorrhizal (Root Rescue) research;” Brenda Luckhardt, Sheridan Nurseries, on “2018 Emerging Trends in the Landscape;” and Shawn Murdy on “Invasive plants.” The event also included a presentation of the Ontario Parks Association (OPA) “Canada 150 garden award.”

The group is presently working on the 2018 Symposium.

Respectfully submitted, Brad Paton CLT Chair 2016-2017

Growers

Chair: John Mantel Board Rep: Gerwin Bouman CNLA Representative: Mark Ostrowski Members: Jamie Aalbers, Rob Albrecht, Andrew Barbour, Dave Braun, Paul-Britman Rapai CHT, Steve Burgess, Jeff Gregg, Michael LaPorte, Serge Leclair, Jennifer Llewellyn, Glen Lumis, John Moons, Rob Naraj, Mark Ostrowski, Bill Putzer, Joel Schraven, Fred Somerville, Mark Verbinnen, Shane Way, Rita Weerdenburg, Jeanine West, Youbin Zheng

2017 LO ANNUAL REPORT

LO’s Trial Garden Open House in August attracted over 60 landscape professionals and media.

The LO Growers Sector Group executive has recently undergone some changes. Many thanks to Gerwin Bowman and Mark Ostrowski for serving as our representatives to LO’s Provincial Board of Directors and the CNLA board for many years.

In September 2016, the annual Industry Auction was hosted at Dutchmaster Nurseries in Brougham, Ont. In September 2017, the auction was hosted by Brookdale Treeland Nurseries in Schomberg, Ont. Combined, these events raised $47,000 for scholarships, research and industry development.

In November 2016, the annual Growers Fall Dinner Meeting was held at Teatro Conference Centre in Milton. Over 60 attendees enjoyed an evening of networking. Allan Arthurs, Senior Ecologist and President at St. Williams Nursery and Ecology Centre, spoke on why seed zones are important and how policies may affect nurseries in the future. Barbara Macdonell, Senior Environmental Planner for the Ministry of Transportation, spoke on the challenges of sourcing native, and local plant material on the large Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway project in Windsor, Ont. The annual Growers Short Course returned to the Royal Botanical Gardens on Feb. 15, 2017. Keynote speaker Mike Byland of Byland Nursery in Kelowna, B.C., spoke on product and inventory management strategies. Over 200 attendees also heard research updates, talks on marketing and soil management, and much more. The event also served as the official launch of the BugFinder app co-authored by Jennifer Llewellyn and Dave Cheung. Congratulations to both on all of their hard work in realizing this powerful new IPM tool.

Another new development for 2017 saw the hiring of Dr. Jeanine West as Grower Technical Analyst. Dr. West has worked with the Growers Group for many years in various capacities as a consultant. Her hiring brings much-needed stability and continuity to her work, particularly representing the growers’ interest on the Ontario Invasive Plant Council.

In March, the Growers Group had an interactive display at Canada Blooms, the Toronto Flower and Garden Festival. The intent was to educate the public on the production of nursery plants here in Ontario and put a face to the men and women and families who provide quality plant

material in the province.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many volunteers and staff who work diligently on behalf of all growers in Ontario.

Respectfully submitted, John Mantel Chair 2016-2017

Hardscape

President and Chairman: Mike Riehm Vice Chair: John Sanchez Secretary and Treasurer: Shawn Giovanetti Directors: Bill Beldham, Frank Bourque, Andrew Colautti, Nick Lang, Dave O’Malley (Social and fundraising), Collin Shotlander (education), Alan Van Haaster BLA, Jason Vettese (marketing), Mark Wilkie, Jarrett Woodard LO Hardscape golf tournament The 2017 golf tournament was a tremendous success for the committee. With over 120 golfers and a plethora of on-course experiences, the committee saw attendance and customer feedback far exceed expectations. From food tastings and massage stations to multiple hole-in-one contests for thousands of dollars...the tournament was outright FUN! All proceeds from the event go towards the committee’s production of HardscapeLIVE! — a dynamic education experience at Congress. We are very excited about adding even more excitement to the 2018 tournament.

HardscapeLIVE! at Congress 2017 Our second year of HardscapeLIVE! was a great success for the committee and for Congress. This education-based feature saw hundreds of attendees watch and participate in each of the six unique sessions.

Crowds poured into the aisle to catch a view and were hit with valuable hardscape-based education. From tools of the trade to the intricate design of raised patios and barbecues, HardscapeLIVE! brought Congress LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2017

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presenters at our event.

The Irrigation Sector Group continues to work on a number of initiatives: • Continue working with Peel and York Regions on the WSIP program.

• Promotion of the certification program.

• Labour issues: sourcing qualified workers.

•P romoting the professionalism of the irrigation sector.

• a n irrigation library at Landscape Ontario.

The future looks good for irrigation contractors who keep up with new technologies and training. The Irrigation Sector Group will continue to work with municipalities to be part of the solution for effective and efficient water management.

Live judging of plant material at the annual Industry Auction.

to a whole new level. We are very excited to build upon the momentum from 2017 to provide and an even bigger and better experience in 2018.

With our qualified and experienced new host and lead instructor Frank Bourque, HardscapeLIVE! will be an experience that Congress has not seen the likes of thus far.

Respectfully submitted, Mike Riehm President and Chairman 2017

Irrigation

Chair and Provincial Board Representative: Steve Macartney CIC, CLIA, CIT Members: Dean Armstrong, Paul Barker CIT, Tyler Burnell, Bruce Cullen, Mark Donohue, Jeremy Harris, Steve Hernandez, John Lamberink CIC, Chris Le Conte CIC, CLIA, Steve Marysiuk CIT, Don McQueen, Roy Neves CLIA, CID, CIC, Paul Proulx, Matt Sandink CLIA, CLC, CWM-L, Tony Serwatuk, Natnael Taera I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank the members of the LO Irrigation Sector Group for their hard work and dedication over the past year.

The year started off strong due to last year’s dry weather. Rain and cool weather then set in, playing havoc with schedules. This slowed down the need for sprinklers, which left contractors scrambling for work in late summer.

Smart controllers are finding their place in the marketplace. Residential clients now have a cost-effective solution to accurately control their water usage. Controllers are easy to operate and control. Manufacturers continue to upgrade their products to keep pace with current requests for water efficient products.

In January 2017, the annual Irrigation Conference was held at Congress. The half-day event included lunch and networking. The following speakers presented: • Warren Gorowitz, EMSL, Ewing Irrigation, Phoenix, Ariz., spoke on “Irrigation and Sustainability – the new Odd Couple” and also on “Smart Irrigation Technologies – How to Enhance your Business.”

• J eremy Harris, Region of Peel, provided an update on the Water Smart Irrigation Professional (WSIP) program.

A special thanks to our sponsors who help to ensure the quality of

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Respectfully submitted, Steve Macartney Chair 2016-2017

Landscape Contractors

Chair/Provincial board representative: Peter Guinane Members: Thomas Blatter CLM, Cathal Boyd, Janet Ennamorato, Jason Gaw, Ryan Heath CLM CLT, Eric Horst, Allan Kling, Arvils Lukss, Brian Marsh, Joseph Morello, Rob Redden The annual Lecture Event returned in 2017, and was once again a joint effort between the Landscape Contractors Sector Group and LO’s Grounds Management Sector Group. Held Feb. 28,, 2017 at the Fontana Primavera Event Centre in Vaughan, the contractor portion was held in the evening after the grounds portion and dinner. Guest speaker Pat Morello made a presentation from a landscape architect perspective, while brother Joe Morello presented from a contractor’s perspective.

For the 2018 Lecture Event, both sector groups will co-locate to hold two separate events at the same venue. To date, guest speakers include: Mark Hartley for Landscape Architects and Chris Mace for contractors.

The Landscape Contractors Sector Group also assists each March with the feature gardens at Canada Blooms, the Toronto Flower and Garden Festival. The group views feature garden entries to ensure they meet industry standards and quality. The theme for the 2017 was “Oh Canada!” in celebration of Canada’s 150th Birthday. The group will continue to assist with the feature gardens for Canada Blooms in 2018.

Items of interest: • Labour issues: Finding qualified employees and training existing staff.

•T he effects and costs of attracting and keeping staff under Bill 148, including the increases to minimum wage.

•T he group’s Labour Rate Card was reviewed and updated this past year and will be reviewed and updated in the future.

•B enchmarking industry production rates.

Respectfully submitted, Peter Guinane Chair 2016-2017

Landscape Designers

Chair/Provincial board representative: Chris Clayton OALA, CLD Treasurer: Sabrina Goettler CLD Members: Robert Boltman, Paul Brydges OALA CLD, Jen Cuddie CLD, Brandon Gelderman, Sabrina Goettler, Sean James, Kelly Keates,

2017 LO ANNUAL REPORT

LO members continue to volunteer each spring to clean-up St. James Park in Toronto.

Mark Kimmerly, Ron Koudys OALA CLD, Carolyne Planck, Fred Post CLD, Haig Seferian OALA CLD, Ron Swentiski CLD, Audriana VanderWerf, Andrea Weddum Annual Landscape Designer Conference For the first time at the Landscape Designer Conference, in 2017 the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA) were named as our official guests. This reflects the growing cooperation between our two groups. OALA members were very impressed with how well the event was run and the breadth of topics covered by the speakers.

Landscape Designers Name Act update This has been a fabulous year for landscape designers. With the active help of the LO’s Designers Sector Group, Paul Brydges and Ron Koudys collaborated with the OALA on their Practice Act proposal to the government of Ontario. The OALA proposal uniquely uses the words “Landscape Designers” as persons who may prepare planting plans in addition to members of the OALA. This is a great step forward because our name is embedded within the legislation. If passed as written, we can then apply for our own Name Act to properly define who qualifies as a landscape designer. Paul Brydges signed a Memorandum of Understanding between OALA and LO to link the OALA Practice Act process to our Name Act. This memorandum will ensure the OALA has on-going commitment to our Name Act application.

Fusion Landscape Professional (FLP) program Under the expert guidance of Sally Harvey, LO’s Director of Education and Labour Development, this initiative with both York and Peel Regions is getting very close to certifying the first group of LO members as Certified Fusion Landscape Professionals. Several members of the Certified Landscape Designer (CLD) group participated in a day-long workshop to review the FLP manual. The information in the manual could also be

used to expand the teaching material in post-secondary courses in the future.

Membership We have a great deal of interest from designers wanting to earn their CLD, especially from potential “grandfather” candidates. There are many designers with varying experience which challenges the standard definitions. The CLD Committee works out each individual application; this process is building a body of answers to further define what a ”CLD” is.

Respectfully submitted, Christopher Clayton LA CLD Chair 2016-2017

Lawn Care

Chair: Steve Tschanz Provincial board representative: Alan White Vice-Chair: Kyle Tobin Members: Scott Bowman, Dr. Michael Brownbridge, Gavin Dawson, Paul Gaspar, Rohan Harrison, Don McQueen, Ken Pavely, Tim Tripp MSc, Bill Van Ryan Jr, Tom Somerville, Don Voorhees, Kerry Whale As usual, the Lawn Care Sector Group began a new year with a great IPM Symposium the day before Congress. The annual event featured outstanding education and allowed time for members to reflect on the trials and tribulations of working with our limited toolbox.

A relationship was formed with the Lung Association, which I hope will continue at a board level. This has the potential to benefit everyone involved.

We continue to focus on creating and implementing strategies to allow for, and expand effective product offerings for the lawn care sector.

Through various conversations, it seems Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) staff are also frustrated with existing rules.

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Many of their efforts are often dismissed when a prosecutor’s plea bargain results in charges going away and resulting in only a slap on the hand.

Once again, we thank the Nursery Sod Growers Association (NSGA) for their donation of sod to include in our involvement at Canada Blooms, The Toronto Flower and Garden Festival. Promotion of healthy turfgrass, the lungs of the urban environment, continues to be our focused message. The annual clean up of St. James Park in Toronto was held again this spring, which included aerating and overseeding of the turf. Volunteers are always welcome and are also treated to a nice breakfast provided by the St. Lawrence Market Business Improvement Association.

Last year, we fought with severe drought. This year, our sector had its hands full with rain. The timing of applications was very difficult, as the main product available needs to have repeat applications that need to be timed appropriately. Proper timing was difficult to predict, and many times second applications would be delayed, resulting in a need to start the process over again. This made for a very tough year.

Respectfully submitted, Steve Tschanz Chair 2016-2017

Lighting

Chair: Carl Hastings Provincial board representative: Jamie Riddell Members: Terry Childs, Frank DiMarco, John Higo, Leon Hordyk, Ron Iserhot, Tim Kraemer, Cory MacCallum CIT, Ken Martin, Conrad Monteiro, Rob Redden, James Solecki The Lighting Sector Group had a very busy year and continues its work in the areas of professional development, education, and eventually certification. The group is also working on initiatives that will help to raise the awareness of professional outdoor lighting design and installation.

Our 8th annual Landscape Lighting Conference was held on February 8, 2017 at the Lionhead Golf and Conference Centre in Brampton, Ont. This full-day event featured workshops throughout the day. Guest speakers included: John Higo on “Back to Basics and Standards,” Carl Hastings on “Design 101 – Where to Start,” Jerry Mckay on “Lighting as an Integral part of the Architectural Design Process” and Jeff Smith on “Electrical troubleshooting for Landscape Lighting Systems.”

Special thanks to all of our sponsors who helped support the event to ensure it was a success.

The group also participated in judging the landscape lighting categories in Landscape Ontario’s annual Awards of Excellence program.

Once again, the group offered their services to the feature garden builders at Canada Blooms, and assisted with the planning of the 2017 event. We will continue to work with organizers for the 2018 festival.

In 2018, one of our main priorities is to continue to promote the value and significant role of the lighting sector.

Respectfully submitted, Carl Hastings Chair 2016-2017

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Snowposium returned to LO’s home office this September.

Snow and Ice Management

Chair: Jamie Perras Provincial board representative: Mark Humphries Committee: John Agg, David Amadori, Daniel Anisz, Craig Armstrong, Michael Boffo, Robert Boffo, Gerald Boot CLM, John Boot, Dan Booth CLT, Meghan Campbell, Brian Cotter, Eric Gordon, Lee Gould, William Jordan, Jeff Lowartz CLT, James Meerveld, Jim Melo, Brian Mettel, Jim Monk, John Morra, Brian Perras, Robert Roszell, Phil Sexton, Robert Tester After a year off, the annual Snowposium returned to LO’s home office in Milton, Ont. on Sept. 28, 2017. New this year, we offered a mock examination for discovery featuring lawyers Rob Kennaley and Ian Mair and Mark Humphries as a contractor. This feature, along with the other great speakers from Canada and the U.S., resulted in the best attendance for the event in years. Thank you to the many organizers and sponsors for their hard work and generosity that helped to bring back the Snowposium.

This past year, we focused our efforts on solutions to the issues surrounding slip and fall lawsuits, as well as those surrounding environmental sustainability. Our key objectives are: Deal with slip and fall issues: • I mprove working relationship with Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA).

• F ormed a subcommittee dedicated to creating snow and ice management guidelines.

Government relations: • F ormed a subcommittee dedicated to investigating legislation which affects the snow and ice industry.

•R etained Rob Kennaley to review the New Hampshire legislative models regarding liability issues and to report back his findings.

Environmental stewardship: •C ontinue to educate contractors on best practices and proper calibration when applying salt.

•H elp promote Smart About Salt (SAS).

• Attended the Great Lakes Chloride Forum in Toronto this past October in order to inform contractors on the hazards of oversalting.

Respectfully submitted, Jamie Perras Chair 2017

2017 LO ANNUAL REPORT

2017 Committee reports Branding Committee

Co-Chairs: Paul Doornbos, Alan White Committee members: Paul Brydges, Terry Caddo, Tim Kraemer, Mark Ostrowski Staff: Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Robert Ellidge, Denis Flanagan CLD, Ian Service Landscape Ontario’s Branding Committee continued to work on developing strategies to raise public recognition and relevance of the Landscape Ontario name and logo in the face of constantly changing technologies and communication methods.

In 2016-2017, the committee continued to explore ways to better connect LO members with prospective clients by leveraging the popular ‘Find a Company’ function available on LandscapeOntario.com and utilizing the wealth of LO’s content to build a larger audience for its consumer website.

The committee reviewed a number of proposals by various digital marketing companies in an effort to use existing technology to further their goals. At the recommendation of staff, the committee pursued the purchase of an existing lead connection system that allowed home and property owners to reach out to contractors via a website or smartphone app.

In the end, the committee decided not to pursue the purchase and to instead use expanded staff resources to revamp the existing ‘Find a Company’ system with customized features that would benefit all LO members.

The committee continued to get closer to its long-term goal of creating a digital, one-stop-shop for everything related to our collective professions. We are confident our tactics will increase our audience and provide the proper platform to connect our members with the right audience. The exclusive access to that audience will also be a deciding factor to convert non-members.

In late July 2017, a revised and refreshed HortTrades.com website was launched. Dubbed Project Butterfly, the new design and functionality was carried out by staff from LO’s Communications and IT departments.

The site is now fully-responsive for viewing and accessing LO’s wealth of information via smartphones and tablets. The content is also driven by a system of tags that allows visitors to see content related to what they are already seeing. Staff have been analyzing the traffic of visitors to the site in an effort to make our wealth of information easier to navigate.

Each chapter and sector group now has a stronger presence on the site, and the overall design provides a more visual representation of the professionalism of the association, its activities and the high caliber of work by LO members.

LO’s Communications Department will continue to add the content from the association’s publications which will serve another purpose as well: the creation of a digital archive of LO’s activities. Content from LandscapeTrades.com and LandscapeOntario.com will also be integrated while the ‘Find a Company’ function is being updated.

We would like to thank the members of the committee for their valuable insight, opinions and expertise in helping to realize our goals.

Respectfully submitted, Paul Doornbos and Alan White Co-Chairs 2017

Building Committee

Chair: Karl Stensson Directors: Hank Gelderman CLT, Paul Olsen, Haig Seferian CLD, Marc Thiebaud, Rene Thiebaud, Bob Tubby CLM, David Turnbull, Neil Vanderkruk, Charlie Wilson In April 2017, all members of the Building Committee and a few invited guests met for a stakeholder’s meeting in which a number of recurrent questions and issues were finally put to rest regarding LO’s Milton property.

With the value of our remaining land continuing to rise significantly, the committee explored whether it made sense financially to remain at the Milton site or to sell remaining land and purchase an existing site further out in the GTA. The committee unanimously agreed it is best for the association to remain at the Milton site — moving elsewhere would ultimately net the same result.

At the meeting, it was also decided it is in the best interest of the profession to keep CNLA staff and offices integrated with LO as much as possible. CNLA will be purchasing a 10 per cent stake in the property for $1 million.

The committee also decided to continue engaging an architect to investigate an option to renovate into the existing warehouse. The previous plan had involved renovating into the existing greenhouse space.

Our priority continues to be the planning of the major renovation of the building. This renovation will feature new, expanded offices for both LO staff and tenants, more, larger classrooms (including a practical classroom), proper storage and lunchroom and more meeting space. The renovation will meet both current and long-term needs of the association.

Plans and a detailed cost-estimate were completed in late summer, with options to be presented to the Provincial Board in the fall of 2017.

Respectfully submitted, Karl Stensson Chair 2016-2017

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Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

Landscape Ontario members present on the CNLA Board of Directors: Provincial Representative and Climate Change Adaptation Chair: Alan White Past President: Rene Thiebaud Vice President, Member Services and Insurance Chair: Gerald Boot CLM Human Resources Chair: Harold Deenen CLM

Feature gardens at Canada Blooms celebrated Canadiana to coincide with the nation’s 150th birthday.

Canada Blooms

Co-Chair: Ryan Heath Treasurer: Janet Ennamorato Directors: Denis Flangan, Jeff Winkelmolen, Tony DiGiovanni Canada Blooms celebrated its 21st anniversary in 2017. Over 21 years we have become one of the world’s best garden events. Recently Canada Blooms has earned the following accolades: • Conde Nast: Top 9 Flower Shows around the World • USA Today: World Top 10 Flower Shows • Escape Here: included in top 10 Flower Shows in the World • Koch Floral Blog: World’s 10 best Flower Shows • The Spruce: Top 10 World Garden Festival • Top 100 event in North America: American Bus Association In Canada, Canada Blooms has received the following awards: • Top Garden Show in Canada • Top 50 Garden Experience in Canada • Top 50 Attraction in Ontario Everyone who has built, volunteered or supported Canada Blooms has a lot to be proud of.

An additional role that Canada Blooms plays in supporting Landscape Ontario is as a means to generate positive media stories as spring is approaching and the public is thinking about the gardening season. During the most recent Canada Blooms, the festival generated over $7.5 million dollars of media. This is a $2.5 million increase from 2016 and is key to promoting every sector of our profession.

Canada Blooms also supports the many non-profit areas of our profession. At the 2017 festival, Canada Blooms donated floor space and exposure valued by our auditors of $434,635.

I am also proud to announce Canada Blooms has signed a four-year extension with the National Home Show. This followed a complete business review and long-term strategy development.

Landscape Ontario members on the Canada Blooms 2016/17 Board: Ryan Heath (co-chair) Janet Ennamorato, Jeff Winkelmolen and Denis Flanagan. Joining the board for 2017/18 is Lou Savoia.

Respectfully submitted, Ryan Heath Co-Chair 2015-16

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The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) is a national not-for-profit federation of nine provincial landscape and horticulture trades associations, which represent over 3,800 member companies in the landscape, retail garden centre, and nursery sectors. Once membership is approved with Landscape Ontario, the company automatically gains access to the national association, CNLA. The CNLA Executive Committee has identified six tactical priorities to focus on over the two years of Bruce Hunter’s presidency. The six areas of focus are: public relations and climate change, government relations, provincial memberships, industry human resources, revenue generation, and professional development. Each of these priorities are considered with each project and activity undertaken by the association.

Skills Canada National Competition CNLA’s Industry Human Resources Committee supported the 2017 Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) in the Landscape Gardening section. Highlights include: eight teams competed in the Landscape Gardening competition; over 10,000 visitors gathered at the Winnipeg RBC Convention Centre; a media group toured with the Landscape Gardening competitors and filmed their experiences; celebrity attention given to our ‘Try-A-Trade’ mini-competition.

Limited availability of skilled labour has been identified by the CNLA Executive Committee as a key priority. By supporting SCNC, CNLA hopes to connect with and encourage youth to choose a career in our profession.

IGCA Congress This past September, CNLA, including Garden Centres Canada, hosted the 2017 International Garden Centre Association (IGCA) Congress in Niagara Falls, Ont., where 250 delegates from over 20 countries attended.

This year’s Congress allowed for many opportunities to share ideas and learn from colleagues from around the world. Eleven local garden centres and nurseries opened their doors to delegates, providing a snapshot of the industry in Canada. The week-long event concluded with the Canada 150 gala at the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel, where more Garden Centres Canada members joined the festivities. Social media was widely used by delegates during the event, with event hashtags being used more than 3,000 times during the week.

Member services The Member Services Committee works to ensure members have access to discount programs that directly impact their bottom line. The vehicle and equipment programs continue to be the most popular among members, with thousands of dollars worth of discounts available. The newest program with Michelin Tires offers a significant discount off the base price of their products. Members can access the extensive list of member

2017 LO ANNUAL REPORT savings programs through the CNLA website or by contacting the Member Services Team.

In response to member feedback, The Investment Guild, through the HortProtect Insurance program, has created a more customizable group benefits program, with various price points, to meet a member company’s budgetary requirements. Included are a set of new plan designs that are built to suit the needs of small business owners, giving them the ability to offer a comprehensive employee group benefit package without the financial burden of a more extensive plan.

Climate change adaptation During the August 2016 CNLA summer meetings in Kelowna, B.C., the CNLA Board of Directors approved a motion to create the Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) standing committee. The original goal of the committee was to investigate the creation of a CNLA foundation. At the January 2017 CNLA meetings in Toronto, Ont., the CCA committee recommended a foundation be created and a motion was approved to create the “Green Cities Foundation.”

Today, there are two distinct groups: the CCA standing committee, an oversight group made up of CNLA committee chairs, and the Green Cities Foundation, an arms-length organization currently made up of both industry representation (CNLA) and non-industry individuals with a commitment to fulfilling the mission of the foundation, “Connecting plants and people for a greener, healthier urban climate.” Currently, the foundation is still awaiting approval of charitable status from the Canada Revenue Agency.

Each CNLA committee has a role to play in terms of climate change adaptation. We need to be seen as experts on this subject matter. The public needs to understand the value of our members’ products and services. Industry needs a strong voice with government to influence policy.

The CCA committee will work to align individual committee priorities to provide one voice in the broader climate narrative in order to provide a sustainable and prosperous future for our members.

Government relations CNLA staff, along with Government Relations Chair Michael Murray, are building and maintaining relationships with key individuals in Ottawa (and around Canada), to give members a voice at the federal, provincial and municipal levels. Key areas of focus include promoting the Canadian Landscape Standard (CLS) as the single, authoritative resource for landscape construction projects across Canada. We also continue working towards the creation of a national garden and centre of environmental excellence in Ottawa.

Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) The Landscape Canada Committee has published the Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Stormwater Management Methods. This paper applies the Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) method to five low impact scenarios, to determine their economic performance compared to traditional strategies. In almost every case, these sustainable, low impact designs were cost-effective over the life of the project compared to traditional “pave and convey-away” methods, while also providing additional environmental and social benefits. The full report is available on the CNLA website.

Biosecurity standard The Nursery/Greenhouse/Floriculture Biosecurity Standard and its com-

A refreshed HortTrades.com website was launched in July, 2017.

panion document, the Nursery Producer Guide, have been approved and translated and are now available on the CNLA website. These two documents represent a great deal of time and effort on the part of the nursery sector and it will be an ongoing priority for Growers’ Canada to explore all opportunities to make biosecurity a regular part of their day-to-day production practices.

Professional development The Professional Development Committee is committed to achieving national Red Seal Harmonization. The committee also works on the Landscape Industry Certification program, and improving access and uptake on Apprenticeship Programs.

Conclusion In conclusion, CNLA’s mission is to undertake initiatives and form alliances in order to achieve sustainable prosperity for members and stakeholders. CNLA staff and volunteers work hard to ensure members get the most out of the association.

Respectfully submitted, Alan White CNLA Representative 2017

Communications Committee

Chair: Hank Gelderman CLT Members: Gerald Boot CLM, Laura Catalano, Mark Fisher, Marty Lamers, Bob Tubby CLM, Nick Winkelmolen, David Wright Landscape Ontario magazine continues to do a great job promoting our association and its activities. It informs members of LO opportunities and events, recognizes volunteers, and serves as LO’s official archive. Its associated e-news broadcasts build on that effectiveness; while the magazine reaches about 2,600 member companies, we broadcast e-news to about 4,500 interested subscribers every week. Suppliers also appreciate its effectiveness as a marketing medium; sales were up 10.3 per cent this year.

Ontario makes up more than half of Canada’s horticulture profession, and Landscape Ontario shoulders the responsibility of publishing LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2017

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Canada’s national green profession trade magazine, Landscape Trades.

The title serves horticultural trade association members across Canada, as well as non-members who are verified green sector participants. Total circulation is 8,700. It provides unique, targeted content to help companies improve profitability, and it is totally supported by advertising. In fact, it helps generate revenue to help support other LO operations. The publishing business, especially daily newspapers, has faced upheaval in recent years. However, Landscape Trades’ print business model continues to serve its market with sector-specific business management information available nowhere else, and it continues to help marketers successfully promote their products. Revenue increased by 15.3 per cent this year.

Our Communications team somehow finds the time to put more effort into our digital properties each year. I hope you have noticed the fresh face on our HortTrades.com website this year. On top of its new look, it is now optimized to work on tablets and smart phones, and helps users to find what they are looking for faster.

This new digital architecture will be applied next to LandscapeTrades.com, and our consumer promotion site, landscapeontario.com.

This site is the cornerstone of our very successful Green for Life marketing program. Another important medium for driving consumer demand is Garden Inspiration magazine, distributed free at consumer shows including Canada Blooms. This year’s edition featured expanded original content, including profiles of residential projects, as told through interviews with member contractors and homeowners.

I like to use this space to remind members that your Communications team is also an in-house creative agency, promoting everything from Congress to the Apprenticeship Program. I volunteer on many boards and am familiar with staff in many organizations — and the level of enthusiasm shown by the LO Communications team is unmatched!

Respectfully submitted, Hank Gelderman Chair 2016-2017

Show Committee

Chair: Michael LaPorte CHT Vice chair: Nathan Helder Past chair: Terry Childs Provincial Board liaison: Dave Braun Members: Paul Brydges, Brian Cocks CLT, Douglas Coote, Paul DeGroot, Barry Dickson, Beth Edney CLD, Kim Iceton, Christopher Muller, Mike Riehm, Klaas Sikkema, Peter Vanderley, Jason Vettese Congress is proudly hosted by Landscape Ontario’s Show Committee.

The events serve a dual purpose of meeting members’ needs for product sourcing and professional development. The events include exhibits, education seminars, peer networking, and special features, such as the New Product Showcase, HardscapeLIVE!, DriveLIVE! and student gardens.

Congress, Canada’s Premier Green Industry Trade Show and Conference, ran Jan. 10-12, 2017. Canada’s top green industry event generated a lot of energy among both exhibitors and industry professionals, who helped to celebrate 44 years of beautifying Ontario. Among the main highlights was the upswing in exhibit sales. Revenue trended nearly $30,000 above the event’s budget of $1.9 million. Attendance increased by four per cent over 2016, at close to 14,000 delegates. Partners, the Canadian Fence

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Congress 2017 was often described as “the best Congress ever!”

Industry Association (CFIA), and sponsors were on hand to celebrate, including: Banas Stones, Global Arch/Stone Arch, International Plaza hotel, Landscape Trades, Bobcat Company, Vermeer Canada and LMN. To ensure a fresh new look, the main entrance to the show was moved. By moving the main entrance away from the north end of the building and closer to the middle, we were able to take advantage of a newly-built, permanent registration. This also created an entirely new, and improved flow of traffic throughout the show floor.

Our new, digital marketing campaign was also a huge success. It helped to increase the attendance at the show. VIP passes were available in digital format this year, allowing exhibitors to also market the show to their dealers, suppliers and customers. The program gave exhibitors the ability to send custom messages to clients and suppliers, encouraging them to visit with them at Congress.

2017 also marked the year for the first release of the Congress smartphone app. Developed by Landscape Ontario’s IT Manager, Ian Service, this new trend in trade shows across North America gives both exhibitors and attendees full access to show information in the palm of their hand.

The app was sponsored by Cub Cadet and worked in conjunction with the new digital touch screens placed strategically throughout the show floor.

An extensive survey was conducted at Congress in 2017. Kiosks appeared throughout the show floor that collected data from our visitors.

Results from this survey will help with the strategic planning of Congress in the years ahead.

HardscapeLIVE! returned to the show floor for a second year, offering live demonstrations twice daily. LO’s Hardscape Committee worked to ensure the topics were relevant and spoke to the audience. This feature within the show floor was once again a success and helped create a draw to its area of the show floor.

Student gardens were re-branded the Canada Blooms Campus, to create awareness to members and non-members that Landscape Ontario supports this project. A few hundred students spent two days building gardens to honour Canada’s 150th birthday. Participating schools included: Durham Collage, Fanshawe College, Niagara Parks Commission, and Niagara Parks District Catholic School Board. Materials were provided by a number of exhibitors and LO members. Lunch was sponsored and hosted by Gelderman Landscaping Services. Brian Cocks volunteered his time and expertise to oversee the safety and operations during the builds.

2017 LO ANNUAL REPORT

This year’s Skills Ontario Competition was held at the Toronto Congress Centre.

The conference program that runs concurrently with the trade show was formatted to optimize scheduling and to deliver maximum value to attendees. Each day began with a keynote speaker, followed by multiple sessions to improve the business skills of members of our profession.

A number of events were re-vamped and helped to bring new energy to the event as whole. The Awards of Excellence ceremony, IPM Symposium, Designer Conference, Peer to Peer Network workshop, Garden Centre Symposium and Tailgate Party all helped to strengthen the community culture for our delegates.

Finally, it is my pleasure to thank the many dedicated volunteers and committee members for all their guidance, insights and help. Our success stems from the personal touch that our volunteers add to our events. The Trade Show team continues to be a strong group of leaders who are willing to take risks and try out new things. They continue to lead the way for shows within the North American market.

Respectfully submitted, Micheal LaPorte Chair 2017

Human Resource Development

Chair: Harold Deenen CLM Members: Paul Doornbos CLM, CLT; Harry Gelderman CLT; Peter Guinane; Michael Pascoe CLT; Richard Rogers CLT; Alan White The Human Resource Committee is proud to have celebrated another successful year providing innovative products and services, focusing on partnerships, advancing government relations, and lobbying to support a healthy business environment for our members. Our efforts support our goal to develop a highly-skilled, and professional workforce. This com-

mittee oversees the activities of LO’s Education and Labour Development department. We are pleased to present a brief summary of the highlights of the past year.

Workforce promotion and development Our workforce development strategies connect on many levels with the provincial mandate letters assigned to Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development (MAESD) and the Ministry of Education (MOE).

The GreenCareersCanada.ca website is providing incredible connections as it provides valuable information and resources aimed at our incumbent and future workforce, parents, educators, policy makers and industry. LO continues to support 23 Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in horticulture and landscape programs across the province, and over 80 green industry programs. LO participated in several workforce development events this past year, including the Fanshawe Industry Trade Fair which enabled us to partner with the horticulture programs at the college and connect and engage over 50 guidance counselors and hundreds of high school students in multiple experiential learning activities and targeted dialogue. A new partnership was initiated with the Youth Fusion organization, who strive to lower dropout rates and create closer links between training and employment. Youth Fusion (YF) focuses on experiential learning by supporting school programs in the implementation of innovative projects in various fields, including environmental design and entrepreneurship. Work through the Horticulture Educators Association (HEA) continues to focus on creating better awareness and opportunities for connecting our educators, students and secondary and post-secondary programs.

The Skills Ontario Elementary Workshops enabled hundreds of grade seven students to experience a planting activity, as they created and took home a Canada 150 planter of edibles and native plants, accompanied LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2017

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with care sheets that included career information. The Skills Ontario Competition was another success in its new home at the Toronto Congress Centre. The Horticulture and Landscape, and Landscape Design competitions hosted a record number of competitors (over 50 secondary and post-secondary student competitors). Durham College represented Team Ontario this year at the National Competition. Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation (OHTF) generously donated monetary prizes for first, second and third place winners.

Apprenticeship Program LO completed its first year as a Group Sponsor in the Eastern Ontario region and continued to support registrations. LO staff initiated a communications strategy to create awareness around the program and supported employers, employees and apprentices with the complex application and registration and completion process. Currently there are five colleges offering the in-class training portion of the program: Algonquin College (Ottawa), Fanshawe College (London), Humber College (Toronto), Loyalist College (Belleville) and Mohawk College (Stoney Creek). The Group Sponsor program has witnessed success in terms of registrations and partnership development that will bring exciting results in 2018. LO is thankful for the ongoing support and guidance that MAESD and Ontario College of Trades (OCOT) have provided us to advance the Apprenticeship Program.

Professional development LO’s Professional Development Seminar program continues to offer over 120 relevant professional development seminars to the profession across the province. In response to ongoing requests for more on-line learning opportunities, we continue to investigate and partner with on-line training providers.

The Water Smart Irrigation Professional (WSIP) training and certification program sponsored by our municipal partners, the Region of Peel, York Region and the City of Hamilton, provides select irrigation companies with specialized training and certification to provide “water smart” irrigation system efficiency and maintenance services to clients to support environmental protection and sustainable water use.

We are pleased to announce the Fusion Landscape Professional (FLP) training and certification program is nearing completion and set for delivery in the fall of 2017. The landscape profession plays an integral role in managing the adverse effects of climate change, conserving water resources and addressing lot level stormwater management. With municipalities focused on addressing these important issues, Landscape Ontario has partnered with the Regional Municipality of York and Peel Region to create the Fusion Landscape Professional (FLP) program.

Through the FLP program, landscape professionals will expand their current knowledge base around the design, installation and maintenance of Fusion landscapes. The FLP program aims to transform the market by making Fusion landscapes an industry standard and aims to facilitate communication and collaboration between professionals.

Congress 2017 celebrated another well attended three-day conference program and received excellent feedback.

The Peer to Peer Workshop held at Congress continues to provide positive impact on member businesses.

Sector events continue to be popular with solid attendance throughout the winter.

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Health and safety LO is active on many committees and represents the profession at numerous consultation tables to ensure our voice is considered. We are pleased to continue to build on our trusted partnership with Workplace Prevention Services (WSPS), to deliver health and safety communications, programs and resources to support our members towards providing healthy and safe workplaces. This past year has been a busy one as we navigate through significant legislative changes to the Employment Standards Act, WSIB rate classifications, mental health and wellness and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), etc.

Landscape Industry Certification We would like to thank CNLA for their continued support to enable LO to deliver these programs.

Certified Landscape Technician (CLT) CNLA and LO partnered to provide two test days in Milton this past year.

The test continues to be a blend of written and hands-on testing, with safety and skill the focus. In addition, the Ornamental Maintenance Test continues to be offered at Fanshawe College as the pilot Integrated CLT test program. This format is promising for the future of our post-secondary graduates and our profession as graduates leave with a Diploma in Horticulture and a CLT designation. Thanks to our Fanshawe partners for their ongoing support and leadership — this pilot will support expansion of this model across Canada.

Certified Landscape Designer (CLD) The LO committee continues to work with national professional development committee and CNLA to grow this program and streamline the grandfathering provision process.

Certified Landscape Manager (CLM) CLM manuals have been updated to support employers and managers in pursuit of this designation.

Landscape Industry Accredited Company This new designation was launched in early 2017 to recognize lawn and landscape companies for their commitment to excellence through best business practices, including industry certification. Congratulations to two LO companies: Thornbusch Landscaping Company and Hank Deenen Landscaping, who are leading the way by achieving Landscape Accredited Company status.

Government relations and advocacy Continued outreach and connection with multiple provincial ministries continued to support committee success and enabled us to provide dialogue when legislation has an opportunity to impact our industry. Committee leaders and staff continue to build relationship with the Ontario College of Trades, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development, Ministry of Transportation, Workplace Safety Prevention Services, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs, Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council, Labour Issues Coordinating Committee and numerous other industry related organizations. We participated in several government meetings and consultations to raise

2017 LO ANNUAL REPORT awareness about the impact of current and proposed legislative changes, including but not limited to: • MOL: Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act (Bill 148) • WSIB: Rate framework classification • WSIB: Work-Related Chronic Mental Stress Policy •M AESD: Modernizing Apprenticeship and Highly Skilled Workforce Division Over the past 45 plus years, I have seen both good and bad times for the recruitment and retention of employees. As employers in this remarkable profession, we have always faced great challenges in attracting talented people. We always seem to be in the unusual position that we feel the recessions a year after they actually happen. We also benefit from downturns in the economy as the availability of potential employees increase.

This profession has always suffered from a shortage of both skilled and low-skilled labour. We don’t just compete for the available labour within our own profession, but also with other important sectors. As we come into 2018, I truly believe we are going to see the biggest shortage of labour we have ever experienced. The economy is showing signs of improvement despite poor management by our government, and with new emerging businesses, the demand for available labour will reach unprecedented demands.

As I write this, I am preparing for four days of meetings as professionals will gather from around the country to discuss the future of our profession and our role in the bigger picture of our impact on the environment, climate change and green infrastructure. The last two days will be focussed on human resources and how we should address these shortages moving forward.

My hope is that we can find that secret formula that will make our profession one of choice and not of default.

Respectively submitted, Harold Deenen CLM Chair

IPM Symposium

Chair: Steve Tschanz Committee members: Michael Brownbridge PhD, Gavin Dawson, Paul Gaspar, Rohan Harrison, Martin Horsman, John Mcintosh, Don McQueen CIT, Ken Pavely, Lee Ratcliffe, Richard Reed, Tom Somerville, Tim Tripp MSc, Kyle Tobin, Louis Van Haastrecht, Bill Van Ryn Jr, Don Voorhees, Kerry Whale, Alan White The 52nd annual Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Symposium was held Jan. 9, 2017 in the Cohen Ballroom of the Toronto Congress Centre in conjunction with the 2017 Congress trade show and conference.

The key to lawn IPM is the use of cultural practices that optimize growth of grasses and minimize conditions favorable to pest insects, weeds or pathogens. The IPM Symposium has been a uniquely respected event since 1965. The event qualifies attendees to earn Continuing Education Credits (CECs) from the IPM Council of Canada.

The full-day event featured numerous topics on soil, common misconceptions, urban landscape, climate change and new challenges.

Keynote speaker Tom Penstone presented, “Soil Health: the role of bio-stimulants and bio-fertilizer to create good biology for healthy turf.”

The day ended with a panel discussion on “Enhancing IPM success with the Correct Tools: Doing better with what we have and doing it right.”

Special thanks to our sponsors. We could not achieve the high level of experience to our guests without their contributions.

The IPM Symposium will continue to strive to continue to educate professionals in the field of turf and landscape management.

Thank you to the attendees for their continue support to the profession.

Respectfully submitted, Steve Tschanz Chair 2016-2017

Pesticide Industry Council Chair: Steve Tschanz Secretary: Tony DiGiovanni Manager PIC: Tom Somerville

In 2000, the Ontario Ministry of Environment (MOE) implemented new requirements under the Pesticide Act (originally Ontario Regulation 914). Under the new requirements, anyone who applied pesticides had to be either licensed or have Technician Status. The new regulation required that all unlicensed assistants, working with licensed exterminators, must complete a basic pesticide safety course to acquire the Technician Status in order to legally apply pesticides.

The Pesticide Technician Program (PTP) was established as the “basic pesticide safety course” to acquire Technician Status to meet the new requirements. The PTP is a two-part basic pesticide safety program that incorporates both a practical component and an academic exam in the training requirements.

The Pesticide Industry Council (PIC) was formed on behalf of the pesticide industry and has worked with MOE since 2000 to meet the requirements and administer the Pesticide Technician Program. Landscape Ontario agreed to be the administrator of the Pesticide Technician Program on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Environment under the guidance of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

PIC is a council that has representation from Hydro One, Ontario Golf Superintendents Association, Professional Lawn Care Association of Ontario, Urban Pest Management Council, Crop Protection Institute, International Society of Arboriculture, Ontario Parks Association, Ontario Vegetation Management Association, Structural Pest Management Association, University of Guelph and Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association.

This is the 17th year the Pesticide Industry Council has administered the Pesticide Technician Program and the ninth year working within the cosmetic ban on pesticides (Regulation 63-09).

In the 2016-2017 season, over 700 technicians enrolled in the PTP program.

Respectfully submitted, Tom Somerville 2016-2017

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37

2017 Volunteers Every year Landscape Ontario benefits from amazing contributions through the volunteer efforts of members, who serve their association throughout the year in a wide variety of duties.

Sitting on various committees, LO members help to decide the future of the profession and the association, or helping to plan, organize and run many special events. Landscape Ontario’s world-class events, education and programs are the direct result of the thousands of volunteer hours that help to keep the association strong and valuable. Members who have freely offered their time, energy and expertise are listed below:

Jamie Aalbers Northern Mini Roses Robert Adams Adams Landscaping and Property Maintenance Randy Adams RM Adams Trucking Rob Albrecht John’s Nursery Brian Alcock Alcock Nurseries Bob Allen RW Allen Horticultural Services Daniel Anisz Clintar Head Office Toronto Craig Armstrong International Landscaping Dean Armstrong Vanden Bussche Irrigation & Equipment Christopher Arnts ARNTS - The Landscape Supplier Jessica Aytoun Andrew Barbour Connon Nurseries/ CBV Holdings Paul Barker Automatic Rain Lynne Barnes Heartwood Landscapes Andrew Barz Meadowbrook Landscape Contracting Brian Baun B.K. Baun Landscape Sarah Beckon Allweather Landscape Barry Benjamin Barry Benjamin & Associates Thomas Blatter CLP Dreamestate Landscaping

38

Michael Boffo Boffo Landscaping Robert Boffo Boffo Landscaping Gerald Boot CLM Boot’s Landscaping & Maintenance Dan Booth B.P. Landscaping & Snow Removal John Bos Bos Landscaping Neil Bouma Picture Perfect Landscaping Quinte Gerwin Bouman Stam Nurseries John Bouwmeister Bouwmeister Dave Braun Braun Nursery Jason Brown Outside Design/Build Michael Brownbridge PhD Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Paul Brydges Brydges Landscape Architecture Cindy Buelow Baseline Nurseries & Garden Centre Richard Burch Burch Landscape Services Margot Byers Ladybird Garden Design Phil Charal Allweather Landscape Terry Childs Nature’s Way Landscaping Chris Church B.R. Dickson Equipment

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Chris Clayton Christopher Clayton Landscape Architect Brian Cocks Brian Cocks Nursery & Landscaping Douglas Coote DG Coote Enterprises Sal Costante Cedar Springs Decks and Fences Tim Cruickshanks Cruickshanks Property Services Jen Cuddie Cuddie Landscape Planning Gavin Dawson TRUGREEN Chris DeCock Hamilton Builders Supply Paul DeGroot NVK Holdings Allard DeVries DeVries Landscaping & Maintenance Lexi Dearborn Dearborn Designs & Associates Harold Deenen CLP Hank Deenen Landscaping Bill Degraaf Permacon Michael Di Nunzio Vanden Bussche Irrigation & Equipment Frank DiMarco DiMarco Landscape Lighting Barry Dickson B.R. Dickson Equipment Jason Dietrich Ace Lawn Care Paulo Domingues Aquaman Irrigation

Paul Doornbos CLT, CLP Thornbusch Landscaping Company Lindsay Drake Nightingale Yorkshire Garden Services Scott Duff Aura Landscaping Jon Durzi Miller Compost The Miller Group Ken Dutka Hill’N Dale Landscaping Janet Ennamorato Creative Garden Designs Carmine Filice CLP Greentario Landscaping (2006) Mark Fisher The Escarpment Company Mike Fulcher Permacon Ottawa Carol Fulford Gerrits Property Services Dan Garlatti Garlatti Landscaping Trevor Garner LP Landscape Plus Paul Gaspar Weed Man - Toronto Jason Gaw Sycamore Landscape Derek Geddes Coldstream Land Escape Company Hank Gelderman Gelderman Landscape Services Brandon Gelderman Gelderlands Sabrina Goettler Oriole Landscaping Eric Gordon Gordon Landscape Company

2017 LO ANNUAL REPORT Lee Gould Smart About Salt Council Ben Gray Gray’s Landscaping & Snow Removal Jeff Gregg V Kraus Nurseries Perry Grobe Grobe Nursery & Garden Centre Peter Guinane Oriole Landscaping David Gunn Gunn-Duncan Landscaping Georgie Hamilton Cut Above Natural Stone Raffy Hanimyan Elite Concrete Ed Hansen Hansen Lawn & Gardens Rohan Harrison Premier Turf Matt Hart MPH Hardscapes Steve Hary The Landscape Company Carl Hastings Moonstruck Lighting Ryan Heath CLT, CLP Kreative Woodworking

Nathan Helder Gelderman Landscape Services Steve Hernandez Turf Care Products Canada John Hewson Greenscape Lawn Maintenance John Higo Illumicare Group Martin Horsman Gelderman Landscape Services Eric Horst Alltask Property Improvement Mark Humphries Humphries Landscape Services Kim Iceton Somerville Nurseries Tom Intven Canadale Nurseries Ron Iserhot Vanden Bussche Irrigation & Equipment Joan Johnston Peter Knippel Nursery Kennedy Johnston Peter Knippel Nursery William Jordan Urban Meadows Tim Kearney CLP Garden Creations of Ottawa

Kelly Keates Ginkgo Design Mark Kimmerly Allweather Landscape Ben Kobes Kobes Nurseries Ron Koudys BLA, MED, OALA, CSLA, ASLA, RLA, MI, CLD Ron Koudys Landscape Architects Tim Kraemer Future Lawn Michael LaPorte CLT Clearview Nursery Wendy Ladd Jim Pattison Lease John Lamberink Aquality Irrigation and Illumination Marty Lamers Oaks Landscape Products John Larsen Garden City Groundskeeping Services Chris Le Conte CIC, CLIA Smart Watering Systems Serge Leclair Kam’s Growers Supply Skai Leja Skai Leja Landscape Design

David Lewis Lewis Property Maintenance Jennifer Llewellyn BSc, MSc Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Jeff Lowartz CLT CSL Group Arvils Lukss Landscapes By Lucin Glen Lumis University of Guelph Cory MacCallum Greenscape Watering Systems Fran MacKenzie South Oakville Chrysler Fiat Steve Macartney Raintree Irrigation & Outdoor Systems John Mantel AVK Nursery Holdings Brian Marsh Earth Art Landscapes Kevin Marshall CLT Turf Pro Landscaping Ken Martin Ken Martin Landscape Lighting and Design Michael Martins Kimmick Landscaping

LO’s Provincial Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting in January, 2017.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2017

39

Steve Marysiuk CIT, CIC, CLIA Rain Bird International Teresa Matamoros Garden Holistics.

Pamela McCormick Simply Landscaping & Garden Designs Jim McCracken Hugh McCracken o/a McCracken Landscape Design Jeff McMann NPD, ISA, CHT, TRAQ Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries Don McQueen Nutri-Lawn Burlington Irrigation John Mcintosh Enviromasters Lawn Care Jim Melo Melo Landscaping/ Allstone Quarry Products Brian Mettel B&L Mettel Norm Mills The Gardenin’ Guy Jim Monk Markham Property Services Steve Montcalm Gifford Associates Insurance John Moons Joseph Morello Premier Landscaping & Design Chaz Morenz Gardens in the City Janet Mott Christine’s Touch Gardening Christopher Muller O.J. Muller Landscape Contractor Rob Naraj CHT Sheridan Nurseries Roy Neves DJ Rain Paul Olsen Brookdale Treeland Nurseries Mark Ostrowski Laurel Forest Farms Tyler Owen Thunderbolt Contracting Audrey Partridge Partridge Fine Landscapes Michael Pascoe NPD, ODH, CLT, MSc Fanshawe College Brad Paton CLT Shades of Summer Landscaping & Maintenance Warren Patterson Barrie Garden Centre Ken Pavely Lawn Life Natural Turf Products

40

John Peets John Peets Landscaping Mike Pennington Lakeridge Contracting Joe Pereira Landscapes By Lucin Brian Perras B.P. Landscaping & Snow Removal Jesse Perrin Green Things Landscaping 2010 (1893872 Ontario) Frans Peters Humber Nurseries JR Peters Humber Nurseries Carolyne Planck Unilock Fred Post Your Designer Landscapes Paul Proulx Hunter Industries Bill Putzer M. Putzer Hornby Nursery Tyler Rancourt Tydan Landscape Design Paul-Britman Rapai Fox Hollow Farms Lee Ratcliffe Dr Green Services Rob Redden In-Lite Design Richard Reed Lawn Life Natural Turf Products Jamie Riddell SiteOne Landscape Supply Mike Riehm Envirobond Products Tim Rivard Bobcat of Hamilton Lindsey Ross Living Green Landscaping Robert Roszell Road Equipment Links Matt Sandink CWML, CLIA, CIC SiteOne Landscape Supply Joe Santarosa, Jr Santerra Stonecraft Jay Saveall Green Side Up Contracting George Schellingerhoud Bright Lawn and Gardens Joel Schraven Pickering Nurseries Stephanie Scott Yards Unlimited Landscaping Haig Seferian OALA, CSLA, FASLA, CLD, LO Seferian Design Group

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Brian Shelfoon Permacon Janice Shingler Sheridan Nurseries (Whitby) Gord Shuttleworth Delaware Nursery Blake Sicard UPI Energy LP Klaas Sikkema Mike Silva Platinum Stone Design Jeff Smith Lynden Lawn Care Paul Snyders PGS Landscape James Solecki Integra Bespoke Lighting Systems Nick Solty Solty and Sons Fred Somerville Somerville Nurseries Jonas Spring Ecoman Karl Stensson Sheridan Nurseries Laurie-Ann Stuart LA Gardens Ron Swentiski CLD Trillium Associates Natnael Taera CIC Landscape Irrigation Systems.

Donald Tellier ODH, CLIA, CIC, CID, CLT Deerbrook Landscaping and Nursery Jay Terryberry St. Clair College Robert Tester TNT Property Maintenance Marc Thiebaud OGS Grounds Maintenance Specialists Rene Thiebaud OGS Landscape Services Michael Thomas The Investment Guild Jeff Thompson BES, RHAP Native Plant Source Kyle Tobin LawnSavers Plant Health Care Tim Tripp MSc Neudorff North America Rodger Tschanz University of Guelph Steve Tschanz Turf Management Systems/ Truly Nolen Blake Tubby Arbordale Landscaping

Bob Tubby CLP Arbordale Landscaping David Turnbull David Turnbull & Associates Chris Urquhart CLP Green Unlimited Christopher Utter Broadleaf Landscaping & Snow Removal Michael Van Dongen Van Dongen’s Landscaping & Nurseries Bill Van Ryn Jr Jay VanGelder Art Vanden Enden CHT Sheridan Nurseries (Whitby) Neil Vanderkruk NVK Holdings Peter Vanderley Vanderley Landscaping Mark Verbinnen Verbinnen’s Nursery Jason Vettese Best Way Stone Don Voorhees Noldus of Durham Shane Way Potters Road Nursery Jeanine West PhytoServ Kerry Whale Allturf Alan White Turf Systems Charlie Wilson Bruce Wilson Landscaping Nick Winkelmolen Winkelmolen Nursery Dan Winstanley Marsh Canada Debbie Wood CAST-n-STONE Jarrett Woodard Grand River Brick & Stone David Wright Wright Landscape Services Andre Ypma Modern Earthscapes Land Design Fiore Zenone Tumbleweed Landscape Contracting Youbin Zheng University of Guelph Judy deBoer-Bell Treefrog Design Monica van Maris Van Maris Holdings

2017 LO ANNUAL REPORT LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2017 BALANCE SHEET Assets Cash Investments Accrued Interest Accounts Receivable Prepaid Expenses Capital Assets Land/Building-Vineland Land/Building-Head Office Total Assets Liabilities and Surplus Accounts Payable Accounts Payable-Sector Groups Accounts Payable-Chapters Accounts Payable-Special Projects Deferred Revenue Hort. Centre Improvement Fund Hort. Industry Development Fund Technology Fund Promotion Fund Legacy Fund Surplus-Members Equity Net Income Total Liabilities and Surplus

2016 Audited Statements

2017 Audited Statements

814,939 10,326,808 127,900 2,603,985 636,810 7,481 57,645 572,380

346,919 11,911,528 84,986 2,429,415 625,395 0 57,645 572,380

15,147,948

16,028,268

570,655 45,817 533,894 10,723 3,179,589 3,998,290 1,405,114 9,973 11,066 5,239,530 0 143,297

576,983 2,156 557,073 196,556 3,418,186 4,181,486 1,303,924 507 21,066 5,657,348 0 112,983

15,147,948

16,028,268

MEMBERSHIP BREAKDOWN 2017

FUND ALLOCATIONS

2016 Audited Statements

2017 Audited Statements

1,606,298 (226,734) 25,550 0 103,297 1,508,412

1,508,412 (364,976) 160,489 0 82,983 1,386,907

3,557,645 (92,878) 533,524 0 0 3,998,290

3,998,290 (136,529) 319,725 0 0 4,181,486

Technology Fund Opening Balance Expenditures Transfer from Net Income Closing Balance

39,058 (29,084) 20,000 29,973

29,973 (29,466) 30,000 30,507

Promotion Fund Opening Balance Expenditures Transfer from Net Income Closing Balance

31,066 (20,000) 20,000 31,066

31,066 (10,000) 0 21,066

5,020,232 0 219,297 0 0 5,239,530

5,239,530 0 417,819 0 0 5,657,348

Horticultural Industry Development Fund Opening Balance Expenditures Revenues-Funding/Miscellaneous Transfer from (to) other Funds Transfer from Net Income Closing Balance Horticultural Centre Improvement Fund Opening Balance Expenditures Revenues-Funding/Miscellaneous Transfer from (to) other Funds Transfer from Net Income Closing Balance

Legacy Fund Opening Balance Expenditures Revenues-Funding/Misc.

Transfer from (to) other Funds Transfer from Net Income Closing Balance

ACTIVE (1815) - 68.5% ASSOCIATE (507) - 19.1% CHAPTER ASSOCIATE (174) - 6.6% HORTICULTURAL (141) - 5.3% INTERIM (13) - 0.5% TOTAL - 2,650

INCOME STATEMENT - DEPARTMENTAL SUMMARY

Revenue General Membership Publications Congress Expo Education Total Revenue Expenses General Membership Publications Congress Expo Education Total Expenses Net Income (Loss)

2016 Audited Statements 265,958 1,261,694 889,878 2,139,742 189,759 258,085 5,005,116 2,525,370 754,116 227,365 1,117,987 100,701 136,280 4,861,819 143,297

2017 2017 Audited Revised Statements Budgets

254,887 266,400 1,404,801 1,260,000 943,887 912,700 2,232,350 2,107,440 0 0 217,241 242,000 5,053,166 4,788,540

2,615,440 2,509,120 769,687 737,774 253,219 217,500 1,186,378 1,184,200 0 0 115,460 133,000 4,940,183 4,781,594

112,983 6,946

2018 Revised Budgets

233,200 1,426,500 978,000 2,257,000 0 197,000 5,091,700

2,715,142 781,824 231,500 1,234,910 0 95,000 5,058,376

33,324

2019 Proposed Budgets 233,200 1,426,500 978,000 2,257,000 0 197,000 5,091,700 2,715,142 781,824 231,500 1,234,910 0 95,000 5,058,376 33,324

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2017 INCOME STATEMENT, GENERAL

Revenue Rent Administration Fees Earned Interest Gains/Losses-Investments Information Technology/Web Fees Miscellaneous Total Revenue Administrative Expenses Property Taxes Telephone Hydro Heat Maintenance-Yard Maintenance-Building Office Supplies Office Equipment Computer Equipment/Software Information Technology/Web Expenses Postage Courier Audit Legal Fees Advertising Insurance Expense Meeting Expenses Travel Dues and Subscriptions Donations Training (Staff) Miscellaneous Expenses Bank Charges and Interest (Gain) Loss on Foreign Exchange Total Adminstrative Expenses Compensation Wages Benefits Source Deductions Total Compensation Total Expenses Net Income (Loss) Wage Allocations Overhead Allocations Net Income (Loss) Net of Allocations

2016 Audited Statements 106,799 78,434 72,009 0 8,400 315 265,958 74,648 20,200 46,549 13,666 66,350 112,886 29,895 7,222 10,181 22,509 13,428 1,276 21,000 3,108 1,583 20,296 24,672 68,026 10,168 1,590 1,786 15,572 76,211 (15,473) 647,348 1,653,714 127,246 97,061 1,878,022 2,525,370 (2,259,412) 1,423,595 697,325 (138,492)

INCOME STATEMENT, EDUCATION

Revenue Special Projects Trade Courses Certification Total Revenue Expenses Special Projects Trade Courses Certification Promotion Foundation Scholarship Funding Total Expenses Net Income (Loss) Wage Allocations Overhead Allocations Net Income (Loss) Net of Allocations

42 

2016 Audited Statements 12,300 238,595 7,190 258,085 6,044 105,862 8,586 3,788 12,000 136,280

2017 Audited Statements

105,742 83,448 41,978 13,980 8,400 1,339 254,887

55,412 22,729 43,790 15,303 79,172 67,855 34,824 10,129 6,943 22,532 11,768 475 21,000 2,151 0 21,561 16,301 72,929 10,152 559 1,320 21,061 84,215 (19,407) 608,992

2017 Revised Budgets 100,000 85,000 71,000 1,000 8,400 1,000 266,400 75,000 22,000 50,000 20,000 50,000 70,000 26,000 7,000 7,000 22,500 11,000 1,000 21,000 2,000 1,000 20,000 16,000 60,000 9,000 1,000 3,000 13,000 75,000 (6,000) 576,500

1,747,824 1,703,620 152,821 126,000 105,803 103,000 2,006,448 1,932,620

2,615,440 2,509,120 (2,360,553) (2,242,720) 1,518,500 694,093 (147,960)

2017 2017 Audited Revised Statements Budgets

0 5,000 204,178 230,000 13,063 7,000 217,241 242,000

8,154 5,000 88,355 105,000 4,274 7,000 2,677 4,000 12,000 12,000 115,460 133,000

121,805 (121,646) (87,166) (87,007)

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2017

101,781 (176,474) (86,762) (161,454)

109,000

2018 2019 Revised Proposed Budgets Budgets

80,000 80,000 90,000 90,000 45,000 45,000 10,000 10,000 7,200 7,200 1,000 1,000 233,200 233,200

70,000 70,000 23,000 23,000 52,000 52,000 17,000 17,000 60,000 60,000 70,000 70,000 30,000 30,000 8,000 8,000 7,000 7,000 23,000 23,000 12,000 12,000 1,000 1,000 22,000 22,000 2,000 2,000 1,000 1,000 22,000 22,000 17,000 17,000 65,000 65,000 10,000 10,000 1,000 1,000 2,500 2,500 16,000 16,000 78,000 78,000 (8,000) (8,000) 609,500 609,500

1,835,642 1,835,642 159,000 159,000 111,000 111,000 2,105,642 2,105,642

2,715,142 2,715,142 (2,481,942) (2,481,942)

2018 2019 Revised Proposed Budgets Budgets

0 0 190,000 190,000 7,000 7,000 197,000 197,000

0 0 75,000 75,000 4,000 4,000 4,000 4,000 12,000 12,000 95,000 95,000 102,000

102,000

2017 LO ANNUAL REPORT LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2017

INCOME STATEMENT, PUBLISHING: LANDSCAPE TRADES MAGAZINE

Revenue Advertising Web Display Ads Polybag Classified Ads Subscriptions Member Subscriptions Total Revenue

2016 Audited Statements 655,712 3,300 34,714 1,529 1,785 44,000 741,040

Discounts Member Discounts Agency Discounts Total Discounts Gross Revenue

79,698 16,634 96,332 644,709

Expenses Printing Freelance Editorial Editorial Travel Sales Travel Mail Preparation Poly Bag Costs Postage (2nd Class) Postage (Foreign) Courier Charges Subscription Campaign Promotion/Media Kits CCAB Circulation Audit Miscellaneous Bad Debts Total Expenses

56,001 12,452 39 13,902 2,557 8,906 54,693 2,712 3,107 645 3,642 5,364 261 867 165,149

Net Income (Loss)

479,559

2017 2017 Audited Revised Statements Budgets

687,420 665,000 2,670 500 38,123 30,000 1,392 2,000 1,843 1,500 44,000 44,000 775,447 743,000

85,137 70,000 15,407 15,000 100,544 85,000 674,903 658,000

60,817 50,000 10,852 12,000 985 1,000 19,642 12,000 3,340 2,500 10,415 10,000 56,735 59,000 3,582 2,500 910 1,500 0 0 3,444 1,000 6,025 5,000 520 250 5,863 1,000 183,129 157,750

491,774 500,250

2018 2019 Revised Proposed Budgets Budgets

720,000 720,000 1,500 1,500 33,000 33,000 500 500 1,500 1,500 44,000 44,000 800,500 800,500

75,000 75,000 15,000 15,000 90,000 90,000 710,500 710,500

60,000 60,000 12,000 12,000 1,000 1,000 12,000 12,000 2,700 2,700 10,000 10,000 59,000 59,000 2,600 2,600 800 800 0 0 2,000 2,000 5,500 5,500 250 250 1,000 1,000 168,850 168,850

541,650 541,650

INCOME STATEMENT, PUBLISHING: LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MAGAZINE

Revenue Advertising Polybag Classified Ads Web Classsified Ads Enews Ads Subscriptions Member Subscriptions Total Revenue Discounts Member Discounts Agency Discounts Total Discounts Gross Revenue Expenses Printing Editorial Travel Mail Preparations Poly Bag Costs Postage Miscellaneous Bad Debts Total Expenses Net Income (Loss)

2016 Audited Statements 172,182 11,778 2,935 3,420 4,500 116 44,000 238,931 26,867 1,678 28,545 210,386 24,859 1,066 3,025 4,030 17,211 150 0 50,341 160,045

2017 2017 Audited Revised Statements Budgets

184,753 190,000 20,781 12,000 1,780 500 240 0 12,000 5,000 175 0 44,000 44,000 263,728 251,500

26,648 26,000 2,920 800 29,568 26,800 234,160 224,700

24,747 22,000 2,744 1,000 2,750 3,000 6,554 4,000 18,344 17,000 20 250 0 500 55,158 47,750

179,002 176,950

2018 2019 Revised Proposed Budgets Budgets

190,000 190,000 15,000 15,000 500 500 0 0 10,000 10,000 0 0 44,000 44,000 259,500 259,500

26,000 1,000 27,000 232,500

22,000 1,500 2,600 4,500 17,300 250 500 48,650

183,850

26,000 1,000 27,000 232,500 22,000 1,500 2,600 4,500 17,300 250 500 48,650 183,850

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2017 PUBLISHING, SPECIAL PROJECTS

Revenue Expenses Net Income (Loss)

PUBLISHING, SUMMARY

2016 Audited Statements

34,784 11,874 22,910

2017 2017 Audited Revised Statements Budgets

34,824 30,000 14,931 12,000 19,893 18,000

2016 Audited Statements

Net Income (Loss)-Publishing Department 662,514 Wage Allocations (471,135) Overhead Allocations (130,748) Net Income (Loss) Net of Allocations 60,630

2017 Audited Statements

690,669 (467,050) (130,142) 93,476

INCOME STATEMENT, MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

Revenue Membership Dues Awards of Excellence Merchandise Referral Fees Total Revenue Expenses General CNLA Membership Dues Member Subscriptions Awards of Excellence Membership Plaques Annual Report Merchandise Membership Booth Promotion-Members Promotion-Canada Blooms Promotion-GFL/Branding Total Expenses Chapters and Sector Groups Durham Georgian Lakelands Golden Horseshoe London Ottawa Toronto Upper Canada Waterloo Windsor Designers Garden Centre Grounds Maintenance Growers Interiorscape Irrigation Landscape Contractors Landscape Lighting Lawn Care Snow & Ice Total Chapter and Sector Groups Total Expenses Net Income (Loss) Wage Allocations Overhead Allocations Net Income (Loss) Net of Allocations

44 

2016 Audited Statements 1,159,380 72,102 3,054 27,157 1,261,694

339,268 88,000 103,964 9,818 2,260 1,750 12,778 29,510 73,007 12,500 672,854

2017 2017 Audited Revised Statements Budgets

1,248,626 1,160,000 72,571 72,000 2,128 3,000 81,475 25,000 1,404,801 1,260,000

361,354 350,000 88,000 88,000 100,196 104,000 9,662 10,000 2,156 2,500 2,222 2,000 12,497 14,000 38,918 30,000 35,870 20,000 30,047 10,000 680,922 630,500

9,088 9,434 9,706 8,368 9,184 10,914 5,080 9,442 5,000 1,699 153 (421) 2,870 0 249 (348) 228 545 70 81,262 754,116 507,578 (422,115) (174,331) (88,869)

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2017

9,400 9,400 9,508 9,508 9,756 9,756 8,584 8,584 9,400 9,400 11,040 11,040 5,000 5,000 9,466 9,466 5,120 5,120 1,031 3,000 0 3,000 1,226 3,000 2,030 3,000 0 3,000 367 3,000 1,204 3,000 1,807 3,000 160 3,000 3,665 3,000 88,765 107,274

769,687 737,774 635,114 522,226 (441,082) (173,523) 20,508

2018 2019 Revised Proposed Budgets Budgets 35,000 14,000 21,000

35,000 14,000 21,000

2018 2019 Revised Proposed Budgets Budgets

1,300,000 1,300,000 74,000 74,000 2,500 2,500 50,000 50,000 1,426,500 1,426,500

399,500 399,500 88,000 88,000 100,000 100,000 11,000 11,000 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 12,000 12,000 38,000 38,000 20,000 20,000 1,000 1,000 674,500 674,500

9,232 9,588 9,786 8,464 9,406 11,044 5,120 9,484 5,200 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 107,324

781,824 644,676

9,232 9,588 9,786 8,464 9,406 11,044 5,120 9,484 5,200 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 107,324 781,824 644,676

2017 LO ANNUAL REPORT LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2017 INCOME STATEMENT, CONGRESS

2016 Audited Statements

Revenue Exhibit Space Exhibit Space-Partners Registration Sponsorship Miscellaneous Total Revenue

2,106,865 47,438 125,682 62,454 8,365 2,350,804

Discounts Member Discounts Member Discounts-Partners Total Discounts Gross Revenue

207,162 3,900 211,062 2,139,742

Expenses Exhibit Hall Security Show Services Feature Area Garden Subsidy Speakers Conferences-F&B Registration Services Audio Visual Equipment Receptions Printing Promotion Advertising Photography Flowers Insurance Move In/Move Out Travel Parking Police Postage Janitorial Software Labour Commissions-Partners Miscellaneous Total Expenses

426,563 27,466 116,283 3,500 15,981 28,989 31,511 37,466 19,421 50,755 19,991 21,082 30,780 2,350 909 0 110,292 48,783 14,220 2,121 17,245 63,815 10,230 4,421 9,625 4,189 1,117,987

Net Income (Loss)

1,021,755

2017 2017 Audited Revised Statements Budgets

2,209,674 2,076,640 57,638 65,500 118,122 125,000 52,116 50,000 1,788 4,000 2,439,338 2,321,140

2018 2019 Revised Proposed Budgets Budgets

2,230,000 2,230,000 55,000 55,000 135,000 135,000 50,000 50,000 2,000 2,000 2,472,000 2,472,000

202,288 208,000 4,700 5,700 206,988 213,700 2,232,350 2,107,440

437,963 442,000 24,625 28,000 119,824 115,300 3,000 3,500 17,396 16,500 34,672 35,000 33,742 33,000 41,907 40,000 26,730 22,000 49,629 45,000 19,491 23,000 39,894 26,000 26,089 44,000 2,625 3,500 1,256 1,000 0 6,000 113,754 117,000 62,074 50,000 14,930 15,000 2,121 2,300 17,181 20,500 67,005 59,500 11,083 10,700 2,250 5,000 11,200 14,400 5,938 6,000 1,186,378 1,184,200

1,045,973 923,240

210,000 210,000 5,000 5,000 215,000 215,000 2,257,000 2,257,000

451,200 451,200 26,000 26,000 118,760 118,760 3,000 3,000 16,500 16,500 50,000 50,000 35,350 35,350 42,100 42,100 27,800 27,800 55,000 55,000 22,300 22,300 26,000 26,000 36,900 36,900 3,000 3,000 1,200 1,200 0 0 117,000 117,000 60,000 60,000 15,500 15,500 2,300 2,300 19,500 19,500 70,000 70,000 12,000 12,000 5,000 5,000 13,500 13,500 5,000 5,000 1,234,910 1,234,910

1,022,090 1,022,090

INVESTMENTS Bonds/GICs Recorded at Cost Res Transalta Utilities Res Fairfax Financial Province of Quebec Royal Bank GIC (Waterloo Chapter) Bank of Montreal Cash Position Totals-Bonds/GICs Mutual Funds/Equities Recorded at Market Value Nexus/RBC Portfolio TD Wealth Portfolio RBC Dominion Securities

Year End Aug 31/16 Year End

1,128,182

450,000

450,000

60,000

0

0

2,088,182

4,137,734

4,100,892

0

Aug 31/17

Totals Mutual Funds/Equities

8,238,626

10,348,546

Total Investments

10,326,808

11,911,528

649,299 0 450,000 60,000 399,999 3,684 1,562,982

4,895,565 5,078,909 374,072

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

45

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2017 INCOME STATEMENT, EXPO/THRIVE

2016 Audited Statements

Revenue Exhibit Space Registration Sponsorship Miscellaneous Total Revenue

192,330 2,379 17,500 0 212,209

Discounts Member Discounts Total Discounts Gross Revenue

22,450 22,450 189,759

Expenses Exhibit Hall Security Show Services Registration Services Printing Promotion Public Relations Services Advertising Photography Move In/Move Out Travel Parking Receptions Postage Janitorial Software Miscellaneous Total Expenses

23,228 3,726 11,336 7,004 3,755 1,295 0 4,000 0 4,565 6,231 2,035 29,686 68 2,385 0 1,386 100,701

Net Income (Loss)

2017 2017 Audited Revised Statements Budgets

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0

89,058

TRADESHOWS, SUMMARY 2016 Audited Statements

Net Income (Loss)-Tradeshow Department 1,110,813 Wage Allocations (408,698) Overhead Allocations (305,080) Net Income (Loss) Net of Allocations 397,036

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2018 2019 Revised Proposed Budgets Budgets

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0

FISCAL YEAR

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2017

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

MEMBERSHIP COUNT 2007-2017 EXCLUDING HORTICULTURAL MEMBERS

MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP COUNT 2007-2017 ALL MEMBERS

46 

2017 Audited Statements

1,045,973 (433,895) (303,666) 308,412

0 0 0

FISCAL YEAR

gardening, landscaping and floral design.

INDUSTRY NEWS 2017 LO ANNUAL REPORT Co-located with the National Home Show, the festival sees some 200,000 visitors each year.

Several new elements will receive increased attention at the festival in 2018, explains Terry Caddo, the festival’s general manager. “We are very excited to highlight balcony gardens at the festival this spring, as well as the Plants of the Year program in collaboration with Proven Winners.” Caddo says the festival generates over $7.5 million in promotional media for the landscape, horticulture and floral professions each year, while visitors to the festival are expected to spend a combined $785 million on their home and yard in the 12 months following their visit.

For more information, to volunteer or purchase tickets, visit CanadaBlooms.com.

Canada Blooms showcases gardening, landscaping and floral design.

NEW GRANT HELPS EMPLOYERS OF APPRENTICES

Silver screen theme at Canada Blooms 2018 The silver screen will serve as inspiration for landscape professionals at Canada Blooms, Toronto’s flower and garden festival, March 9-18, 2018 at the Enercare Centre. Landscape Ontario’s festival cochair Janet Ennamorato says the “Let’s Go to the Movies” theme will get the creative juices flowing for this year’s feature garden builders.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” says Ennamorato, who takes on the co-chair role for the first time this year. “I think the public is going to be amazed with some of the ideas and concepts that will be on

display. There are so many options and iconic movie moments to choose from; from horror and comedy and the classics, I can’t wait to see what the builders come up with.”

Ennamorato’s enthusiasm comes with years of experience — she has been involved with the festival in some capacity for 21 of the 22 years of its existence.

Canada Blooms was founded in 1996 by the Garden Club of Toronto and Landscape Ontario. Today, it is the largest flower and garden festival in the country, celebrating the very best in Canadian

The Ontario government recently announced a new grant available for employers who support the Apprenticeship Program in an effort to improve completion rates and participation. An employer can now receive up to $19,200 for each employee who completes the program.

The changes were announced in a Nov. 16 letter by Deb Matthews, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, in which the government stated its plans to replace the Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit with a new Graduated Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (GAGE) as well as changes to Employer Completion Bonus.

Effective November 15, employers

Over 28 years in business

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905.689.1749

registering a new apprentice will be automatically assessed for eligibility for the new grant. The grant amount increases over time as the apprentice moves through to completion.

GAGE will include a bonus for employers hiring and training apprentices from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous peoples, Francophones, people with disabilities, newcomers and visible minorities.

Under the new GAGE program, upon full completion of the program by an employee, an eligible employer would receive a total of $16,700 (and up to $19,200 if the employee is from an underrepresented group).

A questions and answers document was included with the announcement, and can be found online at gfl.me\h3Gi.

WSIB RATES TO RISE IN 2018

Come meet us at

CONGRESS 2018 Booth #2427!

www.millgroveperennials.ca

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) recently announced a 3.3 per cent reduction to the average premium rate for 2018, bringing the average rate down to $2.35 for every $100 of insurable earnings from $2.43 in 2017.

However, the landscape and grower rate groups see the opposite, with an increase in 2018 premiums by just over one per cent.

For rate code 190: Landscaping and Related Services, the rate will increase 1.4 per cent, from $4.93 to $5.00 in 2018. Rate code 167: Field Crop, Fruit and Vegetable Farms will increase 1.1 per cent, from $2.84 to $2.87. From 2016 to 2017, both rate codes saw no increase.

Funded solely by premium revenue, when setting the premium rates for 2018, WSIB had to incorporate costs for new legislation related to Chronic Mental Stress (CMS) by considering the number of traumatic mental stress and PTSD claims across each industry class over the past 10 years.

These costs were distributed at the rate group level, where some groups will see substantial premium rate increases as a result. WSIB tries to ensure businesses have premium rate stability so that they can plan for the future. In order to ensure stability, WSIB have decided to: • Only require increases that relate to CMS legislation.

• Cap increases at five per cent.

• Allow decreases up to 7.6 per cent.

“This premium rate reduction comes at a time when legislated benefits for those injured at work are being enhanced and when significant progress is being made toward improving our financial strength,” said WSIB Chair Elizabeth Witmer.

For more details visit wsib.on.ca.

BILL 148 CHANGES ONTARIO’S EMPLOYMENT LANDSCAPE

The Ontario Legislature has passed far-reaching legislation, the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act (Bill 148), that will affect every LO member. Its most widely-publicized provision mandates increases to Ontario’s minimum wage: to $14 per hour on Jan. 1, 2018 and then $15 per hour in 2019.

The Act equalizes pay rates for part-time, temporary, casual and seasonal employees doing the same work as full-time employees. It expands personal emergency leave to 10 days per calendar year, and bans employers from requiring doctor’s notes for emergency leave. It also requires employers to pay employees for three hours of work if their shift was cancelled within 48 hours of its scheduled time.

The province plans to enforce the new measures seriously; it will hire 175 additional employment standards officers and is launching education programs on rights and obligations targeted to both employees and employers.

48 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO DECEMBER 2017

EXECUTIVE DESK Focus on labour Tony DiGiovanni CHT LO Executive Director

E

arlier this year I received a call from frustrated member. Her company had plenty of work but could not find enough employees to do it. She asked how Landscape Ontario could help.

Just about every member I talk to says the same thing. In fact, all of our counterparts throughout North America have the same recruitment and retention problem.

Is it because we don’t pay enough? Is it due to the sometimes-seasonal nature of our work? Is it because young people are not aware of the excellent opportunities?

We have been asking these questions and more for a number of years.

I know of members who pay $25/hr to start and $40/hr to their forepersons, yet they still have problems. Others guarantee year round work for above average pay and still have problems. I know members with well-developed career ladders who place a high value on continuous training and certification. They too, share the same problems.

The answers to this issue are very complex.

Labour attraction and retention is by far the biggest issue facing our profession.

This serious issue is getting worse. Many young people (and their parents) have a hard time understanding what meaningful work our profession can provide — especially when employers are forced to lay off employees over winter.

Lack of awareness about our profession is a serious issue. How can anyone choose a career they do not understand? We once asked a group of high school students to help us understand why they don’t consider horticulture as a career option. Their answer was that young people simply don’t know about the many career opportunities.

Simple, but true.

We asked a group of university students, “How can we make the landscape profession more attractive?” First, they

were not aware of the career opportunities available and they were also surprised to learn that ours is a multi-billion dollar profession employing over 140,000 people in Canada. Their advice was to advertise on social media and focus on the entrepreneurial opportunities available.

The lack of awareness is somewhat caused by urbanization. With over 87 per cent of the population living in cities, we have a generation who have not been exposed to people who grow or maintain plants for a living. The baby boomers were gardeners because their parents were.

Children living in cities today are not.

The computer is also to blame. Young people have forgotten how to play outside.

Parents are afraid to let kids play alone outdoors. How then, are children going to have an outdoor experience that leads to an appreciation of nature and landscape?

Landscape Ontario spends a great deal of resources dealing with this serious issue. We will focus even more attention on it moving forward. Here are some of our activities thus far: • Professional development: The best human resource advice is to look in the mirror and ask yourself: “Would I work for me?” Becoming better employers who understands, listens and care for employees could solve many of our retention issues. LO provides many seminars focused on helping owners become better employers. We developed an Effective Leadership program at ELpathway.ca and the Peer-to-Peer Network that allows members to exchange ideas and help each other to become better leaders.

• Apprenticeship and post-econdary programs:Ontario’s Horticultural Technician Apprenticeship Program is proven to help retain employees. LO hired a full-time person to assist members with enrolling employees into the program.

Two new Apprenticeship Programs were started at Algonquin and Loyalist Colleges. We now have six colleges offering apprenticeship training in the province.

LO is involved on the advisory boards of 12 colleges and one university who offer landscape programs. We assist teachers with materials and resources. We distribute over $40,000 in scholarships each year. Recently, the government

announced an incentive of up to $19,000 to employers who enroll apprentices.

Enrolling is easy: simply call us and we will do most of the work for you.

•S econdary schools: LO is involved in promoting the Specialist High School Major Program. Hosted at 28 high schools, this program allows interested grade 11 students to graduate with a major in horticulture. We also got involved in the Youth Fusion program designed to reduce drop-out rates by providing experiential learning opportunities to students.

• Skills Canada Ontario: We act as an advisor to Skills Canada Ontario, an organization focused on promoting the trades. Their flagship event involves a student competition. Each student team is provided a landscape plan which they must build within a two-day time span.

• Websites: A new, national labour website was created at landscape.jobs and a career website at greencareerscanada.ca.

In 2018, we will devote more resources to promoting these sites to young people.

• Canada Blooms: Each year, the association builds a garden at Canada Blooms.

The festival attracts over 100,000 people.

Two years ago, LO President Paul Brydges created the “Choose your Path” garden that showcased the diversity and creativity of our profession.

• Other activities: • W e helped to form the Horticultural Educators Association (HEA).

• I nvolved in the Come Alive Outside Design Challenge aimed at engaging young people in our profession.

• W e provided guidance to universities who provide training for secondary level teachers.

• O n the nursery side, we support the FARMS program.

• W e have a well-developed, integrated plan in partnership with CNLA. • W e are participating in the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) Labour Summit in which associations are working together to tackle the issue.

As an increasingly urban population becomes aware of the many environmental, social, economic, therapeutic, health and aesthetic benefits of our work, our limiting factor remains attracting and retaining employees. It’s time to start thinking about the employee as a customer. That is our challenge for 2018.

Tony DiGiovanni may be reached at tony@landscapeontario.com.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 49

PUBLIC RELATIONS

source of information to share with your clients that have large ponds. See gfl.me/ h3FW.

Eight maids a milking

Twelve things to celebrate

By Denis Flanagan CLD Manager of Membership and Public Relations

A partridge in a pear tree

The handsome partridge is a smart bird and always keen to stay trendy. It nests in a pear trees (Pyrus communis) knowing that fruit and vegetables are the fastest growing trend in gardening.

That’s why our own smart staff in LO’s Publishing department are focusing the 2018 edition of our Garden Inspiration magazine on food and family. Look for this annual publication to be released at Canada Blooms, March 9-18, 2018.

Two turtle doves

Doves are a world-wide symbol that represent peace. When we see mourning doves in our own gardens this winter, they are likely nesting and pecking on the seeds of cedars (Thuja occidentalis) and other evergreens. They also gather around feeders full of millet seeds purchased at a Green for Life garden centre.

Let’s reflect for a couple of minutes on how we can encourage peace in these crazy times in our own communities and worldwide.

Three French hens

Your LO staff learned a lot about farming this past summer, by adding our own chicken coop near our established pollinator garden that is home to our two beehives. The 24 fresh eggs provided by the chickens were enjoyed every week by staff and their families. Credit goes to Kim Burton and Myscha Stafford for taking care of our feathered friends. We learned many lessons about keeping livestock and I learned to keep a tidier desk at home after my wife came across the invoice from Rent-a-Chick.

Five golden rings

Rings are the symbol for the Olympics, the ultimate competition on the planet. Of

When we have marketing meetings, we often refer to the successful advertising campaigns of the Dairy Farmers of Ontario. How can we achieve similar success with our own brand? Let’s make it a goal in 2018 to promote the benefits of plants and create our own successful campaign.

Nine ladies dancing and 10 lords a leaping

course, we have our very own competition: LO’s annual Awards of Excellence program.

Awards are handed out during a special ceremony at Congress. Without doubt, the ceremony is the best opportunity to showcase the talent and professionalism of our members as explained in our brand new promotional booklet, Find your future.

This January, the awards will include the celebration and promotion of the new Monica van Maris Award. The award recognizes a woman who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the green profession. Let the nominations begin!

Six geese a laying

Our members that maintain commercial properties tell us Canada geese can sometimes be a major problem. A discussion on this topic was recently heard at an LO chapter meeting. Meetings are where professional members gather to network, share ideas, learn from experts and solve common problems faced by all.

Seven swans a swimming

With ponds frozen over and being used by future stars of the NHL, the longnecked, beautiful birds need a good place to overwinter. Swans are not true snowbirds — Florida is not the place for them, so they seek areas that offer protection from the elements. An interesting story from the Toronto Star on the comeback of trumpeter swans is a good

50 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO DECEMBER 2017

On our colourful trial garden stage this past summer, we had a spectacular performance by some real plant superstars: Hydrangea ‘Let’s Dance’ and ‘Twist ‘n Shout’ with a talented supporting cast, including: Potentilla ‘Mango Tango,’ Salvia ‘Rockin,’ Rosa ‘Mystic Fairy’ and Heliopsis ‘Prima Ballerina’ plus a tasteful display by Zinnia ‘Rasberry Ripple’and Verbena ‘Cherryburst.’ These new and exciting plants were all expertly choreographed by Roger Tschanz, David Turnbull and Kathleen Pugliese.

Eleven pipers piping and 12 drummers drumming

Talented musicians can often be heard performing at events that celebrate our Canadian military. LO members participate at the National Military Cemetery in Ottawa, the Battle of the Atlantic Memorial at HMCS Prevost in London and from Toronto to Trenton in support of the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute.

This involvement speaks volumes about our members who, during an extremely busy time, still manage to find time to be actively involved in these worthy causes.

On behalf of the association and the entire membership, I would like to extend a big thank you to all those individuals and companies who participate in these important events.

And a happy new year

As we near the end of another year, I hope you all get a much-needed break from your hectic schedules and enjoy some time with friends and family. LO’s Membership Services Team of Meghan Greaves, Myscha Stafford and I wish you all the best in the coming new year.

See you in 2018!

Denis Flanagan can be reached at dflanagan@landscapeontario.com or at 905-875-1805, ext. 2303.

MEMBERSHIP The most wonderful time of the year previous year. With large garden centres bringing in over 1,000 trees… that works out to a lot of tannenbaums!

Each year, garden centres get more creative in their marketing to include visits from Santa and even live reindeers on site.

Aside from the numbers, the feel-good value that garden centres offer cannot be overlooked — or priced. Walking into a garden centre decorated for the holidays gives a lift to even the heaviest of hearts.

Aside from the excellent displays of creativity to showcase products, garden centres become even more magical during the holidays and offer all patrons an extra special dose of holiday cheer. We look forward to seeing these creative and festive displays and sharing the success stories of our garden centre members this holiday season.

By Myscha Stafford Membership and Chapter Coordinator

Y

our membership team is getting into the holiday spirit in a big way this year. We will spend December visiting members within our Garden Centre Sector Group. If you have been reading your e-news and LO magazine, you’ll know LO’s Garden Centre Sector Group in partnership with the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) recently hosted the International Garden Centre Association (IGCA) Congress with over 250 delegates from more than 22 countries attending. Garden centres across the province are one of the best ways to spread LO’s Green for Life message to the public. They are a front line resource for encouraging homeowners to hire a professional.

Shop for the holidays at LO

In the spirit of the holidays, I have come up with some suggestions you may want to add to your wish list: • 2018 truck. Preferably in black, and definitely with the backup camera and tow package. Santa, don’t forget to call CNLA to get the letter to save thousands on this beauty!

• Congress trade show pass for you and your employees.

• LO Professional Member 2018 decal for all your company trucks • Mark’s Work Warehouse or Work Authority discount cards in all your employees’ stockings.

Booming holiday business

LO’s garden centre members are real experts in plant products. They supply hardgoods and décor items and they are essential in supplying things to get you into the holiday spirit. The Christmas tree business is booming! According to Statistics Canada, $78.4 million worth of Christmas trees were sold in 2015. Compare that to the $64.4 million sold the

• Professional Development seminars for you and your staff.

• A fuel savings card for each company truck.

• And a partridge in a pear tree to plant on your favourite client’s property to be entered into the LO Awards of Excellence program.

Volunteers are like guardian angels

As we look towards a new year, I would like to thank all chapter boards and volunteers for their hard work planning wonderful meetings and events for our members.

Thank you to everyone who attended these events. It has been incredible to see the hard work of our members, not only in their own businesses, but also in the countless projects in which members have dedicated their time and energy to make a success; thank you.

Your membership services team is looking forward to an exciting 2018 and would love your feedback and input on how we can meet your needs and develop resources to provide solutions for your business. Remember, we are here for you.

I encourage you all to have a look at chapter events coming up, as well as the membership benefits that can assist you, your staff and your business.

Happy holidays and see you at Congress!

Myscha Stafford can be reached at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 2333 or myscha@landscapeontario.com.

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APPRENTICESHIP Bumps in the road lead to success

By Rachel Cerelli LO Education and Labour Development Program Coordinator

C

ontinuing the theme of last month’s column, where a life-altering event changed the career path for a young professional and ultimately led him down the pathway to success, this month I would like to introduce you to Nadia Blackburn.

Nadia is a young professional who has certainly had a few bumps in the road. Nevertheless, Nadia continually got back up and kept on running. One of those bumps actually set Nadia in a new direction: she became a horticulturist by virtue of a need to gain

full-time employment.

Nadia’s path began 15 years ago after graduating from Cawthra Park Secondary School in Mississauga, Ont. In 2003, she attended the University of Toronto, where she majored in history, and minored in English/psychology. During her summers off, Nadia had landed a decent job with the City of Mississauga, performing typical student-type work that included things like waste collection, grass cutting, etc.

A sudden change in priorities

In 2006 things changed drastically for Nadia and she was forced to grow up overnight with the loss of her father. To help support herself and her mother (who also sadly also passed away a few years later), Nadia had to work full-time and alter her studies to a part-time basis. This was a hard thing for Nadia to do — she thrived in the academic environment with

her love of study and learning. However, making money became more of a priority. Nadia was fortunate to get a position as a seasonal temporary worker with the City of Mississauga’s Parks Operations Department.

As Nadia continued to work and focus on her studies after-hours, an opportunity presented itself: all full-time staff working within the City’s Parks Department were offered the opportunity to earn industry certification. While working full time for the City, Nadia was registered for the Horticulture Technician Apprenticeship Program (HTAP). Little did Nadia know, this would be the foundation for her longtime career in the horticulture profession. Interestingly enough, this is actually where I come into the story.

I was a teacher’s assistant for the HTAP run by Humber College at Landscape Ontario’s home office in Milton, Ont., where Nadia instantly became a part of my life. Her eagerness to learn and implement what she learned in everyday life was captivating. She had a bubbly attitude and was always willing to help a fellow classmate in need of guidance or tutoring. So all of what I tell you about Nadia I was lucky to witness firsthand.

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52 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO DECEMBER 2017

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Climbing up the ranks

a General Supervisor for From 2009-2014, Nadia held the Parks Maintenance various full-time positions Department. with the City of Mississauga Nadia has done very and City of Burlington while well for herself over the completing her BA underpast 15 years. I am not grad with Honours from U of sure where her path will T, and also her Masters in go, but I am sure wherever that may be, she will Leadership at U of G. Additionally, Nadia completed her continue to inspire, guide, Certificate of Qualifications support and embrace for the Horticulture Technifuture leaders of our procian Apprenticeship Program fession, giving back as and joined the Ministry of others had given to her.

Nadia Blackburn Training Colleges and Universities (now, Ontario ColAdvice for others lege of Trades) board, where she, along For this article, I asked Nadia, what message she would give to youth today, or with other industry professionals, work to anyone interested in a career in hortitogether to ensure the HTAP is kept relevant and up-to-date across the country. culture. Nadia response: “I would not be By completing the Apprenticeship where I am today without the foundation Program, Nadia gained unbeatable onthat was laid for me by the Horticulture the-job training, as well as excellent leadTechnician Apprenticeship Program. It ership skills through her work experience had the perfect amount of practical theory to hands-on training, to give me a and university education. That combined real view of the horticulture profession. work experience and education led Nadia I know I am a strong academic student, down yet another pathway in 2015, when but this program was beautifully-built for she became a Parks Supervisor and those who are hands-on learners as well.

Horticulture Lead for the City of Toronto, Countless colleagues have gone through working on horticulture displays in the the program and have had a similar view. downtown area. In 2017, Nadia became

If you are questioning if this profession is for you, I urge you to take the opportunity the government has given us, and take part in the Horticulture Technician Apprenticeship Program.”

Visit horticulturetechnician.ca for more information on the Apprenticeship Program or contact LO’s apprenticeship team: Rachel Cerelli can be reached at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 2354 or rachel@ landscapeontario.com. Alex Gibson can be reached at 613-809-5093 or jagibson@landscapeontario.com.

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WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 53

UNDERGROUND WORLD Should membership fees increase?

By Terry Murphy CLM

L

ike every business, associations across North America must ask themselves regularly if they need to increase the fees charged for their services. This is no different for Landscape Ontario, the Fencing Association or the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA).

The ORCGA is always reviewing their governance and the subject of membership fees. Should membership fees be increased? What is the justification? For members, a fee increase is always a contentious issue. Why should their fees increase? What is the reason?

Why not keep them the same? What added value exists for increasing the fees and by how much? The ORCGA is a not-for-profit, non-government organization funded by

the damage prevention industry. As a writer for the industry, I thought it was important to investigate this issue and present some facts to let you be the judge. After all, it is members like you who must pay any fee increases.

History

The ORCGA was formed in 2005 and all revenues to support the organization have been raised by the association itself in the private sector. The major sponsors are utility firms who donate a sponsorship amount and underground excavators and municipalities who manage underground assets.

For example, excavating companies pay for their memberships where the small excavating contractor (landscaper, fencer, irrigation, sewer and water) with fewer than 20 employees would pay $125 per year.

Larger companies pay more based on the number of employees. The organization has grown from a handful of firms in 2005, to more than 500 in 2017. The Board of Directors now has 24 members and meets

five times each year. Decisions are made on a democratic vote process and many key decisions require full consciences and agreement by all Board members.

Membership fees frozen for 12 years

ORCGA membership fees have remained the same for the last 12 years. A small excavating company with fewer than 20 employees (majority of members) pays $125 annually. Operating expenses such as insurance, travel, gasoline, office supplies, communications, heat, rent and electricity increase every year. Most contractors and manufacturers increase the prices for their products and services each year to absorb these higher operating expenses.

Over the last 12 years, operating costs for ORCGA have been tightly-managed and absorbed by the association. Over the last 12 years, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has gone from 107.5 in 2005 to 130.8 in 2017 — an increase of 21.7 per cent. Matching the CPI, the small contractor membership fee of $125 would now be $152. Given these numbers, I would think increasing the membership fee by $25 seems fair. Who you agree or disagree?

Membership value must increase Some people would argue any increase in membership fees should also mean an increase in services or value provided. I

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disagree with this statement because I believe there is already tremendous value in ORCGA membership because of its extremely already low cost. I believe it is a real bargain at $125 or even $150. Simply educating and reminding members of the services they are receiving for their membership dollars is a good way to prove its value. Take a look at what other associations charge and what services they provide for their membership fee. I believe most members would be hard pressed to name five benefits, advantages or opportunities that are included in their membership. Most probably don’t take advantage of those benefits either. Below are some of the key benefits to ORCGA membership and you can decide what they are worth to your company:

Key membership value (and services)

Some of the special features and benefits included with ORGCA membership fees are: • Damage prevention promotion and advertising to the public and industry.

• Best Practices Manual for educating operators and improving employee safety.

• Spring Dig Safe campaigns for networking and professional development.

• Dirt Report featuring important industry trends and damage information statistics.

• Ear to the Ground publication (two per year).

• Annual three-day Symposium featuring networking, seminars, trade show and training.

• Damage Prevention Training (DPT) courses for the professional locate community.

• Alternate locate agreements with utilities.

• Call Before You Dig promotion to industry and the public.

• 13 Geographic Councils for information sharing, networking and professional development.

• Access to member pricing for LO Professional Development Winter Seminars.

• Fall Expo, Locate Rodeo and golf tournament activities.

• Resources and problem solutions available through head office and member connections.

• Government lobbying on behalf of the damage prevention industry.

• A distinct sales advantage over firms not belonging to the ORCGA (professionalism).

All this, for the low annual fee of $150.

Is it worth it? I would say it’s the best deal

in town! The question for employers is, “How many of these special features and benefits are you taking advantage of in your business?”

Critical mass

The best way for an association to be strong is to grow their membership. There are many advantages and benefits to being a member of the ORCGA. Please consider helping the organization to become even stronger by joining the ORCGA. You also will further strengthen the damage prevention industry.

Conclusion

Regardless of the actual cost of an ORCGA Membership, it is certainly worth it and is a true bargain. The ORCGA and its member firms are keeping workers safe, protecting our underground assets and enhancing public safety through damage prevention programs. Every contracting firm who puts a shovel in the ground should be a member of this great organization.

Please contact Jennifer Parent at 1-866-446-4493 or jennifer@orcga.com for information on membership.

Terry Murphy can be reached at tvmurphy@ca.inter.net.

Shaping future initiatives and projects Monday January 8, 2018 Delta Hotels Toronto Airport (formerly International Plaza Hotel)

A full-day event, with keynote speakers, lunch and closing reception.

Held in conjunction with Congress ’18.

Visit LOcongress.com for complete details.

REGISTRATION FEES : $140 for members and $190 non-members, before Dec. 15 $190 for members and $270 non-members, after Dec. 15 Admission to Congress 2018 Trade Show and Tailgate Party is included with registration.

An initiative of the Landscape Ontario Designer Sector Group.

Presented by

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 55

PROSPERITY PARTNERS Become a master at what you do

By Jacki Hart CLM Prosperity Partners Program Manager

F

or me, winding-down from a busy season has always been a time to ask lots of questions. Specifically, I tend to ask myself self-reflective questions. In this seasonal, green profession, I believe December is a great month to create some quiet time for selfreflection. Many of us take pause for religious traditions and holiday events, and enjoy a well-earned break from our usual routines. It’s a time of year to take stock of who you are, where you are, and where you need to grow in order to reach your goals — what you need is clarity.

Clarity precedes mastery

The unknown author of the phrase “clarity precedes mastery” was really onto something big. To become a master at what you do, there are a few rungs to climb on the ladder.

1. You first need to be very clear about what you believe in, who you are and who you need to be.

2. You must also know what mastery actually is. What will it look like when you’re a master at something? What you will know, say, do, teach and accomplish?

3. You have to be able to recognize the gaps between where you are now, and where you want to be — this is where the clarity part takes place.

First thing first

To accomplish the first step, I’ve been known to say once or fifty times in this column over the past 11 years, you need

to define your Core Values and those of your business. Who are you? What do you believe in? What are the non-negotiable beliefs that guide your thinking and actions every day?

I’ve worked with dozens of business owners and their teams on this exercise.

It’s a lot harder to do than you think. It takes longer to complete than you think, and yet it’s so incredibly powerful in bringing clarity to your whole team.

For companies who have fullyengaged this step, the clarity it has brought for both their non-negotiable behaviour and decision-making filters has transformed both their communication and performance. Without connecting all of the dots on who the company is, and why it is, energy will unnecessarily be spent on keeping everyone and everything glued together.

If you take one thing from reading this column, I hope it’s realizing you never look back or question why you spent the time to achieve this clarity.

If you’re aiming at nothing…

Familiar readers of my column know how to finish the sentence in the above heading: “You’ll hit it with huge accuracy.”

What is your end game? What skills

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do you need to improve? What ways does your company need to improve to achieve it’s ultimate success? How will the company ‘bench strength’ need to change? What will be different when you’ve finally become a master at what you do? What will your team be doing and saying differently? How will you all be thinking differently in order to have the mastery you strive for?

• Attitude of candidates: Who is willing to be trained and step-up their level of engagement?

• Accomplishments of candidates: Who gets things done?

You can also ask yourself some important gap-filling questions: Who do I show up as every day? Where do I need to

grow? Who should I show up as (if I were a level closer to mastery at what I do)?

Jacki Hart may be contacted at peertopeer@landscapeontario.com.

Mind the gap

Think about ways in which you could quantify the potential return on time invested if you intentionally improve to become a master at what you do. There’s a price tag attached to training, and that cost becomes priceless when the training pays off and nudges your company closer to mastery. Ask important questions to guide your training choices. Align your investment with your vision of success.

I borrow this from my friends at Kinergy Leadership: 5 As of Selecting Leaders. It may help: • Assessment of needs: What is needed to pursue mastery?

• Assets on hand: Who in the company is available and the ‘right fit’?

• Ability of candidates: Who is able to be trained, and likely to apply what they learn?

Minding the gap together If you are a business owner in the Landscape Ontario community and haven’t already joined our great peer mentorship and learning program, what are you waiting for?

IT’S EASY TO JOIN. Great discussions are currently happening online. To join, simply visit the links on the Peer to Peer Network page at HortTrades.com/p2p.

You don’t have to figure things out on your own. Your peers can help! This rich, right-fit resource is here to help LO members to step-up and master their game.

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Landscape Ontario Annual General Meeting

Moving forward TOGETHER

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58  LANDSCAPE ONTARIO DECEMBER 2017

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60  LANDSCAPE ONTARIO DECEMBER 2017