Landscape Ontario - April 2020

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

HortTrades.com • April 2020

TASK FORCE MOBILIZES

PM 40013519

Members help members weather pandemic challenge

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

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April, 2020 • Volume 38 - No. 04 HortTrades.com

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.

Features 6 COVID-19 8 Canada Blooms Awards 10 Apprenticeship

Departments 12 Association News 18 New Members 19 Volunteer Profile 20 Scholarship Profile 22 Professional News 26 Columns 30 Advertisers Editor Robert Ellidge rellidge@landscapeontario.com, 647-722-5645 Multimedia designer/IT coordinator Mike Wasilewski mikew@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5343 Contributor Kim Burton kburton@landscapeontario.com, 647-723 5447 Account manager 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 Scott Barber, Darryl Bond, Amy Buchanan, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Denis Flanagan CLD, Cassandra Garrard, Meghan Greaves, Sally Harvey CLT CLM CAE, Keri MacIvor, Heather MacRae, Kathy McLean, Ian Service, Myscha Stafford, Tom Somerville, David Turnbull, Lissa Schoot Uiterkamp, Martha Walsh

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department Landscape Ontario 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 Canada Phone: 905-875-1805

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Uncertain times call for new measures and planning

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until the delayed spring rush starts. On the bright side, people will not be travelling and there’s great potential to shift spending from travel to creating a backyard oasis — an outdoor sanctuary for social distancing. With a bit of luck, the DIYers will head out to the local garden centre or landscape depot and spend money on supplies and materials.

Hopefully, the government stimulus to the economy will help it bounce back quickly.

There are some things we can do now to build resilience for our bottom lines: think about how to protect cash reserves, adjust budgets to weather the economic ups and downs, and incorporate flexibility where possible. The companies that move the quickest to do these things will fair better. Now is the time to have a great plan in place, but don’t anticipate the world will return to the way it was. We’ll see ripple effects across the economy: working from home may become the new norm for larger offices, but may also result in a surplus of office space on the market and a reduction in contracts for commercial maintenance companies.

New opportunities will emerge too, but the worst part is the uncertainty. One thing for sure is that things will not be the same and we’ll all have to work together to build a new normal.

I look forward to reading this piece again when it is published. I wonder whether I will still feel the same way about our uncertain future and how much things will have changed in the interim. I challenge you to create multiple contingency plans and be nimble. Take care, and stay healthy!

hen I started writing this article, I had a whole theme worked out about communication and how you can use it to tear down silos in your company or organization. Then COVID19 exploded and the world as we knew it changed rapidly. No one likes change and absolutely no one likes when change is forced on them. I’m sure some people downplayed the whole thing. I know I did at first.

Now, I am torn between boldly moving forward verses shutting everything down to protect my team. So I asked my team.

They want to work, so we will, and our leadership team will work on protecting everyone’s health and wellness. We have a plan in our company to roll with the shutdowns and protect our team from the virus. To achieve this, we are building out three distinct silos: management, maintenance and construction. The management team can work from home or a truck seat. The production team can’t stay home. We are trying to prevent the team members from mixing, so if one division gets hit by the virus, the other can continue. Time will tell if we did enough.

This brings me back to the silos: silos are bad because they lead to an “us vs. them” culture. So how do we fix that? We communicate (from a safe distance) so that the silos do not hurt our culture.

The pandemic is hitting us just at the beginning of our busy season. By the time you read this, I’m sure you will be feeling the dread of slow phones. Those with a backlog from last year will work through it

ISSN 1928-9553 Publications Mail Agreement No. PM40013519 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 2020, 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

Dave Wright LO President davew@wrightlandscape.ca

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Landscape community unites to weather the storm of

COVID-19

A chronological list of events in the COVID-19 crisis

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and arenas were all closed through April 5. Professional sports, including the National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Hockey League (NHL) postponed the remainder of their seasons.

The stock sell-off continued on March 13 with the Canadian market closing the week down 30 per cent below its record peak the previous month.

On March 16, the provincial government asked all bars and restaurants to close and the federal government advised people to limit gatherings to 50 people or less. Airlines laid off 60 to 70 per cent of their workforce.

Landscape Ontario sent out an email regarding the cancellation of its professional development seminars.

n Jan. 25, 2020, the first case of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, was announced in Ontario.

At the time, no one could have predicted in their wildest dreams, the profound and unprecedented effect it would have around the world.

That first case was reported in Toronto. The patient had just returned from Wuhan, China, where the outbreak began, and was admitted to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre with a fever and respiratory symptoms and put under isolation. The patient recovered as of Feb. 23.

Within days, the virus continued to spread, prompting government officials to take unprecedented action. On March 12, just two days before March Break, the Ontario government ordered all publicly funded schools to shut down for two weeks after March Break.

Border restrictions

On March 18, for the first time since the 1867 Confederation of Canada, it was announced that Canada and the U.S. would close the border to most travellers at the end of that week. Canadians abroad were encouraged more than ever to come home.

On March 19, Landscape Ontario’s Provincial Board of Directors held its meeting online. The meeting included discussions about COVID-19 and resulted in the creation of a special task force to filter and distribute credible and relevant information to members, and to help guide businesses through the crisis. The first meeting of the Task Force took place the following day, and the group continues to meet online each day at 5:00 p.m.

On March 20, an email was sent out to all members and industry professionals, by LO President, Dave Wright

Financial crisis

March 12 also marked the biggest one one-day loss on the Canadian stock market in 80 years, with the TSX Composite Index plummeting over 12 per cent in a single day.

A slew of closure and cancellation announcements on March 12 included conferences, concerts, and the Canadian Juno Awards. Like so many others following the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer of Ontario, it was also announced that Canada Blooms, the Toronto Flower and Garden Festival and the National Home Show would not open to the public. The news came just hours before opening day.

The next day, the closure announcements grew: public buildings, libraries, community centres, pools

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Updated daily, the online resource provides information for business owners and employees.

Over 375 people connected via LO’s first webinar on March 26.

and Tony DiGiovanni, LO Executive Director, explaining the association and it’s leaders were working on ways to help members.

Emails and phone calls from worried members poured in to the Landscape Ontario office. Some members expressed concerns about possibly losing access to foreign workers. Others had seasonal employees they needed to bring back to work before their Employment Insurance ran out. With so many other businesses closing, or being asked to close, those in the landscape profession were left with many uncertainties about the season ahead. Others offered ideas on best practices or words of encouragement, the need for unity, and support.

Balancing the need to make a living with the government urging people to stay at home as much as possible for the next two weeks, all members of the profession looked for direction. The LO Task Force reached out to lawyers and government officials for clarification on the essential services list.

On March 25, the message from Landscape Ontario to the profession was that of caution and patience. Yes, it looked like most businesses were deemed essential, but the health and safety of employees, customers and the public was paramount. Taking risks and jeopardizing the safety of others could easily tarnish the reputation of the profession as a whole. The industry is used to experiencing a late spring start.

COVID-19 Resource Hub

Closer together than ever

On March 22, the work of the Task Force was put into action with the creation of a special COVID19 Resources Hub on the association website at HortTrades.com/covid-19-resources, organizing the wealth of information into various categories. Some free webinars geared toward business owners were made available, plus a growing list of frequently asked questions by both owners and employees.

The rest of this story, including the ending, is yet to be written. The situation changes daily. The future is uncertain. One thing we do know is that COVID-19 has resulted in drastic changes around the world. We now practice “physical distancing,” hold meetings online and talk with family and friends via video chat. We send more email than ever, share more moments online, and broadcast concerts, webinars and newscasts from within our homes. Through it all, many good stories have surfaced. Stories of people helping others, scientific breakthroughs, and less pollution. The landscape and horticulture community is no exception. Throughout the crisis, members continue to share ideas and information and to work together for the greater good. They present a unified voice and help each other to weather the storm.

Now, more than ever, the club for mutual benefit and mutual improvement continues to be a shining example in a world of uncertainty.

Closure of non-essential businesses On March 23, Ontario Premier, Doug Ford announced all non-essential businesses in the province would close for 14 days starting at midnight the following day. Shortly after, a list of what the province deemed “essential” was released.

LO COVID-19

TASK FORCE Contact a member of the taskforce or find information and resources online at HortTrades.com/covid-19-resources

Alan White, Turf Systems (Chair) Dave Wright, Wright Landscape Services Jamie Riddell, SiteOne Landscape Supply Jeff Olsen, Brookdale Treeland Nurseries Peter Guinane, Oriole Landscaping Jon Durzi, Miller Compost Margot Byers, Ladybird Garden Design

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Terry Childs, Nature’s Way Landscape Lindsey Ross, Living Green Landscaping Tony DiGiovanni, Landscape Ontario Heather MacRae, Landscape Ontario Sally Harvey, Landscape Ontario Lee Ann, Knudsen, Landscape Ontario

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

CANADA BLOOMS 2020

Feature Garden Builder Awards 2.

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n March 12, a panel of volunteer judges toured and evaluated the completed feature gardens at Canada Blooms for the annual feature garden builder awards. Hours later, the decision was made to cancel the Canada Blooms flower and garden festival at the Enercare Centre in downtown Toronto, due to public health concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Despite the cancellation, Landscape Ontario and Canada Blooms

UPLP Group

The Dig Safe Builders Award (Presented by Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance) For: Get Lost in a Feather

Landscape Designs by Jodie Munshaw The Unilock Award for Outstanding Garden Small Size (under 750 sq. ft.)

For: Backyard Bird Watch

Green Art Landscape Design The S. G. Ulbright Award for Outstanding Garden Medium Size (750 sq. ft. to 2,000 sq. ft.)

For: A Pair in a Par-Terre

Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds The Gordon A. MacEachern Award for Outstanding Garden Large Size (over 2,000 sq. ft.)

For: Access to Nature

Landscape Designs by Jodie Munshaw Outstanding Interpretation of the Festival Theme (Presented by Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada) For: Backyard Bird Watch

would like to thank the many garden builders for their efforts, including their outstanding creativity, hard work and dedication in support of this year’s festival. Thanks also to the volunteer judges: Bruce Warren, Jeff McMann, Ron Koudys, Rita Weerdenburg, Jon Peter and Chris Flanagan.

Winners of the 2020 Canada Blooms feature garden builder awards are:

Mountainhill Landscape Professionals Outstanding Outdoor Entertainment Area For: Flight of Fancy

Willow Design Group

Most Imaginative Garden Design For: Do Up The Doorstep: Unless

Bancheri Bros

Outstanding Use of Artistic Elements in a Garden (Presented by Kooy Bros) For: Celine’s Garden

J. Garfield Thompson Landscape Outstanding Use of Trees For: Mark’s Potting Shed

UPLP Group

Best Use of Landscape Lighting (Presented by Landscape Ontario Lighting Sector Group) For: Get Lost in a Feather

City of Toronto

Outstanding Use of Interior Plants For: This Space is For The Birds

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Landscape by Evergreen

The Perry Molema Award for Outstanding Use of Water (Presented by Aquascape) For: Summer Hideout

J. Garfield Thompson Landscape Outstanding Use of Natural Stone (Presented by Beaver Valley Stone) For: Mark’s Potting Shed

Mountainhill Landscape Professional Outstanding Use of Pre-Cast Pavers For: Flight of Fancy

David McEldon Landscape & Design Outstanding Use of Walkways For: Just Be

Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds Outstanding Use of Structures Award For: Access to Nature

Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds Best Use of Environmental Elements For: Access to Nature

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

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1. J. Garfield Thompson Landscape 2. Green Art Landscape Design 3. Bancheri Bros 4. Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds 5. Mountainhill Landscape Professionals 6. UPLP 7. The Growing Connection

ExperTrees Horticulture & Landscape Specialists

Best Use of Bulbs Award (Presented by Pioneer Flower Farm) For: Do Up the Backsteps: Coming Together

Bancheri Bros

Outstanding Use of Living Space For: Celine’s Garden

Jacob’s Gardenscape

Outstanding Use of Innovative Elements in a Garden For: The Green Metal Garden

Sylvia Szot Landscape Design

The Do Up The Doorstep Award (Presented by Oaks Landscape Products) For: Neighbourhood Flock

The Growing Connection

The Do Up The Backstep Award (Presented by Oaks Landscape Products) For: Edible Caja Garden

Landscape Designs by Jodie Munshaw The Do Up The Backstep Award (Presented by Oaks Landscape Products) For: Backyard Bird Watch

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To view photos and videos of this year’s feature gardens, visit HortTrades.com/canada-blooms-2020 Bancheri Bros

Green Art Landscape Design

Best Use of Roses For: Celine’s Garden

Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds Best Use of Pollinators For: Access to Nature

City of Toronto

Best Use of Containers For: This Space is For The Birds

Green Art Landscape Design

Mark’s Choice Award for Best Use of Soft Landscape Elements For: A Pair in a Par-Terre

Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds

The Landscape Ontario Award for Best Overall Quality of Workmanship For: Access to Nature

Willow Design Group

The Garden Club of Toronto Award for Best Overall Use of Colour For: Do Up The Doorstep: Unless

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The W.E. Bridgeman Award for Best Overall Use of Hard Landscape Elements For: A Pair in a Par-Terre

J. Garfield Thompson Landscape The PremierTech Award for Best Overall Use of Plant Material For: Mark’s Potting Shed

City of Toronto

The Leslie L. Solty Memorial Award for Best Overall Creativity in Garden Design For: This Space is For The Birds

J. Garfield Thompson Landscape

The Tony DiGiovanni Canada Blooms Judge’s Choice Award for Best Overall Garden For: Mark’s Potting Shed

Winkelmolen Nursery Supplier of the Year, Soft Landscape Products

Oaks Outdoor Products Supplier of the Year, Hard Landscape Products

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

I N S P I R E

A N D

I N V E S T

IN YOUR EMPLOYEES THROUGH

APPRENTICESHIP

By Cassandra Garrard LO Environmental Coordinator

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have been assisting employers and employees with navigation of the Horticulture Technician 441C Apprenticeship program registration process for the past six months now, and the more I learn about the program, the more I am blown away by the many benefits to employers and employees.

Every employer in the landscape and horticulture profession can benefit from the Horticulture Technician Apprenticeship Program (HTAP) — and I’ll tell you why.

FREE HELP APPLYING

Landscape Ontario is here to help employers and employees to navigate the registration process from start to finish.

The registration process that includes the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills

Development (MLTSD) and the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT) can be a long and confusing process. But not to worry, LO will look after the details for both employers and employees every step of the way.

Landscape Ontario will help guide each employee/apprentice through their entire journey. We will connect with them regularly, are available to answer questions, and will make sure they have all the resources needed to succeed.

Improve employee retention and support a dynamic team by investing time and energy in an employee’s technical skills development. Not only will they become more knowledgeable and better equipped for their role, they will see that their employer supports and encourages them to grow.

In-class training takes place for 12

weeks over two winters during the offseason, starting the first week of January each year. Apprentices can be eligible to collect Employment Insurance (EI) while attending in-class training. The rest of the year, apprentices work for their employer, as usual, receiving on-the-job training.

Do you have a current employee that would like to expand their knowledge and skill? If you have a ‘shining star’ you don’t want to lose, the Horticulture Technician Apprenticeship Program may be exactly what you’re looking for.

START THE REGISTRATION PROCESS IN SPRING

The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) allocates classroom seats to each Apprenticeship program based on the number of registrations the prior year. Last January, 10 apprentices missed out and had to wait until January 2021 to start in-class training. The registration process can take up to two months to complete, so it is important to start early. We encourage you to secure a spot by June so there are no disappointments. The earlier Landscape Ontario receives registrations, the earlier we can begin to advocate for larger class sizes.

HOW TO REGISTER

For more information about the Apprenticeship program or to register, visit HorticultureTechnician.ca or contact Cassandra Garrard at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 2397 or cassandra@ landscapeontario.com.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

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ASSOCIATION NEWS Irrigation pros connect at annual conference Large snow drifts and whiteout conditions didn’t keep irrigation professionals away from the annual Irrigation Conference, held Feb. 28 at Landscape Ontario’s office and training facility in Milton, Ont. An initiative of the LO Irrigation Sector Group, over 90 people attended the event that included a full day of expert speakers, lunch, networking breaks and exhibitors.

The event began with a welcome and update from the sector group.

After the update, the first speaker, Anika de la Flor from QuadReal Property Group, discussed corporate sustainability goals and how water plays a role in the management of properties for clients and tenants. Justin Comacchio and Heather McNab followed with an update on the Water Smart Irrigation Professional (WSIP) program which is now being offered to contractors across the province.

Tim Malooly from Water In Motion, a Minneapolis, Minn.-based company, spoke to attendees about the challenges in the evolving market, as well as the many opportunities available to contractors.

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Brandt Builds on Deep Roots in Landscaping industry.

Since their entry into the Ontario market as the exclusive dealer for John Deere Construction & Forestry equipment in late 2019, Brandt Tractor Ltd. has been working steadily to build strong relationships in Ontario’s landscaping industry.

“We’re very excited to be working with Ontario landscapers,” says Brandt President and CEO, Shaun Semple. “Our roots in landscaping go deep; Brandt has been supplying equipment for the landscape industry for over 50 years, so we’ve got an in-depth understanding of the needs of contractors.”

The acquisition of John Deere’s factory-owned Nortrax locations in Ontario, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador was a logical next step for the Regina-based company, the latest in a series of expansions undertaken by the Semple family, starting 25 years ago.

The story of the Brandt Group of Companies’ journey from small-time local company to major equipment dealer and industrial manufacturer began in 1932 with Brandt Electric - a small electrical contracting firm that later expanded into agricultural manufacturing as Brandt Machine and Manufacturing. Gavin Semple, the father of current President and CEO Shaun Semple, began working in sales with the company in 1972 and rose to become President and General Manager by 1976. He soon acquired controlling interest and was joined by his son Shaun in 1984 when the company had revenues of only $6 million dollars.

During this time, the company began selling and servicing trenching, plowing, and landscaping products for Ditch Witch – a strong relationship that has since grow to span all of Canada, from coast to coast to coast.

“The Ditch Witch equipment lineup gave us our first significant experience in the landscaping business,” says Brandt VP of Sales – Worksite Products, Van Wall.

“Then, the addition of Deere compact equipment and attachments a few years afterward really solidified our offering. It’s been an important part of our business ever since.”

In 1992, the Semples created a new division, Brandt Tractor Ltd., and became John Deere’s exclusive Construction & Forestry dealer in Saskatchewan. They expanded the business into Manitoba and southern Alberta in 1995 with the acquisition of three dealerships and again in 1999 when, with oil prices low and the industry downsizing, Shaun invested in the future, acquiring dealerships in Edmonton, Fort McMurray and Grand Prairie, Alberta. By 2001, a Ditch Witch branch had also been established in Milton, Ontario and in 2002, Brandt was able to acquire 13 additional locations in British Columbia. In 2013, five more dealerships were added in the Atlantic Canada region, bringing the total to 27.

With the recent addition of the Nortrax locations, privately owned Brandt now has 56 full-service dealerships and 100+ service points across Canada and is the largest John Deere Construction and Forestry Equipment Dealer in the world.

From Day One, the Semple family has focused on customer support as Brandt’s #1 priority. To help ensure the success of their customers, the company has expanded the breadth of its offering significantly over the years to include offerings from some of the top equipment suppliers in the world in roadbuilding (Wirtgen, Hamm, Vögele, Kleemann), underground excavation (American Augers, Trencor, Ditch Witch), forestry (Hitachi), truck rigging and specialized transportation (Camex – acquired

by Brandt in 2018), positioning technologies (Topcon, iVolve), machine monitoring (JDLink, FleetWise), utility and heavy haul trailers, and more.

The Semples recognized along the way that they could add additional value for their customers by leveraging their extensive manufacturing capabilities to design and produce built-for-purpose attachments for the equipment that they sell. The company launched their successful lineup of Work Ready utility trailers in 2017 while their Brandt Equipment Solutions division now markets a 3000+ unit catalogue of Deere-optimized custom material handling attachments such as buckets, blades, thumbs and couplers to companies across Canada and the U.S. and in select markets around the world.

“We’ve got a lot to offer Ontario landscapers and we’re fully-committed to this market,” concludes Semple. “Brandt is in this for the long haul, there’s no question!”

brandt.ca | 1-888-227-2638 13

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO Many businesses in the sector are multigenerational, and Trevor Lively from Blue Jay Irrigation in London, Ont., shared his personal story on what it was like growing up in the irrigation industry and how he is now managing a multi-generational business.

Jacki Hart, LO’s Peer to Peer Network manager, and owner of Consulting By Hart, made the trip from Ottawa to lead a great workshop on Recruiting and Retaining Rockstars, engaging many in attendance during an intense one-and-a-half-hour session.

Bruce Taylor from London, Ont.-based Enviro-Stewards, shared some interesting stories about water management from a local and global perspective, including work he has done in South Sudan to help find and eliminate waste.

The LO Irrigation Sector Group would like to recognize the following sponsors for their support: Rain Bird, and SiteOne Landscape Supply (lunch sponsors); Hunter Industries, and Turf Care Products Canada (refreshment sponsors); Vanden Bussche Irrigation (session sponsor); Bobcat of Toronto, Central Turf and Irrigation Supply, Hunter, Hydro-Rain, Rain Bird, SiteOne Landscape Supply, Toro, Total Equipment Sales, Turf Care Products Canada,

Vanden Bussche Irrigation, Water Smart Irrigation Professional (tabletop partners).

The LO Irrigation Sector Group is always looking for new members and input. If

you would like to join, please contact Keri MacIvor at keri@landscapeontario.com.

For more initiatives and sector-specific news, visit HortTrades.com/irrigation-group.

Lighting Conference 2020

A capacity crowd enjoyed a day of education and exhibits at the 2020 Lighting Conference, held Feb. 27 at

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Landscape Ontario’s home office and event facility in Milton, Ont. The day began with keynote speaker,

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO Paul R. Gosselin, Sr., founder and president of NightScenes Landscape Lighting Professionals — an outdoor lighting contractor in central Texas. The author of Landscape Lighting Guide and past-president of the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP), Gosselin discussed the important topic of product sales to the crowd of over 100 professionals.

The next morning session saw panelists: Ken Martin, Ken Martin Lighting Design; Carl Hastings, Moonstruck Lighting; and Frank DiMarco, DiMarco Landscape Lighting; speak on the importance of documenting landscape lighting projects.

After a great lunch and networking break, Ken Martin and Carl Hastings returned to the podium to discuss how to choose which elements within a landscape to illuminate. The duo displayed images of projects to illustrate their teachings.

James Solecki, founder and director of Island Villa Lighting, taught attendees everything they needed to know about downlighting, including design principles, fixture selection, installation techniques, maintenance requirements, costing and pricing.

The final session of the day, a costing and pricing panel discussion, was an audience favourite. Terry Childs, Nature’s Way Landscaping; Frank DiMarco, DiMarco Landscape Lighting; and Carl Hastings, Moonstruck Lighting; held an open and frank discussion on costing and pricing of landscape lighting and offered their own unique experiences and best practices.

Landscape Ontario would like to thank the following event partners: SiteOne Landscape Supply, Turf Care Products Canada, Illumicare Group, Alliance Outdoor Lighting, Hort Protect, Central Turf and Irrigation Supply, Aquasol Outdoor Lighting, Vanden Bussche Irrigation & Equipment, in-Lite, Martek Supply, Brilliance, FX Luminaire, and Unique Lighting Systems (A division of Toro).

The annual Lighting Conference is an initiative of the LO Landscape Lighting Sector Group. To learn more, visit HortTrades.com/lighting-group.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Grounds Management Lecture moves home Landscape Ontario’s newly renovated office and event facility was home to the Grounds Management Lecture, held on Feb. 20.

The event provided participants with valuable information on a range of important topics, including educational sessions led by green professionals, punctuated by networking opportunities during breaks and lunch.

One attendee stated, “Great all-around

day, from start to finish, as usual.”

The day began with Dr. Darby McGrath, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, presenting on the newly released Ontario Landscape Tree Planting Guide. McGrath explained more about how the document was developed, as well as the rationale behind its new, unique format.

Following McGrath, Bob Reeves from Root Rescue Environmental Products gave

a passionate presentation on soil health, looking at the ancient relationship between plants and their soil environment.

Rodger Tschanz, University of Guelph Trial Garden Manager, presented his annual report, highlighting results from Ontario’s 2019 trial garden season.

Roy Kuehn of Landsource Organix, led a discussion on how to choose mulch and soil amendments for different landscape environments.

Finally, Jon Peter ended the day with at talk titled, “Plants! Plants! Glorious Plants!”

Kristal MacMillan, Operations Manager at Christine’s Touch Gardening in Toronto, Ont., attended the event and commented, “I find the Landscape Lecture series to be a great event for networking as well as the diverse set of speakers lined up. From the latest in plant trials to learning about the importance of soil biology with regards to plant health to learning facts about mulch that I never knew.

I always walk away with new and valuable information.”

Landscape Ontario would like to thank event partners: WPE Landscape Equipment, Eloquip, and Bobcat of Toronto.

The annual event is produced by the Landscape Ontario Grounds Management Sector Group. For more information related to the sector, visit HortTrades.com/ grounds-management-group.

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Business owners in the landscape community have exclusive access to a great peer mentorship and learning program in Landscape Ontario’s Peer to Peer Network.

In addition to meeting online (LO members only), the group has access to several workshops across the province each year that are open to any business owner.

The annual two-day Muskoka Summit will be held Sept. 24-25 at the Marriott Residence Inn in Gravenhurst, Ont. Space is limited for this popular event that includes a number of guest speakers, including Mark Bradley, CEO of LMN, and Frank Bourque, Landscape and Hardscape Business Consultant.

Participants will learn about operation efficiency, exit strategies and succession planning, and network directly with panelists to formulate business strategies.

Optional activities include a steamship cruise and evening around the fire pit.

For full details and links to register for the event and accommodation, visit HortTrades.com/p2p.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Canada Blooms cancelled at eleventh hour Just hours before the 2020 edition of Canada Blooms was about to open it’s doors to the public, the decision was made to cancel the 10-day festival. The cancellation came based on the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer of Ontario in the midst of the COVID19 crisis.

Co-located with the National Home Show, the mood at the Enercare Centre in downtown Toronto was described by festival executive director Terry Caddo as “general disappointment.”

“The festival looked spectacular as a special effort was made to create a unique an immersive entryway and we had very unique gardens this year, specifically the largest garden in Canada Blooms history — a 7,000 square foot natural playground,” Caddo says.

The feature gardens were completely finished in time for judging of the annual Canada Blooms Feature Garden Awards (see full list of winners on page 8).

Caddo added, “We are working to help all builders with their costs and each builder will receive a promotional video of their garden on top of the general Canada Blooms video that is out. We will be exploring all avenues to ensure the 25th anniversary of Canada Blooms is back in 2021.”

Special COVID-19 Task Force created Landscape Ontario’s Provincial Board of Directors held its most recent board meeting online. The March 19 meeting allowed members to connect via Zoom web conferencing in the midst of the COVID19 pandemic. COVID-19 was one of the agenda items discussed, and a special Task Force was created to help filter and disperse relevant information to members and the profession. With great representation from all sectors, chapter and the executive, the Task Force also acts as a unified voice to government and is developing ways for members to connect online to share thoughts, ideas and resources.

The Task Force held its first meeting on March 20, and continues to meet online daily.

A COVID-19 Resource Hub was set up online at HortTrades.com/ covid-19-resources that will be updated daily with tips, resources, webinars and more.

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Seminars cancelled due to COVID-19 On March 16, Landscape Ontario announced the cancellation of the remainder of the 2019-2020 Professional Development Seminar Series due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Notice was sent to those registered and members of the profession stated, “Landscape Ontario is following the advice of the Ministry of Health and Public Health Ontario and has cancelled all scheduled seminars. Full credit and refunds will be offered.

With the safety of our community in mind, we are joining many others in a collective effort to reduce the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus. We are sorry for any inconvenience.”

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

NEW MEMBERS DURHAM

Rivett Farms Inc Janice Rivett 6148 Concession Rd 2 PO Box 1430 Everett, ON L0M 1J0 Tel: 705-333-0827 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Quality Property Care Inc Eno Kristo 482 Harwood Dr Oshawa, ON L1G 2V3 Tel: 647-282-5967 Membership Type: Introductory The Insurance Market Insurance Brokers Ltd Mark Jackson 1935 Silicone Dr Pickering, ON L1W 3V7 Tel: 905-686-0701 Membership Type: Associate

GEORGIAN LAKELANDS 1854020 Ont Inc O/A Jean Brassard Contracting Jean Brassard 1663 Fifth St Val Caron, ON P3N 1K5 Tel: 705-665-0952 Membership Type: Chapter Associate Dumont Excavating Inc Jeffrey Dumont 1610 Golf Link Rd Midland, ON L4R 5K2 Tel: 705-716-3934 Membership Type: Member

Timberwolf Contracting Rick Horwath 99 Country Rd Blind River, ON P0R 1B0 Tel: 705-849-7300 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Grow Green Property Maintenance Inc Josh Saikaley 20 Burnley Crt Ottawa, ON K2J 4L5 Tel: 613-293-7667 Membership Type: Member

Silverdale Excavating Inc Darryl Vanderzanden 2320 Maple St Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 Tel: 905-651-1037 Membership Type: Associate

J&K Hydroseeding & Mulching Tamara James PO Box 312 Braeside, ON K0A 1G0 Tel: 613-769-4749 Membership Type: Member

True Caliber Contracting Justin Vanandel 880 Robinson Rd Dunnville, ON N1A 2W1 Tel: 289-968-0201 Membership Type: Associate

TORONTO

Tim Herbert St. Catharines, ON Membership Type: Individual

WFD Construction Inc Martin Webster 2536 Fairgrounds Rd S Creemore, ON L0M 1G0 Tel: 705-446-4456 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

LONDON GreenWay Landscaping Mike Smalls 6461 Mandaumin Rd Bright’s Grove, ON N0N 1C0 Tel: 519-383-5410 Membership Type: Member

GOLDEN HORSESHOE

Flynn Landscape Design Inc Joseph Flynn 530 Scarlett Line Hillsdale, ON L0L 1V0 Tel: 705-835-3619 Membership Type: Member Hicks Construction Inc Terry Hicks 2085 Falconbridge Hwy Garson, ON P3L 1M2 Tel: 705-688-8585 Membership Type: Member

Sonier Excavating Jacques Sonier 2500 Lang Lake Espanola, ON P3E 1T5 Tel: 705-677-7421 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Kontek Ecology Systems Inc Ann Lazenby-Wilson 1-3250 Harvester Rd Burlington, ON L7N 3W9 Tel: 905-332-8366 Membership Type: Associate

Biltroc Inc Tyler Langford 70 Flamboro St Waterdown, ON L0R 2H0 Tel: 905-807-9844 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Rangar Concrete Forming Inc Randy Bouwheer 696 2nd Concession Rd NTR Tillsonburg, ON N4G 4G7 Tel: 519-983-7700 Membership Type: Associate

Element Heating & Gas Inc Brian Dale 81 Hill Crest Hamilton, ON L9G 3A2 Tel: 905-512-9996 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

OTTAWA GoMaterials Inc Shireen Salehi 21 Rue Boise du Parc, Pincourt, QC J7V 9B6 Tel: 514-799-5112 Membership Type: Associate

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Canadian Property Maintenance Chris Pereira 3100 Turbine Cres Mississauga, ON L5M 6W9 Tel: 647-999-8458 Membership Type: Professional Member Harrows Landscaping Corey Burrows 2440 Lloydtown Aurora Rd King City, ON L7B 1A3 Tel: 647-913-4329 Membership Type: Member Kelk’s Contracting Stephen Kelk 17 Greco Ave Keswick, ON L4P 0G9 Tel: 905-954-5253 Membership Type: Chapter Associate Nasto Construction Inc Robansen Nastoorees 76 Martin Trail Tottenham, ON L0G 1W0 Tel: 647-999-0823 Membership Type: Member North Beach Landscape & Design Ltd Adam Mastromartino 59 Helliwell Cres Richmond Hill, ON L4E 1C7 Tel: 647-887-1283 Membership Type: Member Royal Town Construction Ltd Stefano Sammarco 14-3650 Langstaff Rd, Suite 347 Woodbridge, ON L4L 9A8 Tel: 416-654-2690 Membership Type: Associate Windy Ridge Corporation Tim Brown PO Box 32 Tamworth, NH 03886 Tel: 603-323-2323 Membership Type: Associate Yardly Scott Berkovich 200-20 Camden St Toronto, ON M5V 1V1 Tel: 647-493-1881 Membership Type: Introductory

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WATERLOO Framar Landscape & Maintenance Contractors Ltd Frank Selles 459 South River Rd Elora, ON N0B 1S0 Tel: 905-939-2999 Membership Type: Professional Member

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

VOLUNTEER PROFILE

Klass Sikkema meets many new people through volunteering Landscape Ontario’s Congress trade show and conference continues to improve year after year. The challenge to constantly improve the event and offer new experiences to both exhibitors and visitors falls largely onto the shoulders of the LO Show Committee. This seasoned group of volunteers bring their expertise, passion and experience — ranging from veterans to those in the early stages of a career.

This issue, we sat down with Show Committee volunteer and Alumni member Klaas Sikkema, from Waterloo, Ont.

Why did you get involved with the LO Show Committee?

“Use your talents to the best of your ability to further the landscape profession, and don’t be shy. Give your opinion because it matters.”

— Klaas Sikkema

About 26 years ago, I was involved with LO’s Waterloo Chapter and because of that, Bob Adams asked me to be a part of the Congress Committee. I liked the fact that Congress not only focuses on the practical aspect, but the educational aspects as well, and it was fun to work with.

How did you get involved in this profession?

I am not a landscaper. Our member company served the landscaping industry by building aluminum dump bodies, truck bodies and trailers. We would attend landscape shows to display our product and our main source of income came from landscapers.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

I really enjoy the atmosphere of everyone wanting to step in and help out.

What advice do you have for people who may want to volunteer?

Use your talents to the best of your ability to further the landscape profession, and don’t be shy. Give your opinion because it matters.

What do you get out of volunteering?

I get a lot of personal satisfaction out of volunteering. The committee members and staff truly give me the feeling of being appreciated. Volunteering also gives me the opportunity to meet many new and interesting people.

What are your thoughts on the Congress 10 years from now?

In 10 years, I would like to see Congress expand into the North Building located at the site. It would also be great to see more hands-on, interactive exhibits, especially to show off the skills of our profession to attract the younger generation.

What is your favourite part of Congress?

I worked on the New Product Showcase for many years, because like most people who visit the show, I enjoy seeing what is new.

I also enjoy working at the main entrance to the show, where I can meet all sorts of people and help them with any problems or questions.

What is your favourite book and why?

The Bible. It has everything I need to know in it.

For more information about Congress, visit LOcongress.com.

LO members interested in participating on the Show Committee can contact Heather MacRae, Show Manager, at hmacrae@landscapeontario.com.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

SCHOLARSHIP PROFILE

Plants will always be a part of life for Tom Temming

Growing up on a dairy farm in Stratford, Ont., Tom Temming has always had an appreciation for the natural world.

“All my life I have been around livestock and growing plants and watching the life cycle of the seasons,” Temming explained.

“My parents plant garden beds and I always enjoyed helping out weeding and cleaning things up.”

As he got older, Temming followed his brother and sister along to work at Klomps Garden Centre just outside of Stratford in St. Paul Centre, where he fell in love with the plants and excelled at customer service.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO “It was my first job, and the more I got into it, the more I realized how much I was enjoying it,” Temming said. “I was excited to go to work, which I know wasn’t always the case of some of my friends with their part time jobs. I would be watching the clock at school, excited to go to work.”

In his grade 12 year, Temming landed a co-op placement with Landscape Ontario member Touch of Dutch Landscaping in Stratford. Once again, Temming thrived, and he was offered a summer job after the semester was completed.

“It was an awesome experience,” Temming said, of his time working in maintenance and installations. “I enjoyed learning a whole new skill set, working with new equipment and tools, and getting to make an impact on the customer’s landscapes.”

Next, Temming put his sights toward the horticulture technician program at Niagara College. To help him on his path, Temming was awarded an Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation Scholarship.

“The scholarship meant a lot to me,” Temming said. “It was incredible to think that there are people out there who donate money and their time to help me pursue my dream. It really made me feel valued and believed in. I can’t thank the Foundation enough for their support.”

Temming is currently in his second semester of the two-year program. His favourite course so far has been plant identification, because it’s a skill “you can always improve and you can take it with you everywhere in horticulture.”

Going forward, Temming is interested in learning more about native plants, as well as food production.

“I was fortunate to live on a farm where we grew food from seed to plant to table, and I believe eating healthy, fresh food is very important.”

For more information on landscape and horticulture scholarships, visit the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation website at OHTF.ca.

Learn more about the exciting career opportunities in the landscape and horticulture profession.

Visit HortTrades.com/careers 21

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An industry task force is working closely with growers and government agencies to minimize the spread of box tree moth.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) informed the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) on March 4, 2020 that United States Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) has issued a federal order for exports of Buxus, Euonymus, and Ilex from Canada to the U.S. This relates to box tree moth.

The official order is on the USDA-APHIS website (or via the shortlink gfl.me/h7mH) and is effective immediately. The order regulates all of Canada.

Shipments imported from Canada must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration (AD) certifying that the plants in the shipment fulfil the following requirements prior to importation into the United States and territories:

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO 1. The plants have been produced in a facility or area officially recognized by CFIA as free of box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis); OR 2. The shipment has been officially inspected and found to be free of box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis).

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The CFIA should be able to respond to this quickly, but in the meantime, if this order impacts shipments to the U.S. If you have any questions, please contact Jamie Aalbers, CNLA Growers Manager at 647-724-8630 or jamie@canadanursery.com

WSPS offers free tools to help implement pandemic policies Given the recent global spread of coronavirus, many employers are scrambling to implement policies and procedures to keep workers safe. Under Occupational Health and Safety Act laws, employers have a general duty to protect workers from known hazards, which may include pandemic flu and other infectious illnesses.

One way to meet this obligation is to establish a company policy for handling outbreaks. Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) has provided a free tool, titled, Model Policy on Pandemic Flu & Other Infections Illnesses, businesses can adapt based on government templates and best practices.

The other purpose of the tool is to ensure a company maintains essential operations and can continue to provide essential services to customers.

WSPS also offers a Business Pandemic Preparedness Checklist that helps business owners and health and safety staff implement policies, and take a proactive approach to planning before a pandemic occurs.

For more tools, resources and training on this and other safetyrelated issues, visit WSPS.ca.

Links to both resources can be found via the online version of this article at gfl.me/h7ne.

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Landscape Horticulture Certification Program launched The Canadian Nursery and Landscape Association (CNLA) recently launched a revamped nursery and landscape certification program for all of Canada. The new Landscape Horticulture Certification Program is guaranteed to deliver technical certifications to ensure Red Seal occupational standards for landscape horticulture are upheld nation-wide.

The new program is also fully Canadian-owned, and streamlined to be more convenient and accessible.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO associations to seamlessly introduce the new program across the country. Individuals who were certified under previous programs will be awarded equivalent designations. Appropriate documentation and proof of certification will also be issued under the new program.

A live pilot of a web-based testing platform is currently underway and will inform guidelines for the resumption of hands-on practical testing for the technician exams later this spring.

Under the new program, written tests will be delivered for the landscape manager, technician and designer designations through Valid-8, a world-class, web-based software that allows candidates to submit evidence to prove their competencies.

Candidates who wish to find out more about written exams may contact the professional development team at CNLA via certification@cnla-acpp.ca or 905-875-1399.

Paul Gellatly new hort director at Toronto Botanical Garden A passionate life-long horticulturist, Paul Gellatly joined the Toronto Botanical Garden as the new Director of Horticulture on March 9, 2020. Most recently, Paul was the Curatorial Gardener for one of Canada’s largest tropical plant collections at the Toronto Zoo. He also worked on the zoo’s pollinator meadows and revitalization plan to control invasive plants in the core woods while proactively reintroducing native, ephemeral, and understory trees. Many online garden lovers may know Paul through his strong online presence as the “Tattooed Gardener,” with social media posts reaching 4.7 million people per month. He is an avid collector of rare and unusual plants in addition to being an experienced hybridizer of daylilies, with 18 registrations with the American Hemerocallis Society.

Paul was previously a gardener at the City of Toronto, which provided him with a great deal of exposure to the plant species that thrive in our geographical area and allowed him to develop his knowledge and skills. Paul spent six years at Plant World in its perennial department where he was exposed to a vast selection of perennials as well as native plants. He was also an estate gardener for a Trillium Award-winning garden in Carlisle, Ont., which was an acre of forested property filled with natives and unique plants.

Paul’s home garden, which contains an eclectic mixture of plants, is featured in Tara Nolan’s new book, Gardening Your Front Yard: Projects and Ideas for Big and Small Spaces.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

CANADIAN SOLDIERS LIVE FOREVER Join us in planting 2 million trees along the 401 Highway of Heroes, a tribute to the men and women who fought for Canada in our wars, and a living memorial to the 117,000 who died for freedom.

You can participate in honouring our military, protecting the environment and beautifying North America’s most travelled highway. Visit hohtribute.ca or call 905-875-0021 to get involved.

Illustration by Rick Jacobson

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

PUBLIC RELATIONS

A new chapter

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at many other regional home and garden shows.

As an added promotional tool a few years ago, the talented team in our publishing department developed Garden Inspiration, an annual consumer magazine that highlights new plant varieties and features winning projects in the LO Awards of Excellence program. Garden Inspiration has become an incredibly popular publication. I will be excited to watch how the association embraces the power of social media and modern technology to enhance the concept of developing our members professional competency aligned with promoting that professionalism to the public.

I have been fortunate to work alongside an enormously talented staff that works diligently at developing courses, conferences, trade shows, events, chapters and member engagement programs to the point where LO has become a highly- respected organization not only in North America, but in many countries around the world.

Over the years, I have also had the incredible opportunity to meet and work with many famous people and celebrities, but in my mind, the true stars have always been our members, They create and care for beautiful spaces, but also care for their local communities, colleagues and competitors. I feel privileged that I was able to work with so many of you. As we embrace 2020 and witness the start of a new decade, it’s encouraging to see so many young members taking over the reins and proving they have the ability to meet the challenges ahead. Many opportunities are unfolding in a new chapter at LO, and for me, it’s time to turn the page and start a new chapter as well.

All the best!

n April, I will be retiring from my position at Landscape Ontario. I look forward to spending more time with my family and exploring some exciting, new opportunities.

Writing this final article for Landscape Ontario magazine gave me an opportunity to reflect on the last two decades of my career. Twenty years ago I changed careers and moved from a wonderful job managing the landscape design division at Weall and Cullen garden centres to a new venture in life, hosting the Indoor Gardener on HGTV. Around the same time I happened to be volunteering at an LO certification event. At the event, LO Executive Director, Tony DiGiovanni, in his usual and unassuming way, tapped me on the shoulder and asked what I was planning to do with the rest of my time since I was only recording in studio two days a week. This led to the discussion that LO was starting a three-month youth training program and was in need of a coordinator. That was the beginning of an immensely rewarding time in my life.

I continued hosting TV shows, including One Garden Two Looks for four seasons. Through the show, we were able to feature many LO members and display the LO logo prominently in the credits.

As they say, all good things come to an end and when HGTV decided to re-brand, they cancelled all their gardening shows. This gave Tony the opportunity to tap me on my other shoulder once again and suggest that we create a public relations department for the association. In the early days, this involved promoting the work of our members in newspapers, magazines TV and radio, as well as educating the general public on the value of hiring a professional member. This message, was of course, captured best at Canada Blooms and

Denis Flanagan CLD Retired

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

MEMBERSHIP

Weathering the storm

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They need to have your trust and support to make decisions on-site, rather than having to ask upper management staff for each decision. Giving your staff autonomy will better engage them with your company and make them feel like they are all working toward the same end-goal.

n this unprecedented climate that we are currently experiencing, we look to our leaders for direction and reassurance. Having strong leaders is more important than ever.

Landscape Ontario member Michael Van Dongen recently loaned me the book Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win. I admit, I underestimated the correlation between the Navy Seals and business.

Business owners know the pressures on them. The best leaders are those who accept the responsibilities of all aspects of the business, but also those that create the best teams to work with them to achieve a common goal. In challenging times like these, we need leaders who unify a team and give clear direction. As your team prepares for its 2020 mission, here are some lessons from the Navy Seals that can be applied to your business: Cover and move In Seals lingo, this means that before you move, you have to ensure someone else is providing cover for the person/team that is ready to move. It means everyone must be able to work as a team, with direct and clear communication. Every person must be fully-aware of the actions about to be taken (the plan). In your business, each employee must know their direct role in your company’s success in accomplishing the mission at hand.

De-centralize command Don’t let your team get stuck in a top-down command model. As the business owner, you are in command, but sometimes, those ‘in the field’ need the autonomy to make their own decisions.

This is where having clear communication with your crew leaders and management is essential.

Have a plan

If 2020 has taught us anything so far, it is the reminder that things rarely go according to plan.

It is important to have a Plan B, and maybe even a Plan C and D. Ensure all staff are aware of the contingency plans, so that if things go awry, no one is left wondering what happens next. This relates to the aforementioned strategy of decentralizing command and ‘leading downwards and upwards.’

When a plan is made by management, it is the crew leader, lead hand and other team members that enact the plan in the field. They will be the first to know if the plan cannot work or needs adjusting.

Allow your team members to discuss with senior management and owners how to revise plans to achieve the greatest results.

By having strong company policies and procedures that your staff have been trained on, you are preparing them for success this season.

Staff who are engaged and feel invested in achieving the common goals of the company will be more loyal and give you their best effort. In these ever-changing times, your teams are looking for leaders who make decisions and communicate these decisions so they can take action as we weather this storm.

Wishing you all the best this season.

Myscha Stafford LO Membership and Chapter Coordinator myscha@landscapeontario.com

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Fencing

UNDERGROUND WORLD

2019 was a turnaround year for utility hits

A

midst all the bad news these days (coronavirus, plunging oil prices, declining world stock market values, school closures, and more), there is one very positive Ontario statistic that we should highlight for the green profession. Statistics show the total number of underground utility hits in the province of Ontario were down from 5,371 in 2018 to 4,934 in 2019.

This fantastic reduction of 8.2 per cent is the largest reduction in almost a decade.

This is great news because it shows to the damage prevention industry that excavators are paying attention to the law, and are calling for locates — keeping the social and economic costs of damages to a minimum.

Remember, we all pay for these costs in our monthly utility bills. Last year alone these hidden costs were more than $660 million across Canada. This is a staggering number and every citizen and business must help to reduce these unnecessary costs. One way to do this is to join the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA), whose main goal is the reduction of underground utility hits in the province of Ontario.

Small contractors can join for an annual membership fee of $125. Call the ORCGA for details at 1-866-446-4493 for information.

Provincial sector reviews

These numbers are extremely positive; a reduction of 8.2 per cent is outstanding.

These provincial totals reverse an increasing trend over the last five years. The ORCGA strives for a reduction each year, and it appears these efforts are paying off. Trade shows and events, such as the National Home Show/Canada Blooms, Landscape Ontario Congress, community Dig Safe events, and other promotional events all contribute to spreading awareness and reduce damages.

Landscaping

While the results are good, we will continue to push contractors to Call for Locates and to Dig Safe. With 8,000 horticultural firms in the Ontario market, about one-third are members of Landscape Ontario. It would be very interesting to see if the number of hits varied between member companies and non-members, but such detailed data is not available. I would like to think that the number of hits by professional members would be drastically lower. Through its extensive reach and regional chapter network, Landscape Ontario will continue to promote and advertise the call-before-youdig message to its members.

Underground hit numbers CATEGORY 2017 2018 2019 PER CENT CHANGE LANDSCAPING 344 341 345 +1.1% FENCING 437 483 376 -25.5% IRRIGATION 12 8 7 -12.5% WATERWAYS 2 1 5 +400% AGRICULTURE 4 1 4 +300% PROVINCE

5,367 5,371 4,934

-8.2%

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Hits by the fencing industry have been increasing for each of the last four years. In 2019, it had the largest percentage reduction in utility hits of any green industry sector in the last decade. The fencing sector called ON1CALL for 53,747 locate requests in 2019.

This resulted in 196,720 notifications sent out by ON1CALL (a notification is a request to a utility to provide locates to a specific property). This is a great effort by fencing contractors who are obviously digging more safely on their projects. Hopefully they can continue this positive trend.

Irrigation

Since excavations are generally only six- to nine-inches deep, contractors have a minimal number of underground utility hits. Most gas lines are installed 18-in. deep. This sector can also take advantage of Alternate Locate Agreements (ALA) with utilities, which can greatly assist their projects.

Waterways and Agriculture These are small sectors which really don’t affect the provincial totals.

Homeowners/public

At this time, the number of hits by the public sector is not available. Generally, this group accounts for roughly the same number of utility hits as the Green Industry Sector (about 15 per cent of the total hits in the province).

I hope to have details next month.

Provincial Red Seal Horticultural Apprenticeship curriculum The curriculum for the Workplace Safety course in the Horticultural Technician Apprenticeship Program (HTAP) mandates that instructors cover damage prevention and calling for locates before digging. At Mohawk College, the Technical Standards and Safety Association (TSSA) recently gave a three-hour presentation to 25 students.

These students now understand the law and the dangers of digging without locates. More endeavours like this will all contribute to a reduction of utility hits across the province.

Conclusion

The 2019 underground utility stats are encouraging. Congratulations to all excavators on continuing to reduce the number of underground utility hits in Ontario.

Terry Murphy CLM

tvmurphy@ca.inter.net

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Fear and forward thinking

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y the time this column reaches you, it’s my hope that the COVID19 virus, and all of the related impacts on your business, your team, our communities and the corporate events around us are but a fading memory. I most certainly hope there’s toilet paper back on the retail shelves! As I write this on March 13, 2020, Canada Blooms and the Toronto Home Show are now cancelled — just as the finishing touches were being added by dedicated, passionate teams to all of the many displays and feature gardens. Sigh.

Things have become crazy in a matter of just five days. Disneyland and Disney World are closed on the cusp of North American spring break holidays. All professional sports in North America (NBA, NHL, etc.) are postponed or cancelled. The Juno Awards and most concerts were cancelled.

Ontario shut down all public schools until April 5. Public buildings, including libraries and community centres closed. Parliament announced closure until April 20. Our Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, voluntarily quarantined himself in his home after his wife tested positive for COVID-19. Canadians were asked to avoid all non-essential travel, including March Break travellers.

Lots of disappointed families were left scrambling for something else to do. I cancelled my holiday to B.C. for late March… disappointed along with thousands of others who cancelled plans for travel.

At the same time, Landscape Ontario members focused on positive things. Those involved as garden builders at Canada Blooms were looking for ways to turn the situation into an opportunity. As of today, there were meetings being held trying to create private tours for premium clients of the garden builders. Drones and photographers were being arranged to create a virtual showcase of the festival. At the same time, LO members were reaching out for information on what protocols and

policies to put in place for the protection and peace-of-mind of staff throughout this period of recommended social distancing, which is pretty hard to do with three people in a truck, or in a busy office or store.

What impressed me the most on the LO Peer to Peer Network Facebook page is how quickly our members connected with each other to share resources and ideas on how to navigate this uncharted territory together. This instant sharing of fears, ideas and resources is the founding sentiment Tim Kearney and I had when we created the peer network six years ago: You are not alone!

(To participate in the group, email signup. peer2peer@landscapeontario.com).

LO’s peer network has held four fullday interactive workshops this year (three of which were sold out), and the glue that continues to bind this wonderful group of collaborative, community-for-mutualimprovement-minded professionals throughout the year is our private Facebook page. Questions asked there include managing people and attitudes, contracts, charge-out rates, overhead recovery, risk, pricing, marketing, social media, fleets, customer issues, and so much more. It’s a place to find relevant advice from others.

Our next event, the annual two-day summit in Muskoka, is scheduled for Sept.

24-25. It will include two great speakers: Mark Bradley and Frank Bourque, among others. Tickets are already selling and seating is limited. In the meantime, connect with your peers throughout the busiest time of the season to solve challenges and share resources. If you’re not already part of our online Facebook discussions, join now. It’s an LO member benefit — and it’s free to business owners and their managers.

Jacki Hart CLM Prosperity Partners Program Manager info.peertopeer@landscapeontario.com

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Check out the latest episode of the LO podcast with feature garden builder, Adam Bienenstock of Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds.

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