Landscape Ontario - February 2020

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

February 2020

RISING RATES THREATEN PUBLIC SAFETY AND CONTRACTOR LIVELIHOOD

CONGRESS COVERAGE 1

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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

Proudly supported by

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

February, 2020 • Volume 38 - No. 02 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.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Features 4 8 10 12

Congress Recap Membership Changes Box Tree Moth Snow Liability

Departments 15 20 21 22 23 24 26 31

Association News New Members Events Volunteer Profile Scholarship Profile Professional News Columns Classifieds/Advertisers

Image on page 12 provided by: Freepik.com 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 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

Lack of balance makes extreme things happen

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the pendulum shifts because an extreme event has happened. Come Monday morning, the pendulum swings once again, as they return to the grind at school to get caught-up. To do that, they may miss a couple of training nights, so they can go on to ace the test. The pendulum has now hit the other extreme. It’s hard work, but the best things only happen at the extremes.

In my world, I miss quite a few days of work attending the tournaments and doing association work, but come Monday, I have to push the pendulum in the opposite direction. I work longer hours to get caught up. I might work very late a few nights to get a bunch of designs done, or a few tenders filled out, and in doing so, I miss dinner and evenings with my family.

Sometimes, I may only see them for 15 minutes before school in the morning.

But if we are successful in securing those tenders, and I sell the projects to build those designs, then ultimately, we win.

Come Friday night, we can all go out to a restaurant for dinner as a family to celebrate the wins of that week. And the pattern of the swinging pendulum goes on, never stopping. I don’t believe in balance, and I strive to get out to the extremes, so that I can have something to show for all my hard work or hard play.

So with that, I challenge you to live in the extremes of both life and work, to make something really exceptional happen as landscape professionals.

wrote this month’s message while sitting in a hotel room in Chicago, Ill., where I spent four days with my kids for their first major martial arts tournament of the year. We take them to seven or eight tournaments across North America each year, and friends often ask how we are able to fit them into our schedule. The answer is, I don’t believe in work/life balance. Yeah, you read that right.

I read quite a bit and a concept from a very good book, The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results, by Gary Keller and Jay Pappason, really stuck with me. Life is not a balancing act between work, life, association, sports, and the other million things we have going on. Balance is basically being at rest. Newton's first law of motion states that an object at rest will remain at rest, unless a force acts upon it.

So here’s my point: nothing happens in a state of balance! If we find balance in life, it will be very dull and nothing will happen.

We will go to work, then go home, only to repeat it again the next day.

Life is more like a pendulum.

Exceptional stuff really happens at the extremes. For example, my kids both spend a lot of time at the kung fu club, training for their sport. They push hard, and when they do, they don’t get to see their friends. They may miss a bit of school and they may fall a little behind. But when they go to a tournament and win top awards,

Dave Wright LO President davew@wrightlandscape.ca

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CONGRESS KICKS-OFF

A NEW DECADE

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embers of the landscape and horticulture profession gathered at the Toronto Congress Centre, Jan. 7-9, 2020 to kick off a new year and a new decade at Congress 2020 – Canada’s Green Industry Show and Conference.

Produced by Landscape Ontario, the 47th edition of Congress featured over 600 exhibitors, dozens of seminars, fun, after hours events, plus a full-day of education the day before the trade show. Add in new products, the association’s awards night and its annual general meeting, and Congress truly is a homecoming for the profession.

Landscape Ontario Show Manager, Heather MacRae says many positive changes were made for this year’s event. MacRae says the association’s 2019 theme of renewal actually carried through to Congress 2020, even though it was not specifically planned out that way. “This was the first Congress of a new decade and volunteers on the Landscape Ontario Show Committee have been working closely with staff to bring new ideas and new experiences to Congress even more so over the last couple of years. The result was really noticeable this year, with a refreshed and renewed show.”

MacRae says one the biggest changes this year was a number of show features added to Hall F. These included

axe-throwing, the Patio Lounge, an Ale Trail station, the Landscape Ontario job board, free WiFi and a phone charging station.

“We really should have called it Hall Fun,” MacRae says. The new features were added to complement the existing Hardscape LIVE stage and Canada Blooms Campus student gardens already in that area of the show.

STUDENT GARDENS

LO’s Show Committee, staff and exhibitors began setup of the massive exposition the Friday before, on Jan. 3. They were joined by dozens of landscaping and horticulture students from four Ontario post-secondary institutions. Durham College, Fanshawe College, Humber College and Niagara Parks School of Horticulture all built feature gardens at the show. Showcasing the skill and talent of future members of the profession, the student gardens make up the Canada Blooms Campus.

Building the feature gardens gives students some great hands-on experience, part of which is a firm completion deadline imposed by LO Show Committee member and student garden coordinator, Brian Cocks.

Leonardo Guilherme, a second-year student at Humber College, said he “learned a lot about team cooperation,” in putting

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together the garden. “I think it’s amazing how we put this together in only two days and I think we had a really ambitious design.”

Guilderme says some of the conceptual parts of the design had to be worked out on site — just like in the real world.

Over 600 exhibitors are accessible under one roof at Congress, offering everything from robotic mowers to nursery stock to engineered soil to natural stone. Jim Philip, operations manager at Wentworth Landscapes in Picton, Ont., was able to purchase some new tools and save some money. “We bought two zip levels. We started using them about four years ago and our crews love them. I only get to see the owner at Congress and he had a good show deal. We saved $200 per zip level,” Philip said. “There’s always a certain group of suppliers we only ever get to see here, so we try to meet them to talk about how things are going, and we are here checking out the latest, greatest and cutting edge stuff.”

SURVEY RESULTS

Philip is not alone in his desire to see the latest and greatest at Congress. Year after year, attendee surveys, like the one conducted after this year’s show, indicate that Congress is the place to see what’s new.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO Over 500 attendees took time to respond to a post-show survey — a tool that is used each year to collect valuable feedback that is then used by the Show Committee to make changes improvements to the event.

Of those who responded, just over half said they typically have two to four people from their company attend the show. Half of those who attend are making purchasing decisions for their company.

Individual comments included:

“I love Congress as it is a massively important way to meet and ask questions of other professionals in my industry, to see what is coming up with new technology, to educate on a few topics during the Green LIVE discussions and to collect my nursery catalogues for the year!

I would love to try to get my company more involved in future years.”

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“We got a lot of helpful information about products and companies.”

“Inclusion of talks that relate the landscape trade to climate change, biodiversity loss and ecosystem restoration was very important.”

“A lot of excellent and diversified vendors from all parts of the landscape industry, really enjoyed the show!”

“It is a great learning and networking opportunity. The speakers are always willing to share their knowledge and the trade show floor is set up that you have to see the whole place meaning you may find gems you wouldn’t have thought you needed.”

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FOUR DAYS OF LEARNING

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Education and learning are also a major component to the Congress experience.

On Warm-Up Monday, Jan. 6, attendees of the 55th annual IPM Symposium earned six Continuing Education Credits (CECs) from the IPM Council of Canada while getting updated on the latest research, practices and products for turf care professionals. At the event, the IPM Person of the Year Award was presented to Ken Pavely of Dol Turf Restoration.

Landscape Ontario’s Turfgrass Sector Group is instrumental in finding relevant speakers, experts and presenters for the event.

Landscape Designers met for a full-day conference on Jan. 6 as well. An initiative of 1. Students garden builders gather for a break during show setup.

2. The New Product Showcase offered a wide range of interesting equipment and supplies.

3. Police officers answered questions at Drive LIVE. 4. Ken Pavely (right) accepts the IPM Award from Dr. Michael Brownbridge.

5. Exhibitor displays and products caused some excitement on the show floor.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Many exhibitors offered show specials to visitors.

the LO Designer Sector Group, presented with recognition of the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA), sessions attended qualified attendees for OALA Continuing Education Credits.

Jan. 6 education events also included the annual Landscape Ontario Peer to Peer Network workshop. Facilitated by program manager, Jacki Hart, the engaging and interactive leadership improvement event had participants roll up their sleeves to work on stepping up their leadership game.

Business owners and managers who attend also help to choose learning priorities for five other workshops held across the province throughout the year.

Once the trade show opened Jan. 7, the Congress Conference program ran concurrently, with daily keynote speakers, the

Congress ‘After Dark’ had lots of games, music, and fun.

popular Lunch and Learn series, Owner Only Workshops and the full spectrum of expert speakers, panels and workshops. Topics ranged from social media strategies to hiring great people to stormwater management and working with difficult clients.

employees in the Patio Lounge area.

Show organizers would like to recognize members of the LO Hardscape Committee, LO Growers Sector Group and ISA Ontario for their work organizing and running the LIVE education series.

LIVE EDUCATION SERIES

AFTER HOURS EVENTS

For those attending the trade show, Congress continued to provide a number of learning opportunities right on the show floor. Held twice daily, Hardscape LIVE, Green LIVE and Drive LIVE focused on educating landscape pros about the latest best practices, products, technology and regulations in their respective areas. In addition, the new Recruit LIVE offered a place for companies to meet with potential

After the trade show closed, LO members took to the stage on Tuesday evening at the LO Awards of Excellence ceremony. About 700 people attended this year’s evening ceremony that provided an entertaining evening celebration of the best landscape projects across the province. For more details on the event, see page 17.

Before the trade show opened on Jan. 8, LO members gathered in the early morning

BEST BOOTH AWARDS Each year, the exhibitors lining the aisles at Congress are evaluated and scored on a number of criteria by volunteer judges for the best booth awards. Broken down by booth size, the awards are then presented by LO’s Show Committee at the event. Congratulations to this year’s winners:

Best Booth 100 sq. ft.

Limestone Trail Best Booth 100-400 sq. ft.

The Wood Shed Best Booth 400-800 sq. ft.

Connon Nurseries NVK Holdings Paul J. Day Award for Best of Show In-Lite Design Best Booth over 800 sq. ft. and Best Promotion Award Connon Nurseries CBV Holdings

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO hours for the association’s annual general meeting. This year’s AGM was well-attended and included a changing of the guard, as LO president Warren Patterson passed the gavel to Dave Wright. The meeting also saw the introduction of a number of changes to the association’s membership categories. For details on the new membership categories, see page 8. For full coverage of the AGM, see page 15.

Jan. 8 also saw the introduction of Congress ‘After Dark’ — a new twist on the post-show Wednesday evening fun. Held in the ballroom of the Delta Hotels Toronto Airport, the 600+ people at Congress ‘After Dark’ could simply sit back and relax in a house-party-like atmosphere, or play a variety of games that included pool, air hockey, and larger-than-life Jenga and Connect Four. A DJ and dance floor, food and televised Toronto Maple Leaf game had the crowed cheering and excited well-beyond the 12 a.m. end time.

“The other major change with the Wednesday evening event was that it didn’t’ start until eight o’clock,” MacRae explains.

“It used to start as soon as the trade show ended at five, and for exhibitors that made for a really long day. Plus, many of them have staff or clients that are all gathered here for the show, and with the later start, they now have a time to do their own thing on their own time.”

CONGRESS 2021

The LO Show Committee and staff are already planning for next year. The 48th edition of Congress will take place at the Toronto Congress Centre, Jan. 12-14, 2021. Full details will be available via the LOcongress.com website by Sept. 1.

Klaas Sikkema and Paul DeGroot from LO’s Show Committee.

SHOW COMMITTEE

CONGRESS 2020 VOLUNTEERS

Landscape Ontario’s Show Committee meets regularly throughout the year and has a very hands-on role during the move-in, move-out and show days.

Thank you to the following volunteers for their dedication, expertise, and support.

Thank you to the following volunteers who helped with various elements of the show:

Terry Childs, Chair Nathan Helder, Past Chair Brian Cocks CHT Paul DeGroot Barry Dickson Lindsay Drake Nightingale Beth Edney CLD Shawn Giovanetti Michael LaPorte CHT Chris Muller Rebecca Parker Warren Patterson Klaas Sikkema Jason Vettese

Jon Agg Irene Bultena Margot Byers Connie Cadotte Justin Correia Cassandra Cotter Kim Cotter Marina Dimitriadis Brandon Gelderman Carl Hastings Haley Johnston Luke Koudys Ron Koudys CLD Skai Leja Mark Mastantuono Teresa Matamoros

Fran Moore Chaz Morenz Nick Morgante Pam Nichols Greg Redshaw Haig Seferian CLD Ron Sikkema Laurie-Ann Stuart Audriana VanderWerf Bruce Warren Eilleen Warren Andrea Weddum Welwyn Wong Alex Zalewski Bin Zhou

CONGRESS 2020 SPONSORS Congress organizers would like to recognize the following sponsors of this year’s event: Allturf Aquascape Banas Stones Beaver Valley Stone Bobcat Company Brett Young Seeds Canadian Fence Industry Association Connon Nurseries Duke Distribution - A Div of GC Duke Equipment DynaSCAPE Software Fusion Landscape Professional Program

G&L Group Gelderman Landscape Services Greenville Planters Hindsite Software International Society of Arboriculture Ontario Chapter (ISAO) JB & D Company Killaloe Wood Products LMN Landscape Trades magazine Lawn Life Natural Turf Products M.K. Rittenhouse & Sons

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NVK Holdings Niagara Parks Alumni Association Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation Plant Products Polaris Leasing STONEarch - Natural Stone Wholesale Select Stone Supply Spring Meadow Nursery Target Specialty Products Tillson Brands Unilock

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Landscape Ontario

Membership MAKES CHANGES TO

Categories

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andscape Ontario’s Provincial Board of Directors recently voted to approve changes to the association’s existing membership categories. Those changes were then voted on, and passed, at the Landscape Ontario annual general meeting on Jan. 8, 2020 as required to amend the association’s by-laws.

The changes come as a result of an intensive, year-long review conducted by members of the LO Membership Services Committee, consisting of: Lindsey Ross, Kelly Keates, Chris Muller, Jamie Riddell, Blake Tubby, and Brent Vanderkruk.

With a daunting task at hand, the committee was able to rise to the occasion.

After much debate, a multitude of ideas, plus careful planning and consideration, the committee was able to establish new categories that better suit the needs of current and future members of the association.

The LO board agreed with the committee’s proposal, which is also tasked by the association’s strategic plan to grow membership to 80 per cent of the landscape and horticultural industry in 25 years. The new categories will make membership more accessible for new businesses looking to gain professional credibility and education, and enhance recognition for seasoned and engaged members.

The changes are expected to roll out over the next few months. Nothing will change for current members of the association and they do not need to take any action regarding their existing membership status or category. Here is a summary of the changes:

Introductory Member

Not to be confused with the existing Interim member category, the brand new Development/Introductory member category is perhaps one of the biggest changes moving forward. This category provides an opportunity for a horticultural business that has never been a member to try out being a member for one full year to learn about the many opportunities, resources and benefits that come through membership in the association.

Once an Introductory Member, the company may choose to upgrade to the most appropriate member category at any time within the year.

The Introductory Member is designed to be a great member recruitment tool for the association, as well as a way to further connect suppliers and contractors with those allied to the industry. For example, an Associate member (supplier to the industry) can offer to pay for, or invite a customer or supplier to join this category to qualify for special member only promos or benefits.

Individual Member

The existing Horticultural membership category will be renamed, Individual Member to more accurately reflect who this category is designed for. Individual Member applies to a person/individual engaged in work allied to the horticultural industry.

For example, a person employed by a golf course, municipality or parks and recreation department would be suited to this category if the employer is not a member company.

A consultant or industry member who has retired can also benefit from this membership.

The other main change for this category is that all employees of member companies now also gain Individual Member status.

The goal is to engage employees in the association and make them more aware of the many benefits and opportunities available to them via their company membership.

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Member

Under the previous categories, a company in business for less than three years was required to become an Interim member until reaching the three-year requirement required to become an Active member.

Both the Interim and Active categories will be merged into a new category called Member.

This category is for any horticultural business that is actively engaged in the industry and exhibits high integrity in business practices as demonstrated through the accreditation process.

The change also eliminates the barrier previously in place for new businesses.

Professional Member

In addition to the Member category, three new categories for horticultural businesses will be introduced with various levels of criteria required for each category. The first of these, the Professional Member category, is for a horticultural business that has been actively engaged in the industry for at least two years and meets all of the criteria for the Member category, as well as demonstrating a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Certified Professional Member

A horticultural business that has been a member of Landscape Ontario for five consecutive years and can demonstrate proof of valid professional certification or equivalent and continuing education, will qualify for this top-level category.

The category places added emphasis on certification, post-secondary education and continued professional development that builds professionalism through membership.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Sole Proprietor Status

A sole proprietor business owner with no more than 1.5 full time employees that meets the accreditation criteria now has a place in the LO membership. Sole proprietors have unique business needs and this membership category is designed to create more networking opportunities and help owners to raise the level of professionalism of their business.

This new category addresses the needs of an area that was not previously served under the existing membership categories.

The benefits to be enjoyed by the sole proprietor member are determined by which of the Member, Professional Member or Certified Professional Member criteria can be met (see chart).

For example, a Sole Proprietor member in the industry for at least two years and demonstrating a commitment to ongoing professional development would enjoy the benefits of a Professional Member, since those are the criteria for that category.

Associate Member

No changes will take place for Associate members of Landscape Ontario. These suppliers to the industry have far-reaching networks. Whether they are equipment dealers, manufacturers or suppliers, Associate members are now equipped with the new Introductory Member category to actively promote membership to customers who were previously not aware of the many benefits of membership, enabling them to actively improve their business and professionalism.

Other categories

In addition to the categories above, LO will still maintain the media, student, and Honorary Lifetime Member categories.

Implementation and timeline

Changes are expected to be phased in over the first half of 2020. Current Active, Associate and Interim members of Landscape Ontario do not need to do anything regarding their membership at this point. The new Introductory membership category is expected to launch midFebruary, in time for members to actively promote and recruit during the season ahead. Further details about the new membership categories will appear in future issues of this magazine, in LO’s weekly enews, and online at HortTrades.com.

If you have any questions about membership, please contact the LO Membership Services Department at 1-800-265-5656.

Membership Benefits MEMBER BENEFIT INTRODUCTORY MEMBER

MEMBER

Advertising discounts

Awards of Excellence

Congress Exhibitor discounts

Consumer Promotion, Referrals and Online Member Profile CNLA Endorsed Supplier Cost Saving Benefits

Free link to your website

Government relations

Membership certificate

ember pricing on M Professional Development Opportunities Promotional materials

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Networking opportunities

ental of membership list* R (mailing addresses) ubscription to weekly Enews, S Landscape Ontario and E-ssentials, Landscape Trades magazines Use of logo

Attend Chapter meetings Legal advice program

Voting rights at AGM

Sit on Chapter/Sector Board of Directors

Sit on Provincial Board of Directors

CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL MEMBER

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Canada Blooms tickets discount

PROFESSIONAL MEMBER

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BOX TREE

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

MOTH

A new plant pest

in Etobicoke

By Jen Llewellyn OMAFRA Nursery and Landscape Specialist

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n the late summer of 2018, box tree moth adults were detected in Etobicoke, Ont., by citizen scientists who posted photos online at iNaturalist and Facebook. Later that autumn, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the presence of box tree moth larvae in an urban neighbourhood within the city. Box tree moth is a relatively new pest in Europe. This is the first confirmed report of box tree moth in North America. Box tree moth is not a regulated pest in Canada. The nursery and landscape industry partnered with various levels of government, including CFIA, to execute a large monitoring and outreach program for box tree moth in 2019.

In my 20+ years as OMAFRA Nursery and Landscape Specialist, I have seen the introduction of several invasive plant pests.

However, this is the first pest find that I have experienced where we already have access to effective, registered biological insecticides (those products containing appropriate strains of Bacillus thuringiensis) and pheromone lures which are available thanks to Quebec-based supplier, Solida.ca. It also helps that box tree moth is an open-feeding caterpillar and not a cambium borer.

The box tree moth is a species of moth in the family Crambidae, the “snout moths.” It is native to eastern Asia (Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, the Russian Far East and India). It is an invasive pest species in Europe. All species and cultivars of Buxus are believed to be hosts for box tree moth. It is possible that the moth may feed on Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis), although the moth

Box tree moth adult. (Photo: Dave Beadle)

prefers to feed on Buxus spp.

Fortunately for Ontario, the moth has been found in a limited residential area of Toronto which can be delineated by Steeles Ave. to the north, Leslie St. to the east, the Gardener Expressway to the south and Highway 427 to the west. In 2019, pheromone-baited traps were placed in residential landscapes across the province, from Windsor to Ottawa. Only traps found in the Toronto area within the abovementioned zone were found to contain box tree moths. Box tree moth has only been found in residential landscapes. It has not been detected at, or near any wholesale nursery farms.

Biology and detection

If you are scouting for box tree moth in winter or early spring, you will need to look for individual leaves that have a small visible white cocoon (called a “hibernarium”) or individual leaves webbed to another leaf. Pull those leaves apart and look for a webbed hibernarium. Use your fingernail or a knife tip to tease away some of the webbing. If you find a tiny green larva with a black head, that is box tree moth (about 4-6 mm long). If you find eggs, that is a spider nest.

When temperatures become warm in mid-late May, overwintered early instar larvae will venture out of their hibernarium to feed on surface tissue of the leaves. Young larvae have small heads and mandibles and are only able to feed on the epidermis and shallowly into the underlying mesophyll. Note the webbing and frass amongst the chewed foliage and twigs.

As larvae mature, they shed their skins (molt) to increase in size. Larvae become more greenish and develop a striking pattern of thick black stripes along their body. They have a larger set of mandibles and can consume entire portions of leaves, quite often leaving just the epidermis behind. Note the webbing and frass amongst the chewed foliage and twigs. The larval stage of box tree moth feed on the leaves and this stage can last 14 days.

Adult moths have white coloured wings with brown margins. Adults live about 14 days and can potentially disperse seven to 10 km. During the day, they can be found resting on host plants or other surrounding plants. Female moths will lay tiny, flat yellow eggs on the underside of host leaves, usually in a cluster of about 10 to‐20. The eggs hatch after about three days and young larvae feed on the underside of the leaves and produce webbing and frass.

In 2019, we observed only two generations of adults, the first in the beginning of July and the second midAugust. In Europe, three to five generations of box tree moth can be observed, with adults on the wing from April/May to September. According to the literature, box tree moth overwinters as a juvenile cocooned larva in a hibernarium against boxwood leaves, which is what we found in Etobicoke. In addition, we also recovered some pupae from the positive sites in early spring, and I am pleased to tell you that none of the overwintered pupae were found to be viable.

To report a pest to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency: inspection.gc.ca/pests Under “Reporting a Plant Pest” Click on “CONTACT US” 10

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Management

Box tree moth larvae can be effectively managed with a safe biological insecticide (Dipel 2X DF PCP#26508), a product already registered for use in Canada. In fact, this is the same biological insecticide that is applied by air over the City of Toronto to combat Gypsy moth larvae in the spring. Dipel 2X DF contains a naturally occurring bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.), that when sprayed on the foliage, is consumed by the larvae as they feed on the leaves. Within an hour of ingesting the B.t. residue, the larvae stop feeding and then die within two-three days. Foliage needs to be retreated at least every 10 days to keep an effective layer of B.t. on the leaves during periods of larval activity. We found that one application per larval generation was usually enough to kill actively feeding larvae.

The periods of larval feeding observed in 2019 were: May 30 to June 15, July 15 to Aug. 10, and Sept. 1 to 15.

Keep in mind that in 2019, we experienced an unusually cold, wet spring that lasted well into the month of June. Where temperatures are warmer, we expect to see more larvae beginning the latter part of May.

Box tree moth larvae overwinter inside a webbed hibernarium in late September to early May.

What you can do

Raising public awareness on the biology and detection of box tree moth is essential to help control and limit the spread of this pest. Talk to your clients about scouting for this pest on their boxwoods. Employ effective biological pesticide programs and do not move boxwood plants out of the infested zone in Toronto. Since box tree moth has not been detected at or near any wholesale farms and it is a manageable pest, continue to use Ontario grown boxwood with confidence.

• Watch the OMAFRA “Box Tree Moth webinar” via HortTrades.com/box-tree-moth.

• Subscribe to the ONnurserycrops blog and @ONnurserycrops on Instagram to receive timely updates.

• Inspect all boxwood plants for signs and symptoms of box tree moth. Take a few minutes to pull branches apart to see inside the canopy and inspect closely for webbing, frass, cast larval skins, cast larval heads, live larvae or pupal cases. BTM chewed leaves will appear window-like, chewed on one side OR entire leaf sections will be gone leaving only leaf edges behind. Remember, webbing on its own is not a clear indicator for the presence of BTM since spiders are common on this plant.

• Report any infestations to the agencies below to help us keep track of active populations.

• Treat active larval stages with registered insecticides (e.g. Dipel 2X DF) using a licensed applicator. Treatments should be assessed three to five days post-application to ensure all larvae have been killed. Re-treat if active larvae are found during the following larval generation period (see below).

• Continue to monitor boxwood plants for signs of active larval stages, especially during the periods of:

o May 30 to June 15

o July 15 to Aug. 10

o Sept. 1 to 15 • Box tree moth can be a significant pest if left unmanaged. Spread the word about box tree moth to your local horticultural networking group and encourage others to monitor boxwood for this pest.

To help determine the extent of its distribution, we continue to ask that all stakeholders take and hold samples and photos of any moth-like pests they observe on boxwood plants. Email photos and to jennifer.llewellyn@ontario.ca. Sightings can also be reported online to inspection.gc.ca/pests or eddmaps.org/ontario. This information will assist in evaluating the threat and will help to direct the next steps for the industry.

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Early instar larva and feeding damage, note how only one side of the leaf is chewed and just from the surface. This tissue becomes desiccated and will turn light brown, appearing like the inset image.

Typical damage from late instar larvae, note webbing and frass amongst chewed foliage. Inset image shows late instar larvae.

For more information: @onnurserycrops HortTrades.com/box-tree-moth Forestinvasives.ca/Pest-Alert inspection.gc.ca/plants/plant-pests-invasive-species

G N I S I R LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

RESOURCES ONLINE AT GFL.ME/h6Z1

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INDUSTRY

e are in the midst of an insurance crisis,” says Tony DiGiovanni, Executive Director of Landscape Ontario.

DiGiovanni says he is receiving calls from concerned business owners across the province who can no longer get insurance for their snow and ice removal operations. Others report their insurance rates have doubled or tripled, while deductibles have also increased.

“The quantity of lawsuits, probably encouraged by relentless advertisements, has resulted in many insurance companies pulling out of providing winter service coverage,” DiGiovanni explains. “With no coverage, there will be no service. This is an extremely serious issue that will affect every member of the public. The services of Landscape Ontario members and other professional winter maintenance firms are essential. They keep the economy going and the public safe.”

Reducing frivolous slip and fall lawsuits

Norman Miller, the Progressive Conservative MPP for Muskoka-Parry Sound, recognizes the seriousness of the issue and its implications for everyone in society. Miller says after hearing from several snow contractors in his riding, he decided to take action.

Last spring, Miller put forward Private Member’s Bill 118, Occupiers Liability Amendment Act. The bill, which passed second reading on June 6, 2019, proposes to reduce the notification period for slip and fall lawsuits from two years to 10 days, bringing the private sector in line with the current standard for municipalities.

“In Ontario, I would simply say, obviously, you want anyone who is hurt to be looked after,” Miller told Landscape Ontario during a recent phone interview. “But we have winter. We are going to fall down the odd time; it doesn’t necessarily mean that someone else is at fault.”

Miller says he felt that a 10-day notification period made sense, because it would “provide more certainty for businesses and make it much easier to be able to keep records and to be able to defend themselves in cases where they are sued.”

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO He was also troubled by the amount of slip and fall lawsuits in the province.

“We are becoming more like the United States, more litigious,” Miller said. “When I drive back to Parry Sound, I see big billboards advertising services of lawyers, if you think you’re hurt, then sue somebody, and frankly, I don’t like that trend. It’s my feeling that if you hurt yourself, it’s not necessarily somebody else’s fault and businesses shouldn’t necessarily have to pay for it.”

NDP MPPs, including Tom Rakocevic (Humber River-Black Creek), voted against the bill at second reading. “Many injuries don’t even manifest within (10 days),” Rakocevic said. “Certainly, many injured may not even know where to turn when lying in a hospital bed, if they can turn at all. As they lie there, a week and a half flies by and, with it, any chance for rightful compensation.”

Rakocevic also painted the bill as part of a larger pattern by the Ford government to advantage large business interests.

“This bill thus protects large, negligent private property and business owners from individuals who have been injured on their properties. Yet again, this government puts forth legislation that gives more power to our society’s most powerful members — always at the expense of the little guy,” Rakocevic said.

Belinda Karahalios, PC MPP for Cambridge, voiced her support for the legislation during the second reading.

“Bill 118 makes it easier for businesses in Ontario to defend themselves in cases of slip-and-fall incidents and will reduce the number of frivolous lawsuits, thereby decreasing insurance costs for snow removal companies,” she said at the Ontario Legislature during the bill’s second reading.

“It will also help relieve the backlog in the courts. With a limit of 10 days, there is sufficient time to give notice for legitimate claims against genuine cases of negligence.

People who suffer significant injuries are also protected by the exceptions outlined in this bill.”

What is causing the crisis?

David Amadori, VP Commercial, Marsh Canada, says the rising rates are the result of a combination of regional factors, including slip and fall lawsuits, as well as conditions in the global insurance market.

The snow removal industry in Ontario was generally not well positioned for a turbulent insurance market.

Marsh is the endorsed insurance supplier for the Canadian Nursery Landscape

Association, who represent members of all provincial landscape and horticulture associations across the country.

On the insurance market side, Amadori says this is the first “hard market” in over a decade, contributed to by climate change and the increase in catastrophic natural disasters.

“Over the last 24 months or so, there has been over a $160 billion in global natural disaster, catastrophic claims,” Amadori explains. “Tsunamis, fires, anything that makes the news. We saw Hurricane Harvey in Houston a few years ago and the headline was that it created $9 billion of damage.

Much of this was incurred by the retail insurance marketplace.”

That $160 billion over two years equalled the cumulative total for the previous six years, Amadori said.

“Those disasters have depleted the global pool of insurance capital,” Amadori explained. “The resulting rate increases have trickled down from re-insurance companies, to retail insurers and ultimately passed on to the retail purchaser of commercial coverage. There is a co-relation with what happens at a global/macro level and the impact on insurance that is available to small businesses at a regional level.”

Why are snow operations risky for insurance companies?

One of the reasons snow operations are risky for insurance companies is because they have such a “long tail, meaning that a claim can grow over time as the injuries sustained develop,” Amadori says.

Slip and fall claimants can also wait up to two years to file suit, making it difficult for insurance companies to quantify risk and costs up front. Another problem has been the willingness of some insurance companies to settle slip and fall claims out of court, rather than standing up for the contractor by taking the case through the legal process.

In many cases, it’s cheaper for an insurance company to settle with a claimant than to fight a drawn-out court battle.

However, those settlements incentivize any bad actors that may exist to continue to pursue frivolous suits, and they perpetuate the problem that we see today.

Amadori says the personal injury law industry has expanded in Ontario, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area, in recent years.

And the industry’s marketing efforts have become increasingly aggressive.

“We’ve seen a real increase in the last decade with respect to marketing efforts from

13

the legal community,” Amadori said. “You used to go across the border to Buffalo and see Celino and Barnes and personal injury lawyer billboards and that was something unique. That model has come up here. And if you turn on the radio or CP24 you are likely to be inundated with reminders that you have access to free legal counsel with no costs associated with your representation unless a settlement is reached. With this information being constantly pushed into the public consciousness, attitudes may have shifted towards rolling the dice with a lawsuit, as there is no downside, only a time commitment for a claimant.”

Norman Miller says the The Ontario Trial Lawyers Association has contacted his office to voice their opposition to Bill 118.

The OTLA was asked to comment for this article, but representatives did not provide a response by press time.

Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario president Joseph Canevale said, “There’s no doubt that Ontario Brokers have been impacted by the shortage of insurers willing to offer coverage for snow plow operators and are seeing increased rates on renewal. In turn, this has created issues for snow plow operators and their own clients. Norm Miller’s Private Member Bill 118, Occupiers’ Liability Amendment Act, intends to curb the number of lawsuits insurers have to payout as a result of slip and falls, thereby reducing the burden on landlords and snow plow operators. It’s our hope that this would reduce frivolous lawsuits against landlords, decrease claim payouts and the costs associated with insurer claims, and reduce the pressure on premiums for those landlords and their snow plow operators. However, we would want to ensure measures are in place that protect consumers who are legitimately impacted by negligence surrounding slip and falls and ensure they have proper recourse within a reasonable timeframe.”

Fair contracts

Another part of the problem has been the way property owners and managers have pushed liability onto snow contractors by including hold harmless and other clauses in their contracts.

“Property managers have been well ahead of the curve and they have been pushing the liability onto the snow removal contractor for quite some time,” Amadori said. “And so, a slip and fall claimant isn’t actually suing Tim Hortons or some other large corporation, they’re suing a guy who might have five trucks and six employees and works 18-hour shifts for three and half months straight. Unfortunately, contractors,

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Norm Miller

not all of them, but some, have been signing contracts that require them to assume far too much liability — much more than is reasonable.”

David Lammers, President of Garden Grove Landscaping in Waterdown, Ont., acknowledges the industry-wide problem of taking on too much liability. Lammers believes legislative changes need to be made in order to level the playing field.

Lammers said, “Business owners need to start sitting down with the customer, the property manager, and discuss these matters including hold harmless clauses.

As contractors we need to stop signing contracts that include those clauses. He added, “The laws (also) need to change in Ontario in order for these property managers to stop putting out these legal contracts that contain all the clauses.”

Ultimately, the liability should be shared, Lammers said. “We believe that as we move forward as a professional snow and ice industry that we will partner with our customers and we will have contracts that have fair clauses. We need to be responsible for the things that we do.

We’ve got to take ownership of the right and the wrong, and if we haven’t done something that we were contracted to do, that’s on us.”

Next steps

Landscape Ontario hosted an emergency meeting on the insurance crisis on Jan. 9, 2020, featuring a panel discussion with insurance industry representatives and members of the LO Snow and Ice Management Sector Group. Nearly 300 industry members attended, and the frustration was palpable in the audience.

At the meeting, DiGiovanni encouraged LO members to contact their local MPPs, and if possible, to arrange face-to-face meetings with them to show their support for Bill 118 and to impart the seriousness of the issue. However, he acknowledged Bill 118 is not the silver bullet that will solve the problem.

DiGiovanni outlined the various strategies LO is currently working on:

David Lammers

David Amadori

• Supporting MPP Norm Miller’s Private Members Bill. LO sent out information to over 1,000 members asking them to contact their local MPP. • LO is part of a coalition asking the government for legislation that limits liability for professional Accredited Contractors who follow best management practices. Similar legislation exists in New Hampshire.

• Exploring a captive insurance model.

• The association has developed a standard form contract that helps limit contractor liability only to areas they are responsible for.

• Developed risk management guidelines.

• Endorse an insurance broker (Marsh) based on the principle that the more we pool our resources the better clout we have.

Amadori outlined how the Marsh insurance program is addressing the challenges facing the snow and ice industry.

“What we try to do in the contracts is make sure that we are holding a property manager harmless, but only with respect to negligence, for what is outlined in the scope of work,” Amadori explained. “This would acknowledge that the contractor is on the hook, but only if they were to drop the ball, and it could be shown that they were negligent to their contractual obligations. This is a big change from some of the contracts that hold the contractor responsible for everything and anything that happens on site 24/7, 365.”

On the back end, Amadori says Marsh’s insurer partner is committed to defending claims, “whenever contracts and contractor’s logbooks and documentation allow for, even if it means incurring higher legal fees.

“We want to make sure that our program supports the industry and builds the reputation that Hortprotect, through CNLA, through Marsh, will not be a source of quick settlements for would-be claimants,” Amadori said. “The long-term intent of this defence first philosophy is to have the legal community recognize that the path towards a settlement will be much more laborious

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and taxing on their time with our insurer compared to others involved in the space.

Our insureds keep meticulous records and have contracts that are reasonable, so why shouldn’t they be entitled to a proper defence?”

Using this defence first philosophy, the Marsh program has “closed over 70 per cent of our slip and fall claims over the last decade at zero liability,” Amadori said.

“That’s a number we are quite proud of. Part of the reason this has been so successful is that we have isolated the legal representation to one specific firm for the GTA (where the bulk of the slip and falls exist). Our program is represented by a firm with expertise in defending contractors in this space. The benefit here is to the contractor. When their representation shows up at discovery they have a keen understanding of precisely what they’re doing, who they are representing, and all of the other benefits that come from working with absolute expertise in a niche area of law.”

How contractors can help

DiGiovanni suggests the solution to this crisis is multifaceted. In addition to contacting local MPPs to support Bill 118, solutions start with contractors enhancing their risk management processes. This includes using contracts that clearly delineate the scope of work, such as using Landscape Ontario’s standard form contract. In addition, operators must keep very detailed documentation that can either make or break a lawsuit in court. Technology exists to track all operations, including the use of cameras, local weather stations, truck sensors, salt application sensors, etc. The industry is encouraged to use technology as much as possible.

Landscape Ontario members also have access to the Snow and Ice Risk Management Guidelines, developed by CNLA in conjunction with Marsh Canada.

Updates on the various initiatives will be available in future issues of Landscape Ontario magazine, via LO weekly enews and the association website at HortTrades.com.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

ASSOCIATION NEWS LO AGM reflects pride and strength

Landscape Ontario’s 2020 Provincial Board of Directors.

member, professional member, and certified professional member. The top category is achieved when 10 per cent of staff members hold a certification. The plan was presented to attendees as a motion, which was carried.

In his Executive Director’s report, Tony DiGiovanni shared the LO staff word of the year: Opportunity. Regarding members’ challenges, he said, “Employee recruitment, retention and development is the number one issue by far, a barrier to future growth.” Profitability is next, with the need for members to charge more for services. There is also a liability insurance crisis for the snow sector. DiGiovanni gave a heartfelt tribute to Warren Patterson: “Warren takes careful action once he has examined all sides of an issue. He is a great listener with quiet wisdom; members trust him. Warren is a natural mentor. The association has prospered on his watch.” DiGiovanni continued by recognizing Paul Brydges on leaving the Provincial Board, saying, “Paul helped members see themselves through the lens of a profession rather than an industry. Paul bleeds integrity.” DiGiovanni looked forward to Dave Wright’s presidency, mentioning he has known Dave since age 17.

“We have done well financially. I am leaving my job in great shape,” noted outgoing Treasurer Ed Hansen in a brief and positive report.

Incoming President Dave Wright took the gavel and reflected on his new responsibility, thanking members for their trust. Wright chose Legacy for his theme, calling legacies, “Something bigger than we are. It’s up to us to carry them on and leave bigger ones. I encourage everybody to leave one. Make it bigger, make it better.”

Held Jan. 8 at Congress, Landscape Ontario’s Annual General Meeting recognized accomplishments of an industry poised to take on future challenges. Outgoing president Warren Patterson announced the current Executive Board, chapter reps, and sector group reps, and recognized past presidents, who “guide us to our future,” as well as Honorary Lifetime Members, 25- and 10-year members and certified members.

As provincial board rep to the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, LO past president Paul Brydges, gave a CNLA report on that association’s purchase of Communities in Bloom, recognized LO members in national leadership, and reported on plans for the Green Cities Foundation. CNLA will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2022.

Warren Patterson’s President’s report looked back on five priorities identified last year, and listed accomplishments toward those goals. LO secured a grant to hire an employment development consultant; with another $1.5 million in pending grant applications. A pilot program to employ new Canadians in Ottawa is underway. A workshare program will be presented to the Board in February. A new program will recognize Top 100 employers; the first of which will be announced soon. Digital education delivery plans are underway. Our tech audit is still under evaluation.

A committee of engaged younger members has been looking at ways to drive stronger participation through our membership structure. On behalf of the Membership Committee, Lindsey Ross presented recommendations to break active membership into four categories: introductory,

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Paul Brydges took the opportunity of announcing the Members-at-Large election, to thank Warren Patterson and welcomed him to the Past Presidents’ Club. Patterson responded with, “The older you get, the more emotional. We needed to focus on fund investment, controlled investment in facilities, and how to invest in members. We grew our capital by $2 million, and we are the centre of the landscape profession in Canada. Our strategic plan is the best I have been involved with; we are going in the right direction at appropriate speed. Thanks to the Executive and Provincial Boards and all staff. And thanks, Paul, for the amazing amount of time you put in. I admire you for commitment and energy.”

The new Provincial Board for 2020 includes: Dave Wright, President; Lindsay Drake Nightingale, First Vice President; Ed Hansen, Second Vice President; and Lindsey Ross, Treasurer. Blake Tubby and Jeff Olsen were acclaimed as Members-at-Large.

DiGiovanni closed the meeting with a tribute to retiring Membership and Public Relations Director, Denis Flanagan: “Your passion for our industry is unequalled.”

LO members can save on admission to Canada Blooms 2020 Landscape Ontario members can save $8 off the regular price of individual and bulk tickets for entry to Canada Blooms and the National Home Show, March 13-22, 2020 at the Enercare Centre in Toronto. “Birds of a Feather” is the theme of this year’s festival and the special discounted tickets are a great way to say thank you to staff, family, clients and suppliers for their support over the past year.

LO members have two options when purchasing the tickets: pay now, or pay-per-use. Single, pay now tickets are available at a cost of $12 each, with payment required for each ticket at the time of ordering. Bulk, pay-per-use

tickets are available in packs of 20, with payment processed at the conclusion of the festival. Members are only charged for those tickets redeemed at the event, making the pay-per-use packs an ideal that doesn’t break the bank.

Upon ordering, payment information is required for both options, regardless of payment option.

Get your staff, clients and suppliers excited about the upcoming season by giving them access to the largest horticultural showcase in Canada.

An order form is available online at HortTrades.com/canada-blooms-2020 or by contacting Meghan Greaves at mgreaves@landscapeontario.com or 1-800-265-5656, ext. 2301.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Awards ceremony recognizes the best of 2019 Winners of the 47th annual Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence were announced live, on-stage to a packed audience of about 700 people at the Delta Hotels Toronto Airport on Jan. 7, 2020.

Held in conjunction with the association’s Congress trade show and conference, the highly-anticipated, ticketed evening event sported the theme: “Emerald Gala: celebrating LO members creating emerald cities.”

Each year, LO members submit projects for awards via the awards website at LOawards.com. Entries were then reviewed and scored by a panel of green industry professionals. Projects that score enough points from the judges are then deemed winners of an award. This year, two of the volunteer judges, Alistair Johnston and Jamie Riddell, teamed up with LO’s Meghan Greaves to host the event.

The awards program recognizes outstanding projects in the landscape and horticulture profession, as well as individuals and organizations that have demonstrated a long-term commitment to advancing the profession.

About two-dozen students took the stage as recipients of various horticultural scholarships awarded each year by the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation and the Cullen Family Scholarship Program.

Throughout the evening, the following individual awards were presented:

Chapter Achievement Award Nick Solty Environmental Award 10,000 Trees Come Alive Outside Design Challenge Niagara College, Frank Ewald Junior Award Chris Muller Garden Communicator Award Sean James Legacy Award Karl Stensson Trillium Award The Region of Peel and York Region Prosperity Partners Leadership Award Lindsay Drake Nightingale, Lindsey Ross, Janet Mott, Christine Moffit, Blake Tubby

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Winners gather on stage at the conclusion of the awards ceremony.

Lindsay Drake Nightingale was also recognized as recipient of the 2019 Monica van Maris Woman of Influence Award, presented at the Toronto Botanical Garden in the spring of 2019.

Outgoing LO president, Warren Patterson officially became a member of the pastpresident’s club and received a President’s Ring for his leadership role over the past two years.

The evening concluded with the announcement of the top three awards. The Don Salivan Grounds Management Award, for the top maintenance project, was given to

Snider Turf and Landscape Care.

The Casey van Maris Award, awarded to the project with the highest marks for execution of unique and innovative design in landscaping, was given to Land-Con. Seferian Design Group took home the Dunington-Grubb Award for the most outstanding and highest overall scoring project from the various construction categories.

Winners from the Garden Centre and Growers programs were also recognized during the ceremony.

Organizers would like to thank the

volunteer judges, as well as ceremony presenting partner, G&L Group, and supporting partners, Connon Nurseries, and Dynascape Software.

Top scoring winners from the LO Awards of Excellence program represent the province at the National Awards of Excellence Program, with winners announced in mid-August.

The ceremony was broadcast live over Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The full video, as well as individual segments can be viewed via Landscape Ontario’s YouTube page. Links to the video and all winners can be found via LOawards.com.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Volunteers work to light up site at night Landscape Ontario’s Landscape Lighting Sector Group has been working on plans to keep the association’s newly-renovated building visible to Highway 401 traffic throughout the night. Pictured here, sector group members, Carl Hastings, Frank DiMarco, Ken Martin and John Higo recently spent a day on-site installing temporary landscape lighting that highlights the front garden ginko, engraved rock and flag, as well as additional lighting for the 120-foot wide sign and dry stone wall. Infrastructure was put in place during the design and construction of the building to ensure a proper showcase of lighting to visitors, the profession and the public in the future.

Thanks also to Turf Care Products Canada ands SiteOne Landscape Supply for donating supplies.

Landscape lighting on display for all to see thanks to the generosity of some LO members.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

EVENTS Full details and registration information for all events can be found online at HortTrades.com/events or at specific chapter or sector pages.

Feb. 12-13

Feb. 28

EY Centre, Ottawa Free admission, free parking, education sessions, trade show and fun activities. Register online at GreenTrade.ca.

Landscape Ontario, Milton An all-in-one event for irrigation contractors, featuring speakers, suppliers, new products and networking. IrrigationConference.ca.

Feb. 12

Mar. 2

GreenTrade Expo

Irrigation Conference

Ottawa Chapter Awards of Distinction

Toronto Chapter Meeting

EY Centre, Ottawa Join the chapter for dinner, entertainment and award presentations.

GreenTrade.ca.

Mar. 3

Durham Chapter Meeting Mar. 4

Feb. 17

Upper Canada Chapter Meeting

Family Day Skate Gateway Ice Centre, Stoney Creek Joint the Georgian Lakelands Chapter for a free family skate.

Mar. 4

Feb. 20

Mar. 11

Waterloo Chapter Meeting

Grounds Management Lecture

London Chapter Meeting

Landscape Ontario, Milton Hear from experts on plants, trees, soil and more at this annual networking and learning event. LandscapeLecture.ca.

Bestwestern Lamplighter Inn, London Get ready for the road with this annual MTO safety update.

Mar. 13-22

Feb. 20

Canada Blooms

Dominion Golf Club First aid training for LO members. Register by Feb. 14.

Enercare Centre, Toronto Don’t miss the 10-day festival showcasing the landscape and horticulture profession. Volunteer at CanadaBlooms.com.

Feb. 21

Mar. 26

Windsor Chapter Meeting

Reference: The Natural City

Ottawa Chapter Meeting

Ryerson University, Toronto Annual symposium that takes a practical approach for using ecological references in planting design.

Mar. 26

Toronto Chapter Meeting Latvian Centre, North York Annual safety update at 9:00 a.m. Register by March 20.

Feb. 27

Lighting Conference

Apr. 1

Landscape Ontario, Milton Learn about lighting specific issues, meet with suppliers and see new products. LightingConference.ca.

Upper Canada Chapter Meeting

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

VOLUNTEER PROFILE

Giving back aligns with Carl Hastings’ personality Landscape Ontario’s sector groups meet throughout the year to work on promotional initiatives, tackle sector-specific issues, and organize education events designed to raise the level of skill and professionalism of those within the sector. Carl Hastings, President of Moonstruck Lighting in Concord, Ont. is currently chair of the Landscape Ontario Lighting Sector Group, and has been a volunteer with the association for nearly 15 years.

How did you get involved in this profession?

“I’m always surprised by the ingenuity of the contractors we work with.

It’s constantly changing and the variety of people, jobs, and products is always changing, which makes it very exciting.”

— Carl Hastings

I was hired right out of Humber College by Bob Tubby from Arbordale Landscaping about 30 years ago and started working on the construction side of the business. Bob started Moonstruck Landscape Lighting and after I had worked there for about five years, he asked me to help him out on one of the landscape lighting jobs. The rest is history.

Why did you get involved with the lighting sector group?

In 2007, the lighting group was started because the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), had taken landscape lighting under their umbrella because there had been some injuries.

What do enjoy most about volunteering?

People. By being a volunteer, I get the opportunity to meet other people, talk to them and share common experiences, troubleshoot things together.

How do you, as an employer, support staff in volunteering?

I tell everybody I can to volunteer. Don’t hesitate. It’s part of my personality to give back and try to help others whenever I can. There’s nothing but positives to gain by taking the chance.

What are your thoughts on the Lighting Conference?

The secondary goal of the group after educating and working with the ESA, is to better the industry, better the image and the education as far as what’s out there for landscape lighting. There are a lot of manufacturers that do a good job, but the group allowed us to bring contractors in and share our experiences with others. The whole effort is to elevate landscape lighting to where most of us think it should be — a luxury item that should be treated that way.

What do you foresee for the sector over the next 10 years?

LEDs have been around for a long time, but they are far more mainstream and the offerings are getting better and better. They have continued to improve and the efficiency, colour and quality is so much better than what it was. It’s so exciting. The old adage, ‘you get what you pay for,’ still holds true, and with the high-end products, it’s definitely worth it.

What do you most enjoy about your career?

The opportunity to meet different people, and to create. I’m always surprised by the ingenuity of the contractors we work with.

It’s constantly changing and the variety of people, jobs, and products is always changing, which makes it very exciting.

Do you have any hobbies or other interests?

My secret passion is actually karate. My dad was a boxer, so I started shortly after he passed away. I’m actually a third-degree black belt. Part of being a black belt is giving back, and I do teach at the school, helping new belts become black belts.

For more information about the LO Lighting Sector group, visit HortTrades.com/lighting-group.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

SCHOLARSHIP PROFILE

Kelley DiFiore finds her true calling

Even as a young child, Kelley DiFiore says she had a real passion for art.

A second-year student in the Landscape Technician Program at Humber College, DiFiore previously spent 23 years working as a graphic artist/art director.

“I knew that being a graphic designer was a way for me to be able to make money as an artist,” she explains. “I was happy, but slowly over the years, that passion went away, and I felt like I was not helping the world at all.”

DiFiore recalls waking up one morning during a winter ice storm in 2018 and deciding she could not continue on her chosen career path. She wanted her daily efforts to contribute to society and felt the world of advertising and consumerism was actually doing more harm than good. With the unwavering support of her partner, Ryan, she set out to change careers and noticed a call for volunteers to work in the gardens at Evergreen Brickworks in Toronto.

Her passion and enthusiasm sparked, and she then found herself reading over class descriptions on the Humber College website.

DiFiore says at that time, she found her true calling. She gets emotional just thinking about it. “That’s how you know

you found your true calling,” she explains.

She also points out her last name, Fiore, means flower, and her first name, Kelley, is a shade of green.

At Humber, DiFiore says she enjoys the hands-on format and the amazing teachers. She likes having the arboretum on campus and gets particularly excited about assignments that involve green roofs.

Last year, the class-project involved designing a rooftop pollinator garden and habitat for bees at the school. “I am happy that a lot of the things we are learning have to do with helping the environment. I feel like part of what put me onto this path is learning about green roofs and green walls. I would love to do things like that. We learned all about the urban heat island effect and how cities are a lot warmer. Green walls and green roofs can help fix that — collect rainwater. To be honest, I’m not crazy about construction class, but I understand the importance of knowing about it,” DiFiore explains.

Outside of class, DiFiore worked for a summer at Humber Nurseries, where she learned a lot about plants. The following summer, she worked as assistant to the head gardener at a private golf course in Woodbridge, Ont., where she was able to

23

ask “about a million questions a day” and work in the greenhouse, propagating plants and working alongside the landscape crew.

She says having the experience of seeing how plants perform from spring to fall in their natural setting, and learning how and when to transplant — are all things that will help to make her a better designer.

Whether it’s school or her career, DiFiore strives to be the best she possibly can. That drive resulted in her being nominated for, and awarded, a $2,000 Cullen Family Scholarship in 2019. “I want to know everything I can by the time I leave here,” she says.

In her spare time, she likes to read, and through the years, one particular book, The Lorax, continues to have a profound effect on her. She used to read the book to her now 14-year-old son when he was small.

“I got that book for my son, and I can’t get through it without crying at the end,” DiFiore explains. “That last line just gets me everytime, and at the time, I think it’s because I wasn’t doing anything to help.

It makes me emotional, because now I am doing something about it.”

For more details on scholarships available through the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation, visit OHTF.ca.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

PROFESSIONAL NEWS New ads showcase Skilled Trades as a viable first option The Government of Ontario is taking action to attract more people to the skilled trades and to encourage employers to hire more apprentices. The province is facing a serious labour shortage, which has the potential to get progressively worse.

On any given day, tens of thousands of jobs go unfilled and many of those are in the skilled trades.

As part of the government’s ‘Open for Business, Open for Jobs strategy,’ the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development launched a marketing campaign to highlight good-quality, well-paying and flexible careers in the trades, under the slogan ‘Find a Career You Wouldn’t Trade.’

“We need to do a better job at enticing young people and their parents to the skilled trades,” said Minister Monte McNaughton.

The advertising campaign reflects the passion of real skilled tradespeople in their work environments. It features up-close footage of three skilled trades people with in-demand careers and high income potential: a tower crane

operator, a steamfitter and an arborist.

The government is also investing approximately $75 million in three programs to expose high school students to the trades: $12.7 million in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, $42 million in the Specialist High Skills major program and $20.8 million in a pre-apprenticeship program.

“The reality is that the skilled trades offer exciting and challenging careers that often require solid math and problemsolving skills, and expose people to the latest technologies such as 3D printing and robotics,” said Minister McNaughton. “When it comes to opportunity, to earning potential, to having a chance to start your own business, the skilled trades come out on top.”

Over the first nine months of 2019, Ontario employers had, on average, 204,000 job openings across all occupations and industries. Of these, 13,000 were in the construction sector.

The ads will run online, in movie theatres and on Tim Hortons TV across the province.

A five-step process for managing cannabis edibles

BRAUN

Cannabis edibles entered the marketplace in December 2019, posing a new set of challenges for employers that have already grappled with recreational cannabis. John Aird, Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) Manager of Strategic Partnerships, says this unique product line creates three specific challenges.

Aird says because the effects take longer to be felt, there is a higher risk of overconsumption. Also, people who consume cannabis edibles the night before, may still show up to work impaired because the effects can last longer. Finally, usage is harder to detect. Cannabis edibles don’t have the instantly-recognizable scent of smoked cannabis, so how do you know if someone has eaten some?

Not convinced cannabis of any kind is an issue in your workplace?

Here’s some food for thought: a new national survey found that 43 per cent of employees using cannabis for medical purposes had not reported their medical use to employers. Furthermore, 27 per cent said they use cannabis medicinally, and almost 25 per cent who said they use it recreationally work in safety-sensitive positions.

Follow these five steps to prepare your workplace for the potential effects of cannabis edibles.

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1. Review and update your workplace’s drug and alcohol and fit for duty policies to include edible cannabis. Employers have the right to establish policies prohibiting the use of drugs in the workplace, and to require that employees be free from impairment while at work. This includes company events and celebrations. No one needs cannabis edibles at your next potluck.

2. Review your updated policies with all employees. State your expectations regarding drug and alcohol use and fitness for duty, making clear to employees that impairment of any kind is unacceptable. Go over everyone’s duties under the policies.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO Outline steps that will be taken to ensure compliance, and the consequences of non-compliance. Also state expectations that employees will advise the employer if they are taking medications (as part of a medical treatment) that could impact their performance.

3. Provide all employees with accurate information on cannabis so they can make informed decisions. New research conducted by the Conference Board of Canada has found that only 28 per cent of employers have general education on cannabis, even though the effects of cannabis consumption are broadly misunderstood and vary considerably from person to person.

4. Train managers and supervisors on how to detect and document signs of impairment should testing and disciplinary action be necessary, and how to talk to employees who may be at risk of impairment or substance abuse.

Cannabis impairment may take the form of disorientation, poor motor skills, slower perception, and sudden behaviour changes.

5. Put a process in place to deal with impaired employees. For example, how should workers inform their supervisor of concerns about a potentially impaired co-worker? How will the employer remove an impaired person from the workplace?

How will the employer accommodate disability-related impairment? What support is available to people with impairment issues?

the decision to retire from Turf Care at the end of 2019.

“There is no doubt that Ron has positioned the company, and all of us, for success as we enter the next chapter in our future together,” says McLean. “His dedication to each and every employee, customer and industry partner has Turf Care positioned as the industry leader.”

In business for 45 years, Turf Care is

a Canadian distributor of turf equipment, irrigation systems, golf carts, parts, accessories, and low voltage lighting products. With six locations across Ontario and Quebec, Turf Care is proud to serve golf courses, municipalities, corporations, contractors and dealers; offering a wide range of quality product lines including Toro, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Kioti, Bernhard, and others.

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Turf Care Products announces organizational changes Turf Care Products Canada recently announced organizational changes. Tim Trimper, former VP of Golf, CWB Maxium Financial has been appointed President of Turf Care Products Canada, and Andrew Sunn, former VP of Finance at CWB Maxium Financial has assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer, succeeding John Jarman who retired at the end of 2019.

Paul McLean, former CEO at CWB Maxium Financial and co-founder of Maxium Financial Services acquired Turf Care Products Canada in April of 2019. After 45 years at the helm of one of Canada’s largest commercial turf equipment distributors, former President and CEO, Ron Craig made

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

EXECUTIVE DESK

Opportunity

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t the beginning of each year, our staff team selects one word to act as a filter for everything we do throughout the year. With the huge quantity of information and multitude of distractions we are faced with each day, it is extremely important to focus. Our entire life, and our reality, is created from the series of choices we make by processing, categorizing, simplifying and focusing. Order is continually coming out of the chaos. Action and energy is the result of this process.

For 2019, our filter word was “renewal.”

It was a fitting word considering the many new developments throughout the year: a new Strategic Plan, a new building, a new Landscape Trades website, a new social media initiative, a new Landscape E-ssentials e-newsletter, a new equity partner in CNLA, new features at Congress, new committees, new membership recruitment process, renewed apprenticeship group sponsor program, new dues invoicing system and a renewed energy. All this helped to renew our collective work in growing a prosperous, professional, ethical, recognized, valued and contribution-oriented profession.

Despite our progress and our everchanging world, our values and principles remain unchanged and relevant. We are firmly focused on industry leadership, building community, enhancing professionalism, environmental responsibility and financial stewardship. Our aim is, and always will be, to bring together like-minded individuals who believe in contribution, integrity, service, responsibility, collaboration and advancement. I have often described the association as a community for mutual improvement, focused on advancing the profession. This ethic will never change and will always be new.

In 2020, our word of the year is “opportunity.” It is a great, hopeful, optimistic word. Being open to opportunity is an act of faith, much like planting a tree. The benefits are abundant and long-lasting. Opportunity creates legacies. Opportunity counteracts depression. Opportunity gives us strength as we try to make sense of the many changes around us. Opportunity stimulates positive choices. There are many quotes about opportunities found online. Here are some of my favourites:

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”

— Albert Einstein “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity. An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

— Winston Churchill “The entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it and exploits it as an opportunity.”

— Peter Drucker Here are a couple that reflect the spirit of opportunity:

“Change comes bearing gifts.”

“The best is yet to come.”

We look forward to 2020 using our filter of opportunity. We hope that 2020 brings nothing but opportunity to our extended membership family.

A word about Congress

Congress is not merely a trade show. It is an event where over 15,000 individuals come to interact and benefit through the interdependence that is at the centre of all communities. Every visitor plays an

Tony DiGiovanni LO Executive Director

tony@landscapeontario.com

26

important role in growing and advancing that community. Congress is all about building community.

Just imagine the results of the hundreds of thousands of conversations that were held at Congress.

Business and commerce are the primary motivation behind trade shows, but a lot more happens: friendships are made, knowledge and learning is enhanced, and fears are allayed. Attendees realize they are not alone in their experiences. Mutual support is the norm. Competency, mastery and professionalism is advanced. Problems are solved. Visitors share laughs, renew friendships, receive hugs and have fun.

Others share the pain of life with each other, as they discuss friends they have lost or reflect on sicknesses and illnesses of themselves or loved ones. We even have visitors who are no longer in the profession, but come out just to experience the legacy of the industry they pioneered.

There is no way that online experiences will ever replace the depth of relationshipbuilding of face-to-face interactions.

Congress is a venue for celebration, congratulations, recognition, encouragement and support. It is a venue that encourages growth in the physical, social, intellectual and spiritual realms of being. It is communityaccelerated. It is aspirational and inspirational.

There are two concepts that describe what Congress truly is. Both were articulated by past members, and you have heard me repeat these concepts many times: “We are in the business of enhancing lives,” and “we are prosperity partners.”

Thank you for attending Congress this year. Thank you for your role as community builders.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Chapter chat

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week includes an LO Peer to Peer Network session with Jacki Hart (Feb. 11), a special design workshop with Julie Moir Messervy (Feb. 11), Ottawa Chapter Awards of Distinction (Feb. 12), and two full days of great education sessions. And if that’s not enough, show organizers have many fun contests that are part of the show, including axe-throwing!

If I still have all my body parts, I will then head back to balmy Southern Ontario, where the Golden Horseshoe Chapter is hoping to breakdown that invisible barrier that happens on the Burlington Skyway by having a booth at the Niagara and area Home and Garden Show, March 27-29. The chapter will promote why professionals should join Landscape Ontario and why the public should hire them. The same message on the same weekend will be happening in the Waterloo Chapter at their local home show. I will have a busy time that weekend giving seminars at both events, then head back to the city where Toronto Chapter members will consider how to interact with the new City of Toronto Bio Diversity Strategy. This topic seems very appropriate following a recent visioning/strategic meeting I attended at the Toronto Botanical Garden, led by a couple of gurus in the world of public gardens: Dr. Don Rakow and Melanie Sifton, both from Cornell University. The outcome of the meeting was that the TBG is in the unique situation to be on the leading edge of incorporating natural habitat and ecology into a world-class botanical garden.

It promises to be a hectic few weeks ahead, but for me, it’s also a great way to meet with, and see the wonderful work of our chapter volunteers, and get feedback from them and the general public. I hope to chat with you soon!

hapter communications got off to a great start in 2020. Incoming Georgian Lakelands Chapter president Laurie Ann Stuart, had the great idea to personally invite all of the other chapter presidents to a meeting held during Landscape Ontario’s Congress trade show and conference. Laurie Ann chaired the meeting, which was the first time most of the people in the room had actually met face-to-face.

The meeting proved to be a great forum for chapter presidents to compare notes regarding subjects such as board procedures, succession plans, meeting topics, social events and how to best encourage companies to join the association.

Participants left the meeting knowing that many of the issues they face within their own chapter are common across the province. Many also left with a great deal of pride at what they have been achieving with their local chapters.

A big thank you should go out to all the chapter presidents who attended, and a special thank you to Laurie Ann for initiating the gathering — she has definitely earned a relaxing day at the spa for this year’s Georgian Lakelands Ski, Spa and Snowshoe Day! This month, I will be on the road visiting as many LO chapters as possible, starting with the London Chapter Plant Symposium on Feb. 7. This unique and popular event combines members, students and the general public for a full day of top-quality presenters and vendors, many of which (attendees included), refer to themselves as plant nerds. It would be great if we could encourage other chapters to propagate the nerdiness at their chapter events.

I will then be flying to Ottawa to promote membership at the expanded, two-day GreenTrade Expo. In addition to the show (Feb. 12-13), the

Denis Flanagan CLD LO Manager of Membership and Public Relations dflanagan@landscapeontario.com

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

MEMBERSHIP

Big changes coming to membership categories

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t Landscape Ontario’s annual general meeting on Jan. 8, members voted in favour of making changes to the existing membership categories. This year, the membership structure will adopt nine different classifications. This is a very exciting time for membership.

Back in 2018, one of the big goals that came out of our association-wide strategic planning session was to have 80 per cent of all landscaping companies in Ontario as members of LO. A Landscape Ontario Membership committee was then formed to help define what membership means, how it benefits companies, and what the future membership would look like. Below is an overview of the new membership categories:

Individual Membership

Formerly the Horticultural membership, this category is for individuals (not companies) allied to our profession. They include municipal staff, golf course personnel, consultants, etc. In addition, all employees of every LO member company now also automatically become Individual Members.

Introductory Member

This new category is designed for businesses looking to get a taste of what Landscape Ontario has to offer. Introductory Member is a low cost, low barrier for a horticultural business to try out membership for one year. Companies wishing to utilize all of the membership benefits must join one of the other membership categories.

Current Active and Interim will eventually be phased into one of three new membership categories, each with its own level of requirements.

Member

The minimum one-year in business requirement for businesses to join has new been removed in order to help new companies survive in their most difficult years. Members will still be subject to the same accreditation process as Active members (job site photos or proof of education, references from two LO members, insurance and WSIB information etc.).

Professional Member

After being in business for at least two years, companies can submit an application to become a Professional Member. Companies must also be able to show proof of a health and safety plan, as well as at least eight hours of professional development in order to call themselves a Professional Member.

Certified Professional Member

Companies that have been an LO member for at least five consecutive years with at least 10 per cent of staff holding a professional certification or equivalent, plus provide proof of ongoing professional development and continuing education can reach this top-level category. The goal here is to also provide members with a strong base toward becoming a CNLA Landscape Industry Accredited Company. Learn more at cnla.ca/learn/landscape-companyaccreditation.

Sole Proprietor Status

Over the years, many members have commented the categories did not reflect their business. Sole proprietors paid the

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

28

same membership fee as a large company and were unable to utilize many of the benefits since they did not have a lot of staff.

The Sole Proprietor Status is for a company with 1.5 full time (or equivalent) employees or less, which can then enjoy the benefits of a Member, Professional Member, or Certified Professional Member, depending on which category they qualify for.

Other membership types Landscape Ontario will continue to offer complimentary memberships to students, teachers of horticultural programs, and members of the media. The supplier membership categories (Associate and Chapter Associate) will remain the same.

We still have some fine-tuning and details to work on, but we are looking forward to working closely with our sector groups and other partners to explore professional development opportunities and certifications which will be acceptable requirements for accreditation. These are big changes, and there will no doubt be some growing pains as we make this transition, but we believe these new membership categories will better reflect our association’s commitment to professionalism and be more welcoming to new businesses.

I would like to give a special thank you to the membership committee of Lindsey Ross, Chris Muller, Jamie Riddell, Kelly Keates, Blake Tubby, and Brent Vanderkruk who all worked very hard to create a membership structure reflective of our current members, while also making effective changes to open our community to even more professionals.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

SLIP AND FALL

Proposed changes would give contractors early notice of slip and fall claims

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recent private member’s bill put forward by MPP Norman Miller (Parry Sound-Muskoka) has proposed changes to the Occupiers’ Liability Act, which could have significant implications for personal injury claims made against winter maintenance contractors. In Mr. Miller’s own words: “The main purpose of this Bill, if passed, would be to change the statute of limitations on slip-and-fall lawsuits on private property from two years to 10 days, the same as the time allotted for municipally managed property. This would entail that for both municipally managed and private property, no lawsuit can be issued after this 10-day period, with the exceptions of extreme cases specified.”

Miller told the legislature he was prompted to introduce the changes as a result of conversations with business owners and constituents, who told him they were concerned about frivolous lawsuits and excessive insurance premiums.

Property owners and winter maintenance business owners complained they often face slip and fall lawsuits without ever having been informed that someone had slipped and fallen on the property.

As an example, Miller described a lawsuit that was started one year and 11 months after an incident, yet the first notice provided to the business owner was service of the statement of claim. By that point, it was too late for the business owner

to ask staff to remember what happened, or to look for witnesses, and the business was thus disadvantaged in defending the lawsuit.

The proposed bill would amend the Occupiers’ Liability Act to add this clause:

L imitation period - injury from snow, ice 6 .1 (1) No action shall be brought for the recovery of damages for personal injury caused by snow or ice against a person or persons listed in subsection (2) unless, within 10 days after the occurrence of the injury, written notice of the claim, including the date, time and location of the occurrence, has been served on one or more of the persons listed in subsection (2).

Those who are to be provided with written notice of a potential claim would include: occupiers, independent contractors employed by occupiers, and landlords.

There are exceptions. A lawsuit will not be barred for failure to provide written notice where (1) a person has died as a result of their injury, or (2) if a judge finds that there is a reasonable excuse for the lack of notice, and the defendant is not prejudiced in its defence.

MPP Miller’s proposed amendment is similar to other existing legislation that requires notice of a potential claim. For example, notice must be provided to

Visnja Jovanovic

Moodie Mair Walker LLP

29

municipalities in writing in relation to slip and fall claims on municipal sidewalks and roads. That notice requirement is not just for snow and ice claims; it applies all year round. Like the proposed amendment to the Occupiers’ Liability Act, there is an exception to the 10-day notice requirement where the plaintiff provides a “reasonable excuse” for the delay, and that the municipality is not prejudiced by the failure to give notice.

In practice, in cases involving municipalities, courts have been fairly lenient in granting relief from the notice requirement. Typically, relief is granted if the injured person had a serious injury, was in the hospital, was on medications, or required therapy and treatment, which prevented reporting the claim within the notice period. If Bill 118 is passed into law, it remains to be seen whether judges will take a stricter approach to granting exceptions.

Bill 118 has received a first and second reading in the legislature. It has been referred to the Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills for public hearings and consideration of amendments. Landscape Ontario has provided its support for the bill. The Ontario Trial Lawyers Association (whose membership largely consists of plaintiffside personal injury lawyers) has expressed its opposition on the basis that the legislation will create undue red tape for those who are injured.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Peer Network helps John Larsen to grow

PROSPERITY PARTNERS

Peer to Peer Network continues to grow

T

he Landscape Ontario Peer to Peer Network feature event at Congress 2020 had over 60 business owners and managers roll up their sleeves and take a deep dive into developing their own Leadership 2.0 plan for 2020. There was an awesome buzz and energy in the room that left me feeling honoured and grateful to have the trust and attention of so many looking to improve their management skills.

I was equally excited at the engagement and collaboration among the active members of this awesome group.

Each year, members of the Peer to Peer Network have six face-to-face workshops they can choose to attend, including the Congress event and our two-day Muskoka Summit in September. In between, three one-day workshops are held while there’s still snow on the ground and time (for most) to work on their own professional development and business improvement initiatives.

At our Congress event, members worked together to learn new tools, practice them in break-out sessions, and mentor each other with ideas and challenges. At the event, the group also sets the priorities for workshops ahead, and it’s my job to then deliver what they ask for.

For some fun this year, everyone was given $10,000 in play money to then allocate to items on a top ten “needs work on improving in 2020” list. Here’s the topics and how the group collectively spent their money as a way to direct the priorities for our 2020 program:

$94,500 - Hiring practices, job clarity flow (Discussed Jan. 30 in Ajax) $89,250 Exit strategies, succession planning (September Summit topic) $73,750 - Team culture/working together (Feb. 11 in Ottawa at Green Trade Expo) $73,250 - Sales skills development (March 11 in Kitchener) $59,250 - Industry specific grants, programs, scholarships (Discussed Jan. 30 in Ajax) $52,250 - Profession show and tell. This fun, new idea is a peer member networking showcase of technology, software, tools and equipment — a true testimony to the trust and collaborative nature of the group.

(September Summit topic) $40,000 - Managing operational efficiency to achieve customer WOW. (September Summit) The feedback from everyone who attended the Congress event was excellent.

Group members feel there is relevant and enlightening content and lots of networking and collaborative learning throughout the day.

Be sure to visit HortTrades.com/p2p for full details and registration links to our events throughout the remainder of 2020, including: Feb. 11 in Ottawa, March 11 in KitchenerWaterloo, and Sept. 24-25 in Muskoka.

Continue the conversation online as a member of Landscape Ontario’s Peer to Peer Network. Owners and managers can join for free. Email signup.peer2peer@ landscapeontario.com.

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

30

John Larsen, owner of Garden City Groundskeeping Services in Mississauga, Ont., has enjoyed participating in Landscape Ontario’s Peer to Peer Network for the past four years.

Larsen joined the group because he was looking for answers to growing pains and staffing issues.

“Having specific topics and seeing people ask questions I could relate to really caught my attention. The John Larson atmosphere in the room is very warm and everyone wants to help you succeed.

Before long, I was participating and reaching outside my comfort zone,” he explains.

“It is exciting to feel comfortable and to participate.”

Now more comfortable with the group and the topics, Larsen says he soon realized he was not alone in his business. “I have gained great relationships, improved knowledge, validated many ideas, and found the answers to many questions.

Because of the great people in the group, I know I can pick up the phone, ask a question, and the person will understand the situation because of what we’ve learned in the workshops together. The topics are current, and the group chooses the issues to be discussed.”

John says the inspiration the group provides is priceless. “Personal growth is really the best outcome,” he says. “I learned to open up, change my style, share my challenges and concerns, and complete the circle, which is to listen to others.”

“We have a good diversity in the room, with many sizes and scopes of work. I did not come out with a clear path, however, I got the tools and gained confidence to move forward, ask questions, and to listen to what others have tried in order to find success,” says Larsen.

Larsen applied his new-found knowledge to work with staff and a moderator to develop core values for his company. “Now when we are working or making a decision or see the actions of others, we can ask ourselves how those actions or decisions align with our core values. The answer is simply a ‘yes’ or ‘no.’”

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

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