LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
February 2022
CELEBRATING
Excellence See the 49th annual Awards of Excellence winners
PM 40013519
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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
February 2022 • Volume 40 - 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
Your success is only as strong as your employees
Awards of Excellence
Departments 13
Association News
18
Professional News
20
Columns
23
Advertisers
ON THE COVER: Cedar Springs Landscape Group for ‘Living Large’ Residential Construction - Over $1 Million
Director of Communications and Publications - Scott Barber sbarber@landscapeontario.com, 647-478-3171 Creative Director - Mike Wasilewski mikew@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5343 Communications Coordinator and Content Manager - Robert Ellidge rellidge@landscapeontario.com, 647-722-5645 Multimedia Journalist - Karina Sinclair ksinclair@landscapeontario.com, 647-455-1448 Account Manager - Greg Sumsion gsumsion@landscapeontario.com, 647-722-6977 Business Development - Liz Lant elant@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-7557 Communications Coordinator - Angela Lindsay alindsay@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5305 Digital Marketing Specialist - Adele Bedard abedard@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-4144 Accountant - Joe Sabatino jsabatino@landscapeontario.com, 647-724-8585 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO STAFF
Sonam Arora, Nolan Bechtel, Janet Behrens, Liz Blaauwendraat, Amy Buchanan, Joan D’Souza, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Cassandra Garrard, Meghan Greaves, Lori Harding, Rebecca Harrison, Sally Harvey CLT CLM, Anna Hulskramer, Melissa Kooiman, Amanda Laszcz, Keri MacIvor, Heather MacRae, Brenden McCrory, Kathy McLean, Shalini Mehta, Lisa Pascoe, Sarah Rafols, Jaleesa Rhoden, Daria Ruginis, Joe Salemi, Christy Sebastian, Ian Service, Candice Styles, Vicki Thomson, Jessica Tucker, David Turnbull, Tom Somerville
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Gerald Boot CLM, Laura Catalano, Lindsay Drake Nightingale, Jeremy Feenstra, Mark Fisher, Hank Gelderman, Marty Lamers, Bob Tubby, Nick Winkelmolen 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 2022, reproduction or the use of whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Published 9x per year. Rates and deadlines are available on request. Subscription price: $43.51 per year (HST included). For subscription and address changes, please email subscriptions@landscapeontario.com
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We can learn from each other — whether it is as simple as using a Korean hand hoe tool called a ho-mi, or the way two people can move a 36-inch wire basket tree by hand across a property, or the way humour can break down language differences — all the while creating relationships and communities within our businesses. Business is all about taking risks, so why not take risks on your staff? As a company, should you not use your core values to help with recruiting employees? At the same time, are you aware of your conscious and unconscious biases, including those that may even be within your core values? Part of taking a risk on potential employees is recognizing the spark an individual may have for horticulture. One way to do this is to remove yourself from like-minded people, which will offer you an opportunity for a different and new perspective. Is your business welcoming? Or does it convey a “just a gardener” or “just a labourer” mentality? Try eliminating potential transportation issues by offering carpooling, holding oneon-one sessions with employees to help them voice their needs and concerns, developing career paths for all employees and offering a living wage. By creating a company culture that is about mentorship, flexibility and support, you will attract individuals with a spark that grows into a love for and a career in horticulture. When we first start our businesses, our hope is to be successful. That success is only as strong as the success of our employees. Let’s all have a look at how we make this success happen.
ecently, I was fortunate to attend a webinar set up by the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI). It was a panel discussion on belonging, diversity and inclusion and dismantling racism by leading the way with our own businesses by listening and taking action. It was an informative, engaging panel with much to contribute. Some of the points I will share are elements we can implement into our businesses and within our professional organization. Our workforce needs to be as diverse as possible with businesses having the nerve to eliminate the barriers rather than leaving them in place. An individual with physical disabilities can have a fulfilling career in landscaping. We need to embrace the individual talents of each person and break down intolerance. With advancements in technology and machinery, traditional constraints that were often associated with disabilities can be re-evaluated using a new lens and ultimately, they can be overcome. To increase educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities, access needs to be barrier free and this includes within horticulture and landscape-based training (college, pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs) as well as courses taught through Landscape Ontario and its partners. Working the land — whether building a vegetable garden, a perennial bed or a fully landscaped property — breaks down barriers and creates connections between people of different cultures because working with our hands in the soil is innate to us all.
Lindsay Drake Nightingale LO President info@yorkshiregardenservices.com 3
LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
ProScape Land Design Inc for ‘Pinehurst Retreat’ Residential Construction - $100,000 - 250,000
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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE The Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence annual juried competition recognizes the breathtaking design and master craftsmanship in landscape construction, maintenance, design, lighting and irrigation projects created by members. Award winners are showcased online at LOawards.com and across our social media channels throughout the year. Follow @landscapeontario on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and @green_for_life on Twitter. To view a replay of the 2022 Awards of Excellence ceremony that aired on February 3, 2022, Continued > please visit LOawards.com 5
LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
DON SALIVAN MEMORIAL GROUNDS MANAGEMENT AWARD
Allweather Landscape Co Ltd for ‘Kensington’ Multi-Residential Maintenance - Over 2 Acres
CASEY VAN MARIS MEMORIAL AWARD
Cedar Springs Landscape Group for ‘Wonderful in White’ Residential Construction $500,000 - $1,000,000
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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
DUNINGTON-GRUBB AWARD
The Landmark Group for ‘Tranquil Hideaway’ Residential Construction $500,000 - $1,000,000
NEIL VANDERKRUK AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN
Derue Designs for ‘Serenity’
Private Residential Design - 2,500 - 5000 sq ft
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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
SPECIAL AWARDS YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD Yevgeniy (John) Karpov GARDEN COMMUNICATORS AWARD Steven and Emma Biggs ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD Colliers PROSPERITY PARTNER ROOKIE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Heather Jerrard LEGACY AWARD Bill Putzer (posthumously)
HORST DICKERT AWARD
International Landscaping Inc for ‘Native Perennial Pollinator Garden’ Theme Gardens
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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
G REEN ST A MP WI N N E RS
Whispering Pines Landscaping for ‘Country Living’ Residential Construction $100,000 - $250,000
Niagara Outdoor for ‘Peach Harbour’ Residential Construction $100,000 - $250,000
International Landscaping Inc for ‘Rear Yard Retreat’ Residential Construction $250,000 - $500,000
The Imrie Group for ‘Stoney Ridge’ Residential Construction $250,000 - $500,000
Green Roots Landscaping for ‘Patton’ Residential Construction $50,000 - $100,000
International Landscaping Inc for ‘Water-Wise Hardscape’ Residential Construction $500,000 - $1,000,000
Rockscape for ‘Lake Simcoe Residence’ Residential Construction over $1,000,000
International Landscaping Inc for ‘Native Perennial Pollinator Garden’ - Theme Gardens
Jackson Pond for ‘Carson’s Paw’nd’ Water Features
Lavish for ‘Stonehouse Wildflower Meadow’
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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
Partridge Fine Landscapes Ltd for ‘The Great Escape’ - Residential Construction $500,000 - $1,000,000
2022 AWARDS CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION MULTI-RESIDENTIAL & INDUSTRIAL - $100,000-$250,000 Oakridge Group Inc Three Seasons Landscapes
RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION - $25,000-$50,000 Balsam Creek Landscaping Infinite Possibilities Group Inc Kenneth Morgan Pools & Landscaping Ltd Oakridge Group Inc
COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION MULTI-RESIDENTIAL & INDUSTRIAL - OVER $250,000 Oakridge Group Inc Terra Vista Landscape Construction
RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION - $250,000-$500,000 Abloom Landscape Contractor Inc Aquaview Pools Inc Balsam Creek Landscaping CCS Pool and Landscape Cedar Springs Landscape Group Earthscape Elias Stone Kings Frontiers Landscape Architecture GBC Design & Build Griffith Property Services Ltd Ian McGregor Pools & Landscaping International Landscaping Inc Jonathan Robert Landscape + Design Kenneth Morgan Pools & Landscaping Ltd Land-Con Ltd Mike’s Landscaping Nature’s Choice Landscape Construction Ltd Parkscape Ltd Partridge Fine Landscapes Ltd Pool Craft Precision Landscaping Pro-Land Landscape Construction Inc ProScape Land Design Inc Rockscape Royal Stone Landscaping & Design Ltd Scenic Stone Landscape & Design Inc Streamline Irrigation & Landscape Services Inc Terra Vista Landscape Construction The Imrie Group The Landmark Group
RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION - $100,000-$250,000 Allweather Landscape Co Ltd Aquaview Pools Inc Bos Landscaping Dr. Landscape Inc Flattery Design Frontiers Landscape Architecture GBC Design & Build International Landscaping Inc Land-Con Ltd M.E. Contracting Michael Scott Landscaping Niagara Outdoor Oakridge Group Inc OGS Landscape Services Parkscape Ltd Pool Craft ProScape Land Design Inc Royal Stone Landscaping & Design Ltd Streamline Irrigation & Landscape Services Inc Three Seasons Landscapes Whispering Pines Landscaping Wood Bully Ltd RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION - $10,000-$25,000 Creative Concepts Landscaping Lasting Impressions Landscape Group Oakridge Group Inc
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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION - $50,000-$100,000 Aquaview Pools Inc Bos Landscaping Creative Concepts Landscaping Dr. Landscape Inc Fiona’s Garden Gate Green Roots Landscaping Inc Griffith Property Services Ltd Infinite Possibilities Group Inc Jonathan Robert Landscape + Design Kenneth Morgan Pools & Landscaping Ltd Lincoln Woods Landscapes Inc Oakridge Group Inc Parkscape Ltd Precision Landscaping Rustic Impressions Inc Scenic Stone Landscape & Design Inc Silverfern Landscaping Inc Wild Ridge Landscapes Inc Yards Unlimited Landscaping Inc
Snider Turf & Landscape Care Ltd for ‘Paradise Lake Retreat‘ Private Residential Maintenance - 15,000 sq ft-1 acre
2022 AWARDS MAINTENANCE PROGRAM WINNERS CORPORATE BUILDING MAINTENANCE - UNDER 2 ACRES Bos Landscaping
RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION - $500,000-$1,000,000 Cedar Springs Landscape Group International Landscaping Inc Kenneth Morgan Pools & Landscaping Ltd LandArt Nature’s Choice Landscape Construction Ltd Partridge Fine Landscapes Ltd Stonelife Landscaping Inc The Landmark Group Tydan Landscape Design Inc
CORPORATE BUILDING MAINTENANCE - OVER 2 ACRES Strathmore Landscape Contractors MULTI RESIDENTIAL MAINTENANCE - OVER 2 ACRES Allweather Landscape Co Ltd MULTI RESIDENTIAL MAINTENANCE - UNDER 2 ACRES Reliable Care Premium Landscapes
RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION - OVER $1,000,000 Cedar Springs Landscape Group Rockscape Royal Stone Landscaping & Design Ltd
NON-TURF MAINTENANCE It’s About Thyme Inc Strathmore Landscape Contractors
SPECIAL INTEREST CONSTRUCTION Elite Concrete Griffith Property Services Ltd Rustic Impressions Inc Yards Unlimited Landscaping Inc
PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL MAINTENANCE - 15,000 SQ FT-1 ACRE Snider Turf & Landscape Care Ltd
THEME GARDENS International Landscaping Inc Silverfern Landscaping Inc
SPECIAL INTEREST MAINTENANCE RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL Reliable Care Premium Landscapes
WATER FEATURES BonaVista Pools Ltd Jackson Pond Lavish University Pro Landscapers
2022 AWARDS DESIGN PROGRAM WINNERS
PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL MAINTENANCE - 1 ACRE OR MORE Rockscape
PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DESIGN - 2,500-5,000 SQ FT Derue Designs Greer Design Group Partridge Fine Landscapes Ltd Plantenance Landscape Groupe
SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING Groundhog Landscaping Ltd M.E. Contracting Rockscape
PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DESIGN - 5,000 SQ FT OR MORE Earthscape Partridge Fine Landscapes Ltd
WEB SITES Groundhog Landscaping Ltd Streamline Irrigation & Landscape Services Inc Yards Unlimited Landscaping Inc
PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DESIGN - UNDER 2,500 SQ FT Welwyn Wong Landscape Design
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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
Balsam Creek Landscaping for ‘Lighting Oasis’ - Landscape Lighting Design & Installation - $10,000-$30,000
2022 AWARDS IRRIGATION PROGRAM WINNERS
2021 AWARDS GARDEN CENTRE PROGRAM WINNERS
WATER CONSERVATION AWARD, NON-POTABLE WATER Groundhog Landscaping Ltd
MERCHANDISING TECHNIQUES OUTSTANDING PROMOTIONAL EVENT Baltimore Valley Garden Centre Sheridan Nurseries Georgetown
2022 AWARDS LIGHTING PROGRAM WINNERS
OUTSTANDING DISPLAY OF GOODS SEASONAL Sheridan Nurseries Georgetown
LANDSCAPE LIGHTING DESIGN & INSTALLATION $10,000-$30,000 Balsam Creek Landscaping DiMarco Landscape Lighting International Landscaping Inc Partridge Fine Landscapes Ltd
OUTSTANDING DISPLAY OF PLANT MATERIAL ANNUALS AND/OR PERENNIALS Sheridan Nurseries Georgetown
LANDSCAPE LIGHTING DESIGN & INSTALLATION HOLIDAY LIGHTING LawnSavers Plant Health Care Inc Nutri-Lawn - Burlington Irrigation The Landmark Group
OUTSTANDING DISPLAY OF PLANT MATERIAL YOUR SPECIALTY Port Carling Garden Centre PERMANENT DISPLAY GARDENS - UNDER 500 SQ FT Sheridan Nurseries Georgetown
LANDSCAPE LIGHTING DESIGN & INSTALLATION OVER $30,000 DiMarco Landscape Lighting
THANK YOU
LANDSCAPE LIGHTING DESIGN & INSTALLATION UNDER $10,000 DiMarco Landscape Lighting ProScape Land Design Inc
To our 2022 presenting partner
G&L G ROUP
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and our supporting partners: I N - LI TE , CO N N O N N URS E RI E S , AS P I RE SO F T WARE , S I TE O N E L AN DSCAP E SUP P LY and THE TO RO CO MPAN Y.
LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
ASSOCIATION NEWS Gerry Brouwer receives inaugural NSGA Legacy award Congratulations to longtime Landscape Ontario member Gerry Brouwer, founder of Brouwer Kesmac in Keswick, Ont., who was recently awarded the first ever Ontario Legacy Award by the Nursery Sod Growers Association of Ontario (NSGA). Brouwer received the award at the Visser sod farm in Orono, Ont., at the association’s annual field day. Brouwer was chosen for the award for his contribution and innovation in the sod industry. Brouwer made the first sod harvester in 1966 and began manufacturing sod harvesters by January of 1972. The Brouwer sod harvester revolutionized the way sod was harvested worldwide and galvanized the Brouwer name, becoming synonymous as the most used sod harvester in the turf industry. Brouwer’s accomplishments and longstanding commitment to progression and advancement in the turf industry are a testament to Brouwer Kesmac’s longevity and dedication to meet the future needs of sod producers worldwide.
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for over 25 years
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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
Fusion Landscape Professional training offered in 2022
Designed to save you time. COMPASS CREATIVE STUDIO INC
CLIENT:
201-1040 south service rd
DATE:
stoney creek, on L8E 6G3
DESIGNER(S):
Braun Group
September 2018 Nick Tenhage
www.compasscreative.ca
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SAFETY DRIVEN FUTURE-PROOF
DISTRACTED DRIVING
LIVE VIDEO STREAMING
ALERTS AND COACHING
#WhyGambleWithYourFleet Association Membership Pricing
Landscape contractors, designers and grounds maintenance professionals are encouraged to apply for a limited number of spaces for the next round of training and certification for the Fusion Landscape Professional (FLP) program. Developed by Landscape Ontario in partnership with the Region of Peel and the Regional Municipality of York, the FLP program combines the art and science of horticulture with the science of hydrology to design, build, install and maintain aesthetically pleasing, water-efficient landscapes. The program provides participants with the tools and knowledge to promote and provide landscapes that utilize lot level stormwater management and enhance the environment. The FLP program is offered province-wide for all Landscape Ontario members, with training sessions scheduled for Ottawa (Feb. 15-18), London (March 22-25) and for professionals across Ontario (March 1-4). In order to become FLP-certified, participants are required to write an exam following the training. If you have a passion for protecting the environment and would like to develop a clientele who feel the same, the Fusion Landscape Professional program is right for you. The program includes access to a study manual that will need to be reviewed prior to the training. For more details visit HortTrades.com/fusion or apply at HortTrades.com/fusionapplication or contact the Program Coordinator at 1-800-2655656, ext. 2397 or fusion@landscapeontario.com.
Water Smart Irrigation Professional training offered for 2022 The Water Smart Irrigation Professional (WSIP) certification program provides contractors with the tools and knowledge to promote water-efficient irrigation practices to clients. Landscape Ontario, in partnership with the Region of Peel and the Regional Municipality of York, developed the WSIP program to develop more efficient water irrigation practices and to optimize irrigation systems within the industry. Participants learn about new tools and techniques to optimize irrigation systems for peak performance with minimum water usage. Participating contractors also learn about new smart technology — computerized systems that deliver water more efficiently and even take rainfall into account. Training and access to auditing software will also make irrigation assessments easier and faster. The result is significant water savings. The WSIP program is offered provincewide for all Landscape Ontario members within the irrigation sector and the in-class training is scheduled for March 2022. In order to become WSIPcertified, participants are required to write an exam and complete a field component. For more details and to apply, visit HortTrades.com/wsip or contact the Program Coordinator at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 2397 or wsip@landscapeontario.com.
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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
GH Chapter members support Habitat for Humanity Special thank you to LO member John Vanderwoude Sod Farms for supporting a Habitat for Humanity project in the Hamilton area with a donation of sod. Thank you as well to Golden Horseshoe Chapter Board members Fran Mackenzie and Tim Cruickshanks for facilitating the donation.
Ad Size 7.125 x 6.5 15
LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
IPM Symposium replay available online
In Memoriam — John Berchtold John (Hans) Berchtold passed away Dec. 17, 2021, in his 97th year. He was a master graduate from Oeschberg Gartenbauschule in Switzerland and a professionally trained landscape designer, horticulturist, arborist and stone mason. John immigrated to Canada from his native Switzerland in 1953 and settled in Brampton, Ont. He and his partner, Alfred Knecht, started their business in Brampton and have built countless landscapes in and around the GTA. In later years, Knecht & Berchtold Landscape Design and Construction changed its focus from landscaping to the manufacturing of landscape related concrete products and became known as Alpha Precast (ALfred Plus HAns = ALPHA). The products can be seen in countless communities across Canada and the U.S. Berchtold was also a founding member of Landscape Ontario.
Landscape Ontario’s Turf Management Sector Group hosted its annual IPM Symposium on Jan. 6. Over 250 landscape professionals attended online to hear the latest research and practices for preventing pests, insects, weeds and pathogens. Following the event, attendees were able to take an online exam, where a score of 70 per cent or more earned them six Continuing Education Credits (CECs) from the IPM Council of Canada. A recording of the entire symposium is available for purchase until May 31, 2022. The cost is $75 for an LO member, $100 for a non-member and $25 for students and educators. Organizers would like to recognize the following event partners: Evergreen Bio Innovations (Presenting Partner); JB & D Company, Greenhorizons Sod Farms, Allturf, Koppert Biological Systems, Rittenhouse, Target Specialty Products, Nutrite, Plant Products (Supporting Partners). For details, visit HortTrades.com/ ipm-symposium-2022.
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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
Apprenticeship planning meeting was a huge success
On Dec. 3, 2021, Landscape Ontario hosted a Horticultural Apprenticeship Planning and Strategy Meeting to inform the advancement of the Horticultural Technician 441C Apprenticeship Program. “The Apprenticeship Program is truly a gift, offering great benefits to both employers and workers, so why aren’t more organizations taking advantage?” asked meeting facilitator Tony DiGiovanni, Landscape Ontario’s Executive Director. The apprenticeship team gained valuable intelligence from the group of
enthusiastic professionals representing a wide variety of horticulture and landscape sectors that were in attendance. The planning session also featured a panel of employer sponsors, a Journeyperson, and a new apprentice, as well as break out sessions. “The feedback gained from this meeting affirms the importance of the Apprenticeship Program to the advancement and future growth of the industry,” noted Sally Harvey, Director of Education and Workforce Development at
Landscape Ontario. The apprenticeship team would like to thank the participants for generously sharing their time and insight, and look forward to registering employers and employees this winter. To register as apprentices or to become an employer sponsor, visit horticulturetechnician.ca. Free information sessions are posted at horticulturetechnician.ca/events. Contact info@horticulturetechnician.ca for more information.
““
Neil’s legacy was firmly rooted in giving. It was his belief that in life or in business, if everyone could give back just a little more than they had received, we would all be richer, especially in spirit.”
”
Tony DiGiovanni Executive Director, Landscape Ontario
Help us reach our fundraising goal 17
Visit: ohtf.ca/nvk-fund
LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
PROFESSIONAL NEWS Kam’s joins Royal Brinkman Group Kam’s Growers Supply announced they’ve joined forces with the Royal Brinkman Group of the Netherlands as of January 1, 2022. The two businesses have been working together for several years and the acquisition marks the start of a new phase in their alliance. Ton van Mil, CEO of Royal Brinkman says “... Kam’s distinguishes itself with excellent customer service, products and solutions that improve grower
profitability and sees this rewarded by the strong customer confidence. This aligns seamlessly with what Royal Brinkman stands for. This acquisition is a perfect example of our philosophy ‘Let’s improve together’.” Kameron Fordyce, president of Kam’s Growers Supply, says the arrangement “... enables Kam’s to offer the most innovative, proven product range of all horticultural suppliers in North America. Collaboration
with Royal Brinkman will allow us to expand our portfolio with crop rotation products, mechanical equipment and technical projects.” Kam’s Growers Supply, with its 20 employees, will continue business under the Kam’s name from the same two locations in Ontario as well as British Columbia, Canada, with Kameron and Julie Fordyce at the helm.
Federal government extends CEBA deadline On January 12, 2022, the Canadian government announced the repayment deadline for Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans to qualify for partial loan forgiveness is being extended from
December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2023, for all eligible borrowers in good standing. The government also announced that the repayment deadline to qualify for partial forgiveness for CEBA-equivalent
lending through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund is extended to December 31, 2023. Read the full announcement online at gfl.me/hatJ.
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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
Ontario increases minimum wage to $15 per hour
Starting January 1, 2022, the Ontario government raised the general minimum wage to $15 per hour. “As the cost of living continues to rise, our government will never stop working for workers, including by putting more money into their pockets,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Ontario’s workers deserve a raise, and today we’re delivering one. There’s no better way to support hard-working Ontarians right now than raising the minimum wage.” The following wages are now in place in Ontario:
General minimum wage workers are now earning $15 per hour, a raise from $14.35. Students under the age of 18 who work 28 hours a week or less when school is in session or work during a school break or summer holidays, had their pay raised from $13.50 to $14.10 per hour. Homeworkers (those who do paid work out of their own homes for employers) had their pay raised from $15.80 to $16.50 per hour.
In Memoriam — Richard Wood Richard Vincent Francis Wood passed away on September 22, 2021, while residing in Brooks, Alta., with his wife Margot Adams Wood. He was 90. Born May 30, 1931, in Toronto, Ont., Wood is survived by his son, Chris, his daughter, Sharon, and numerous nieces and nephews in the greater Toronto area. Richard’s early years were spent playing hockey and working at a flower shop. He eventually purchased the shop and furthered his horticulture career designing interior landscapes for malls and commercial complexes. Upon retirement, Wood ventured westward to seek new experiences and adventures. Settling in Brooks, Alta., in 2005, he became active in various organizations including the Diabetes Festival of Trees and the Communities in Bloom Commemorative Forest. Richard’s strong belief was that the giving of one’s self through volunteering improved your outlook on life and that the physical and spiritual rewards would always follow.
LEARN, GROW, THRIVE.
LO ACADEMY
Est. 2021
CO N GRESS | SEC TO R S | C H AP TE R S | P E E R TO P E E R PROF ESSIO N A L D E V ELO PM E NT | AS S O C I ATI O N PAR TN E R S
HortTrades.com/LO - Academy 19
LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
EXECUTIVE DESK
Resilience
N
When the entire industry is gathered together under one roof for three days, feelings of pride and belonging are generated. A lot of positive energy results. Unfortunately, less than a month before opening day, we had to cancel the show. The Omicron wave is like a tsunami. We could not compete with it. Everyone was worried about the health and economic consequences of proceeding with the show. The government finally declared a lockdown. Our staff team was devastated. The show had represented hope for some normalcy after a pandemic that has gripped the world. They worked even harder than usual to make this show a huge success. After the cancellation, there was a visible grieving process. There has been an understandable heaviness in our staff team. However, our guiding word for 2022 is “resilience.” Time is helping us all come to grips with what happened; however, what helps more is the attitude of our members and exhibitors. Heather MacRae, our director of events, commented that our exhibitors are amazing. They are like no other. Even though some had already booked flights, purchased new booths, and made costly preparations, they showed understanding, patience and empathy. We received hundreds of comments expressing thoughts of encouragement and support. The same came from our membership. Landscape Ontario is fortunate. I would like to thank our staff for their hard work, but most importantly, for the passion they show for advancing the profession. Thank you to our awesome exhibitors and sponsors. Thank you to our members and potential members who make our Congress homecoming possible. One of my favourite sayings is from Victor Frank: “Everything can be taken from a person but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.” Our team chooses resilience and hope. See you at the Congress homecoming in 2023. It will mark our 50th anniversary. It will surely be time to celebrate.
ormally, this would have been a postCongress article, where I would summarize the wonderful event and thank the staff, exhibitors and attendees. However, these are not normal times. This is the second year we could not host our most popular event. There was so much hope we would be one of the first major events in Ontario allowed to open. The exhibitors and attendees were looking forward to finally meeting face-to-face. The booths were all sold. The hotel was completely booked. The buzz on social media was getting louder. Exhibitors were prepared. In some cases, trucks were loaded, booths were redesigned and marketing materials purchased. Exhibitors started inviting their clients. In mid-December, just a few weeks before the show, we held our usual “tie-down meeting.” The purpose of the meeting is to gather all associated partners to review every aspect of the event to ensure everyone is on the same page to guarantee the event’s success. These partners included representatives from the Toronto Congress Centre, decorating companies, carpet installers, audio/visual suppliers, material handling, customs brokers, the registration company and LO’s show team. All of the individuals and organizations around the table have been hit very hard by the pandemic. Most have had zero activity in the last two years. A few had just been called back to work after being off since the beginning of the pandemic. The mood in the room was very positive. I had the opportunity to address the gathering. I told them how Congress was much more than a trade show. What it really represents is a homecoming for the landscaping profession. It is a venue where relationships are renewed and enhanced. It is community-building accelerated. Congress reflects our interdependence and interconnectedness. Deals are made. New products are sourced. Relationships are enhanced. New friendships are made. Innovations are celebrated. New skills are learned. People support and encourage each other.
Tony DiGiovanni CHT LO Executive Director tony@landscapeontario.com
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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
SMART ABOUT SALT
Making the right choices in winter
D
eath and taxes are often cited as the two things you can definitely count on. I’d add winter in Ontario to that list, and I don’t expect that to change even with the impact of climate change. Since we know snow and ice is bound to arrive each winter, it’s only prudent to prepare. That way, we can make the most out of the winter months while staying safe. I suspect a parent would get some funny looks if they sent their child to school in shorts, sneakers, and no coat when the wind is blowing and the snow is flying. Parents want the best for their kids, so they make significant investments in the right boots, jackets, hats and gloves. These investments are often made not simply because boots and clothes get outgrown, but because there seems to be a direct correlation between the need/usefulness of the item and the probability that it will be lost. As with our kids, adults should also be encouraged to make good choices surrounding what we wear in snow. Consider bringing so-called indoor shoes with you to change into, but wear boots and a winter jacket outside. Likewise, if you drive, consider the investment in winter tires. In many jurisdictions it is now unlawful to drive in winter without changing over to winter tires and in others there are reductions in insurance premiums if winter tires are used. We can also make better choices at home when it comes to winter maintenance. Those lucky enough to own a snowblower should service their machines ahead of the winter season. Around your home, fix leaking downspouts and depressions to ensure water won’t pool and freeze. When the inevitable white stuff arrives, take your time shovelling to avoid overexertion. Maybe kids who lose so many hats and gloves can help — after all, many hands make light work. Mechanically remove snow and ice and think about the real need for salt. Often what remains after shovelling will melt in the sun without it. Environment Canada has deemed
salt a “hazardous substance,” but it has special dispensation due to its use in winter maintenance. Safety first, but each of us should consider using the right product(s), at the right time, in the right amounts. Salt (NaCl), the same product that we use on French fries, is really only effective to -7 C. This is where other products, including beet juice, can assist. Such products help to lower the exothermic temperature, meaning the effective temperatures at which salt (NaCl) will work. But with any product like beet juice, you still need salt. Products with Calcium Chloride (Cac2) and Magnesium Chloride (mgCl2) have lower working temperatures, but have twice the chloride. It is often true these products cost a little more, their increased efficiency means users typically apply less to get the same results. Grits such as sand can also be a good alternative, but they are only effective on
top of ice. Often sand gets applied, then we have another snow event, and the grit gets buried and is largely useless. Like salt, grits are also an environmental threat. They may not have chlorides that negatively impact the environment, but they do get washed into water bodies and impact habitats. The point is to be prepared for winter and understand how we can do our part to ensure safety and protect the environment. To learn more about the Smart About Salt Council and how they support professionals in the industry, visit smartaboutsalt.com.
Lee Gould Executive Director, Smart About Salt Council lee.gould@smartaboutsalt.com
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Building strategic relationships — Part 1
L
ast month, one of the virtual seminars I presented at Congress Conference Redefined seemed to strike a surprising response in terms of participant engagement and curiosity. I thought my readers here would like to learn the highlights too. Reading a 1,000 word column isn’t quite the same impact as a 55-minute live presentation, so I will share the highlights here, and in my column next month. In my opinion, relationships can either help to make your business stronger, or they can break it. A few key, solid, welltimed relationships can launch your business to the next level — and they can be your steady bread and butter. They can provide insight and creativity to innovate, pivot, and re-invent. They can challenge your status quo — pushing you to stretch your talent and beliefs. And if you create a strategy and follow an intentional framework to guide you to develop key relationships, your company will benefit from it greatly. Without developing strategic relationships when you need them most, you’ll be paddling upstream by yourself to keep your business moving forward, one inch at a time. So, how do you go about improving the breadth, depth and quantity of relationships? How do you prioritize what relationships to nurture and abandon? Here are the first of four steps to focus your energy and launch your relationship results:
Step 1:
Be intentional where you spend your time relative to developing important relationships in your business – suppliers, customers, advocates, allied trades, etc. Consider these three categories:
Return on time invested (ROTI): This is the return to you for your time invested in the business. It could be salary, commission, dividend, bonus, profit, etc. Potential return on time invested (PROTI): This is the return to the business on the time you spend outside of work tasks. For example, networking at a local business group event, peer groups, online communities, etc. Return on relationships (ROR): This is the returned intrinsic value to the business from relationships developed with suppliers, employees, colleagues, competitors, customers, and community influencers. It’s your word-of-mouth referral base. By taking stock of the activities you do which directly and indirectly support relationships, you’ll be equipped to develop the key relationships your business needs to thrive.
Step 2:
Build relationships strategically, both inside and outside of your business. The diagram shown here is a portion of a Business Roadmap© I developed in my coaching tool box. In this segment of the roadmap, I’m illustrating how the dynamics between your company’s ‘internal’ and ‘external’ brand are both separate and connected. Staff and customer experience both form the foundation which drives the steps above each. If you’re missing one of the levels, everything above it won’t be sustainable. Start from the bottom and work upwards. Each level is a driver for the level above it. It’s where the experience that people have with the business, both inside and outside, translates into delight, engagement and success. I often think back to this quote from Simon Sinek: “Customers will never love your company until the employees love it first.”
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Team Productivity
Profit AND Growth
ENGAGES
Commitment to Systems
Customer Loyalty
Team Happiness
Customer Delight
Staff Experience
Customer Experience
Your Internal Brand
Your External Brand
This is about recognizing when to focus on building relationships with your employees and when to shift focus on building relationships with customers and others. While all relationships need to be nurtured constantly, there are times in the growth and development of every business when attention must shift to the everchanging dynamics of the business cycle. Relationships need to be built strategically, and through a progression of layered steps. Stay tuned next month for steps three and four in building strategic relationships.
Jacki Hart CLM Prosperity Partners Program Manager info.peertopeer@landscapeontario.com
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Tillsonburg, ON Specializing in field grown and potted cedars along with perennials, trees and shrubs of both deciduous and evergreen varieties.
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