Landscape Ontario - November - December 2023

November | December 2023

YOUR GUIDE TO THE

BEST SHOW OF THE YEAR PAGE 8

CREATIVE LANDSCAPE DEPOT'S SECRET TO GROWTH

TORONTO CHAPTER BURSARY PROJECTS

REMEMBERING BOB TUBBY

PAGE 4

PAGE 16

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- DECEMBER 2023 | 1 ATTEND CONGRESS FOR FREE: USE PROMO CODE LOMAGLOC24NOVEMBER AT LOCONGRESS.COM

November | December 2023 • Volume 41 - No. 06

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.

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Features 4

Member Profile: Creative Landscape Depot

8 14 16 36

Congress Preview

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Landscape Ontario Podcast Preview

L A N D S CA P E O N TA R I O

Toronto Bursary Recipients OHTF Foundation Report

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TRADE SHOW & CONFERENCE

Association News

EST. 1973

New Members Volunteer Profile Scholarship Profile Professional News Columns Advertisers

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President - Lindsay Drake Nightingale Past President - Dave Wright Vice President - Ed Hansen Second Vice President - Lindsey Ross Treasurer - Jeff Olsen COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT Communications Director - Kali Pearson Creative Director - Mike Wasilewski Editor - Robert Ellidge Multimedia Journalist - Karina Sinclair Contributing Writer - Julia Harmsworth Account Manager - Greg Sumsion Account Manager - Liz Lant Digital Marketing Specialist - Charlotte Guena Communications Coordinator - Angela Lindsay Accountant - Joe Sabatino Staff contact info: HortTrades.com/contact COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

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L

andscape Ontario Congress!

What better way is there to connect with peers, network with suppliers, learn from industry leaders and recognize excellence within our membership?

The Congress trade show is by far the most influential event organized and implemented by Landscape Ontario. It promotes the entire profession — whether you’re in design, grounds management, construction, lighting, irrigation, or elsewhere. If you attend Congress, you’re guaranteed to find at least one nugget of information, or make one personal connection that will propel your business or your career forward.

With the development of new technologies, equipment, innovations and plants, Congress is the perfect venue to see them all. Whether you’re interested in design software, CMS, time management apps; or self-propelled mowers, bulb planters or blower trucks; or Acer rufinerve, Hepatica acutifolia or Acornus americanus, you will be able to ask the experts and make informed purchases that will enhance your business.

Congress also has a host of educational opportunities, including the free LIVE Stage demonstrations, Ask the Expert, and three days of informative morning sessions at the Congress Conference. Here you’ll learn about the newest trends and hear the latest

research. Congress features knowledgeable speakers who impart valuable, insightful and diverse information participants can take back to their crews, teammates and businesses.

One of the greatest values of Congress is the chance it gives us to meet new people and connect with peers you may not have seen since the last trade show, and enjoy a meal together, share a laugh, and catch up on business and family life.

Whether you come to Congress for three days or three hours, you’ll leave raring to get things done. Let’s hope for clear weather so we can all participate in the best trade show ever: Congress!

One of my favourite peers will be sadly missed at this year’s Congress. Robert “Bob” Tubby (co-founder of Arbordale Landscaping and Moonstruck Landscape Lighting with his wife Mitzi) died October 15, 2023. As a mentor, colleague, friend and family man, he was the consummate gentleman.

Bob served as LO president in 2006-2007 and while in this role was instrumental in building the Prosperity Partners program which led to the establishment of LO’s Peer to Peer Network. Bob mentored many business owners (myself included) with insight, wisdom and above all else, kindness.

I will miss you, Bob. As always, feel free to reach out to me anytime.

Lindsay Drake Nightingale LO President info@yorkshiregardenservices.com

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023 | 3

4 | LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Member Profile

CREATIVE LANDSCAPE DEPOT TAKES NATURAL OPPORTUNITIES

FOR GROWTH

By Julia Harmsworth

A

gility, excitement and risk are words that arise frequently in conversation with Jordan Ward, owner of Creative Landscape Depot in St. Jacobs and Guelph, Ont. He is always looking for the next big opportunity to jump into headfirst.

“People create their own dreams,” Ward said. “My mind doesn’t shut off and I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but it seems to be wonderful for the company.”

Ward got into landscaping in the early 2000s, flipping houses with his brother. He was working on the front yard of a house in Waterloo when a neighbour asked him for help with a small landscaping job. Ward agreed.

“When I ran the math, I thought, ‘I could make something out of this,’” he said. Ward put some flyers in mailboxes, gained more clients and officially formed Creative Landscape Designs — a landscape maintenance and hardscaping company — in 2004.

Two and a half years in, Ward found a gap in the level of service offered to contractors and decided to fill it. He purchased land in St. Jacobs and became a stone retailer, renaming his company Creative Landscape Depot.

“Where I was buying my materials from, I just wasn’t receiving what I thought I could receive in terms of service,” Ward said. “People believe you can treat a contractor differently, with a lesser customer service-oriented focus, and it shouldn’t be like that.”

Now, Creative Landscape Depot sells homeowners the product a contractor would demand and offers contractors the service a homeowner would demand. Of this business model, Ward says, “That’s unique.”

“The focus was to not only participate in landscape supply, but to hopefully refine it, change it, elevate the perception that the end user has for the landscape industry as a whole.”

Continued > NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023 | 5

6 | LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

A NATURAL NICHE

Creative Landscape Depot only stocks A-grade materials, or the highest-end product available. Ward only sells homeowners what a contractor or architect would choose to install — something that may be more expensive but will last year after year.

“You should never sell a homeowner some marketed gimmick just because it’s got a better price,” Ward explained. “You should only offer them the industry’s leading quality item because it’s going to the biggest asset they’ll ever own in their life: their house.”

The company focuses on natural stone, favouring quarries in Wiarton and Kawartha, Ont. It sources products including granite, sandstone and limestone, which Ontario is known for worldwide. Keeping it local keeps it consistent: according to Ward, Ontario natural stone matches the colour palettes of most houses. “[Natural stone] is a passion of ours. It’s our niche. It’s finicky — it’s a delicate product line. To fully understand it, you have to stay connected. The fact that it’s not manufactured means it changes daily,” Ward said.

In order to ensure its supply meets demand, Creative Landscape Depot maintains consistent correspondence with local quarries. Ward realizes it would be easier to favour artificial stone, but the delicacy of natural stone gives it an added value — and makes business more exciting.

Sales manager Jeremy Kwiatkowski believes the company’s product quality sets it apart. He was a client before becoming an employee, previously owning a hardscaping business. The A-grade product line drew him to Creative Landscape Depot.

A TEAM OF INDUSTRY LEADERS

In addition to their product line, Ward believes the company’s strength lies in its team. The majority of Ward’s employees — whom he refers to as “family members,” and occasionally “Spartans” — previously owned landscaping businesses.

This background uniquely equips them to give homeowners the creative direction and confident advice they are looking for. For Kwiatkowski, it also motivates the team to offer exceptional service to contractors, which he says “makes the biggest difference.”

“You want to create an experience that you wish you could have shopped at. That was a big one for me. I wanted to continue to help elevate the industry, create some accountability,” Kwiatkowski said.

Ward says he would not be where he is today without his team.

As the company grew, he filled the gaps in his own abilities and proficiencies with the right people. Now, Creative Landscape Depot has about 60 employees across its two locations. Ward makes the most of this team by encouraging his staff to lead without titles.

“I believe everyone’s got an ounce of creativity, and we should all fight to figure out what that is within everyone,” Ward said. “I’m very appreciative. I’m very proud of this team, and I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Ward strives to offer his employees a positive work-life balance and individualized compensation schemes based on their circumstances. If someone wishes to trade salary for extra vacation days, for example, he makes that happen. He believes in creating power from within with a strong, loyal team — which is a prerequisite for growth.

To be the best leader and teammate he can be, Ward is dedicated to personal growth through reading and learning as much as he can. “As we grow, so do I,” he says. “I need to grow.

And that’s been a fun process.”

AN EYE FOR OPPORTUNITY

Ward is no stranger to finding surprising opportunities for growth.

Creative Landscape Depot opened a second location in Guelph in 2021 — during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was the perfect opportunity: Guelph was close enough to the St. Jacobs location to exchange materials but far enough away to tap into a new market. Plus, competing businesses were slowing down given the pandemic’s economic toll. Ward saw a gap and wanted to fill it.

“A wise person once told me, when the world is walking, run,” Ward said. “We were not so concerned about the risk as much as we were seeking opportunity and pushing the company forward. It was a roller coaster. There’s nothing more exhilarating.”

While following pandemic restrictions, Creative Landscape Depot managed to come out of COVID-19 at double the size, with more inventory, more staff, more administrative infrastructure and more natural stone.

“Business isn’t stationary. The marketplace is variable. So if we want to be in that race, we better be ready to mold. We’re reshaping every moment,” Ward said.

To thrive in a seasonal industry — with a six-month high season and a six-month off-season — Creative Landscape Depot must be flexible, finding new revenue streams to keep its staff busy and the business growing. For example, it recently became one of the largest salt retailers in the province.

The company is also in its third year of brokering, shipping natural stone from quarries directly to job sites across the province.

This service keeps Ward in touch with the greater landscaping community — and reveals any new gaps in the market he may wish to fill.

“I come across a lot of closed doors and brick walls. I also seem, every now and then, to find that one ounce of potential opportunity that exists, and then my art of curiosity forces me to continually engage,” Ward said.

PASSION FOR THE PROFESSION

Looking forward, Ward wants to create something sustainable.

He embraces digitalization with open arms as a way to offer consumers the best experience possible. He believes in addition to margin protection, digitalization can better the public’s perception of the profession.

“In the green industry, because of the abrasive nature, the dirty work, we often don’t get treated with the same respect,” Ward explained. “[But] the landscape construction industry is a major contributor to the GDP. There should be some respect for it.”

“We’re offering all sorts of materials that are enhancing people’s lives. They’re creating the ambience of what they call home. That’s people’s safe space.”

When asked where he believes Creative Landscape Depot’s success has come from, Ward highlighted multiple factors: taking advantage of opportunities others may shy away from, motivating a strong team and being creative.

His wife Ivonne Malave — who has worked for the company for 10 years — pointed to intention for enacting change in the industry: “I’ve seen the company grow and change, and in the beginning, [Ward] was saying, ‘We should improve this in the industry. Not just in Creative [Landscape Depot], but industry.’”

Ultimately, Ward settled on passion, which he believes is the root of everything else. He is passionate about the industry, his customers, his products and his staff — whom he carries with him on the company’s adventure, forever exhilarated by risk.

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L A N D S CA P E O N TA R I O

TRADE SHOW & CONFERENCE EST. 1973

T H E F U T U R E I S F R I E N D LY CONGRESS IS BACK FOR ANOTHER YEAR OF INSPIRATION, INNOVATION AND LOTS OF FRIENDLY FACES

By Kali Pearson

8 | LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

After a phenomenal first year back in person last January — where Landscape Ontario’s Congress welcomed over 17,600 visitors — we could not be more excited about Congress 2024, taking place Jan. 9-11 in Toronto. We’re back with over 400 exhibitors covering eight acres, plus a wealth of special events happening in and around the show. In short, Congress has everything (and we mean everything) you need to plan for a successful 2024.

With so many ways to get involved, we’re sharing the inside scoop on the best ways to connect, learn, celebrate, and source equipment and suppliers for the year ahead. Plus, we’re sharing tips from Landscape Ontario’s Congress show team on making it through the long days and nights of the best event of the year (in our humble opinion) with a smile on your face. If you haven’t registered yet, now is the time!

THE LIVE STAGE AREA IS SURE TO BE A HOTSPOT THIS YEAR!

CONNECT Anyone who has been to Congress will tell you the best part of the three-day event is connecting with peers in the landscape and horticultural profession.

In addition to meeting friends and colleagues on the floor and stopping by the exhibitor booths (you can plan your route and navigate by using the interactive floor plan, available at locongress.com) there are lots of great networking opportunities throughout the day. Tickets to Congress are only $15 for Landscape Ontario members, $30 for non-members and free for students and educators. There’s also the legendary Tailgate Party happening Jan. 10 at 8:30 p.m., and admission is included in your Congress pass.

For exhibitors only, Landscape Trades Magazine is hosting a VIP lounge where you can host impromptu meetings or just give your feet a rest and get a bite to eat.

Continued >

EXPERT SPEAKERS GROW AND APPRENTICESHIP CREW A FIRST TIME EVER COLLABORATIVE STUDENT GARDEN IT'S A GREAT PLACE TO LEARN, GET INSPIRED AND MAYBE EVEN FIND YOUR NEXT STAR EMPLOYEE

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023 | 9

LEARN Your trade show only pass gets you access to all of the LIVE Stage events, covering a range of topics to support your business. For those wishing for a deeper dive, the Congress Conference is your chance to immerse yourself in the latest trends, techniques and innovations to help your business thrive. A conference pass is $225 for Landscape Ontario members and $275 for non-members — but only till Dec. 15, when prices will go up.

Student/educator passes are available for $40. The Conference will feature presentations and panel discussions with industry leaders on optimizing your business, recruitment, marketing, consumer trends and inspiring talks on how those in the landscape and horticultural trades can help mitigate climate change through their work.

The Landscape Ontario Peer to Peer Network is hosting its annual kick-off event for business owners and key managers on Jan. 8. If you’re ready to take a deep dive into your leadership style and want to learn how to best manage your team, then this is the event for you. Early bird pricing for the workshop is available until Dec. 15 at $175 for LO members and $225 for non-members.

Also taking place on Jan. 8 is the Landscape Designers conference at the Delta Hotels

by Marriott Toronto Airport. This full-day event includes a lunch and closing reception and each conference session qualifies for one Landscape Horticulture Certification CEU. With talks on therapeutic garden design, accessible landscaping and career success, it’s the perfect place to shore up your skills and connect with peers. Early bird pricing is $175 for LO members and $225 for non-members, available until Dec. 15.

CHECK OUT THE FULL CONFERENCE SPEAKER LINEUP AT locongress.com/conference to plan your day in advance.

Conference runs Jan. 9-11, taking place 9:30-noon so guests will have plenty of time to check out the trade show in the afternoons.

10 | LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

TOP 10 TIPS

FOR MAKING THE MOST OF CONGRESS FROM THE CONGRESS SHOW TEAM

THE LO AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE CEREMONY ON JAN. 9 is our chance to shine and celebrate one another. Be sure to dress to impress (whatever that means for you!).

CELEBRATE Congress isn’t just a place to plan for the future — it’s a place to celebrate the successes of 2023 with your peers. The Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence Ceremony, taking place on Jan. 9, will reveal winning projects by landscape and horticulture professionals in several categories. It’s a true celebration of the breathtaking design and master craftsmanship that LO members bring to property owners and communities across the province. And it’s a wonderful chance to bring your team together for an inspiring and energizing night. Tickets are available now for $100 each or $900 for a table of 10 (plus HST).

Looking for even more ways to celebrate and connect? The annual Tailgate Party, taking place at the Delta Hotel January 10, is a great atmosphere — with games, entertainment and a relaxed social vibe. Your trade show badge will get you in the door and the party starts at 8:30 p.m.

Continued >

1 2

EGISTER IN ADVANCE R If you register before Dec. 15, your badge will arrive in the mail, and you won’t waste time lining up at the event. You’ll also get early-bird pricing.

3

HECK THE TIME C Along with knowing which booths you want to visit, you want to know which events or shows are on your docket.

Check out the schedule and set alerts on your phone to keep you on track.

4

ROP BY THE LANDSCAPE ONTARIO D MEMBERSHIP BOOTH (#1435) We’re biased, but one of our favourite booths is the LO Membership booth, which represents the vibrant LO community. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about the exclusive benefits available to LO members.

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SE THE INTERACTIVE ONLINE FLOOR PLAN U Peruse the floor plan on LOcongress.com to map out which booths you most want to visit. This feature is like the Google Maps version for trade shows.

RING LOTS OF BUSINESS CARDS B Networking is key at Congress. You want the new contacts you meet to be able to reach out to you after the event.

Bring more business cards than you think you need.

EAR COMFORTABLE SHOES W Congress is massive, and you’ll likely be on your feet most of the day travelling from booth to booth. Wear your most comfortable walking shoes — you’ll thank yourself later.

ON’T FORGET YOUR REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE D It’s important to stay hydrated, especially when you’re on your feet all day, and indoor heating can also result in drier air.

RING A NOTEBOOK B Congress is full of information. Bring a notebook to keep track of new ideas, contacts or anything else you learn.

Trust us — you won’t remember everything.

AKE BREAKS T There’s a lot to see, but you don’t want to tire before the day is done. Be sure to sit down and eat a snack every once in a while to keep your energy up.

ON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW UP D When the day is done, reach out to the connections you’ve made at Congress. Follow up with new clients, business partners and friends to complete your experience.

CONGRESS REGISTRATION, THE FLOOR PLAN, SCHEDULE AND OTHER RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT LOCONGRESS.COM.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023 | 11

DON’T JUST TAKE IT FROM US! HERE’S WHAT KEEPS ATTENDEES AND EXHIBITORS COMING BACK

“It’s great exposure for us that we’re able to get our name out. We met a lot of great employers, but we also met a lot of great candidates who I think will really benefit from our services. And hopefully we can take the two and put them together and get a lot of people working and a lot of employers some great candidates.”

– Aisha Hussain, ApprenticeSearch.com “We love it. We love seeing the people, our friends, our family, our customers, new people. It’s just a lot of fun.

It’s really important for the industry to showcase what we’re all about, too. This is an awesome industry and it’s great to show what kind of great things we’re doing and how we’re benefiting the world around us.”

– Brent Vanderkruk, NVK Nurseries “We do have a large client base in Ontario already, so it’s nice to get down here, see some fresh faces and some old faces that we’ve seen before and get some new leads in the area. It’s nice getting to see not just what everybody else has to offer, but also what the competition is doing, and how they’re dealing with their clients.”

– Dan Dow, Steam ‘N’ Weeds “The staff here have been very well organized and super helpful with everything that we've been trying to do. It makes a huge difference on a show how convenient it is and how organized things are. We were able to come in here and set up our booth with minimal issues, all thanks to the staff at Congress.”

– Tom Stirling, Ryobi “I think it’s interesting how you never know who you’re going to find at something like this and how the pieces all connect together. How many of the people who come here will be our customers? I don’t know. But it’s really interesting, even as I visit other booths to see the other aspects of the industry and how we all tie it together.”

– Melissa Wright, United Floral Distributors “It’s a good opportunity to get our name out there.

We’re a fairly new company in this industry, so we’re trying to make relationships with people and tell people that we’re here. That’s a huge thing in this industry — to know a lot of people.”

– Erin Batty, Uxbridge Stone and Landscape Supply

12 | LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

SHOP AND SOURCE With hundreds of exhibitors from across Canada, Congress is a one-stop shop for everything you need to make 2024 your best season yet. Some of the key exhibitor trends we’re seeing this year include: BACKYARD LIVING: From cozy seating to outdoor cooking and dedicated playspaces, Congress has you covered.

Check out IDC Home, Premium Living and BUM Furniture for gorgeous furniture; Urbanscape Self-Watering Planters, Green Theory Design and Domino Planters for unique containers; Court Survey Specialists/DIY Courts, Sport Court and Rymar Grass for creating spaces for play; and Station Grill and Wildfire Outdoor Living for outdoor kitchens and cooking. To light it all up and even explore water features, swing

by ProSource Supply and Aquascape.

ROWER AND PLANT INNOVATION: G Innovation is a constant in our industry and with climate change affecting, well, everything, it’s never been a better time to lean into ethical, native and organic products. Check out Northern Wildflowers for farm-grown or ethically collected flowers from the wild, Florae Farms for locally-grown native trees, Croxall Farms and Pure Life Soil for unique growing elixirs made from fish and worm poop.

ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT: Whether you are looking for electric equipment and vehicles from large brands like Stihl, Echo or Kress or newcomers like MAP Agri/Knegt Tractors, Congress has it all.

Exhibitors will also be featuring robotics and autonomous equipment, software to help optimize your business and, of course, the usual impressive array of fuel-powered trucks, snow plows and blowers, skid steers, excavators, vacuum lifts, leaf blowers, mowers, chain saws, and more.

You can stay tuned for all updates and purchase tickets to Congress, Conference and satellite events at locongress.com. We hope to see you there!

DRIVE YOUR COSTS DOWN SCAN TO LEARN MORE

Save up to 10% on eligible products

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023 | 13 Contact us to learn more: info@dibbits.ca | 613.394.3478

INSIGHTS FROM

A VETERAN TRIAL GARDEN MANAGER

A Landscape Ontario Podcast preview

14 | LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

By Karina Sinclair

T

he Landscape Ontario trial gardens showcase the innovative ornamentals coming to market in the near future. Featuring nearly 600 different kinds of annuals, perennials, and woody shrubs, it’s a spectacle for the senses.

Rodger Tschanz, lecturer at the University of Guelph, has been managing and evaluating the performance of new releases in the trial garden since 2006. He joined the Landscape Ontario Podcast to reveal some of his favourite blooms from the 2023 trials, some observations from his wildflower trials in collaboration with

the World Wildlife Fund, a glimpse of an interesting plant project involving student wellness at the University of Guelph, and how his attitude toward gardening has evolved to better appreciate plants that look good dead, thanks to the influence of Dutch landscape designer Piet Oudolf.

Listen to Rodger’s interview on the Landscape Ontario Podcast, where we talk to key players, innovators and thought leaders in landscaping and horticulture. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or at landscapeontario.com/podcast. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Ad Size 7.125 x 6.5

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023 | 15

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

TORONTO C

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TORONTO CHAPTER BURSARY PROGRAM

funds community projects across the GTA

By Julia Harmsworth

16 | LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Landscape Ontario’s Toronto Chapter Bursary Program supported the growth of pollinator and food gardens alike this year, with many recipients providing a space for kids to get involved in gardening and for Indigenous reconciliation.

Every year, the Chapter offers grants of up to $1,500 to foster the growth of community projects, totalling $15,000 in contributions. In 2023, 17 communitybased projects received funding.

“It’s a way of giving back to the neighbourhoods our members work and

live in,” said Matt Gove, Toronto Chapter Bursary Committee member.

“We are looking to support projects that promote wellness, make positive environmental impacts, build community and provide educational experiences. We like to choose the projects that will benefit the most people.”

Though varied in scope, the projects have a common vision: promoting land stewardship, ecological thinking and green space in predominantly urban environments.

Christie Refugee Welcome Centre

The Christie Refugee Welcome Centre is an emergency shelter in Toronto that serves refugee families. The organization built a community garden in its back parking lot in 2021 to provide families with access to green space, urban gardening and fresh produce.

“It’s been a really special project to be part of. It’s really nice to see the families outside and taking their minds off some of the bigger issues they’re going through,” said Denise Hansen, who coordinates communications, engagement and volunteers for the centre.

Now, the garden is growing tomatoes, beans, lettuce, squash, carrots, red onions and herbs like chives, basil and oregano for refugee families. The bursary helped purchase vegetable and herb seeds and seedlings, soil and gardening tools.

The centre’s children plant seeds in pots, keep them in their rooms, transfer them to the garden beds and water them twice daily. The staff run weekly gardening sessions to teach the children about gardening, plant identification and pollinator plants.

“We really want to show [the children] the importance of sustainability. It’s also nice to see their excitement when they pull up a carrot or find a red tomato. It’s been pretty special,” said Hansen.

The Stop

The Stop tackles food insecurity by connecting low-income Toronto residents to good food in dignified spaces, providing free meals and resources and empowering people to grow their own food.

Their Mashkikiiaki’ing (Medicine Earth) Garden, or Indigenous Community Garden, is located in Hillcrest Park in Toronto. It is the first Indigenous-led garden in the city; The Stop stewards it in partnership with Na-Me-Res, an Indigenous men’s residence.

“It is under the leadership and direction of the Indigenous community, so it really prioritizes their needs and desires. It’s really reflected in the plants that are grown there, and the layout of the garden,” said Hilda Nouri, The Stop urban agriculture manager, referencing the garden’s Medicine Wheel design.

The garden grows over 35 different varieties of vegetables, fruits, flowers and pollinator species, including beans, squash and corn. Participants also grow culturally significant plant medicines, like tobacco, sage, sweet grass and cedar.

The food harvested is distributed between participants and used to make meals for The Stop and Na-Me-Res programming. “[The bursary] really increased our capacity to grow food,” said Nouri. “It’s a really great connector and first step to connect with new people.”

Joyce Public School

Joyce Public School is a kindergarten to grade six school in North York, Ont., that revamped its outdoor green space by constructing four gardens: a tire garden, a pollinator garden, a vegetable garden and a Haudenosaunee Three Sisters Garden with corn, beans and squash.

Andrea Brow, a teacher at the school who oversees the garden project, said it's so important because many of the school’s students live in apartment buildings with limited access to green space. She said it's really beautiful to see them engage with the garden.

“There were times when I’d give them bins of dirt and you see how happy they are, just digging in the dirt and getting their hands dirty.”

Landscape Ontario member Tullia Marcolongo designed the garden pro-bono and brought the bursary to Brow’s attention. The funding was the foundation of the garden: the school used it to purchase plant material, seeds, soil, compost, planters and gardening materials like garden hoses and stakes.

“We couldn’t have done it if we didn’t get the bursary.

It wouldn’t have happened. But it’s so important for these children,” said Brow. “It’s curriculum-related, it’s good for our mental health, it’s good to be outside and it’s fun!”

Continued >

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023 | 17

Aanjiktigaan

Started in 2013 by Naadmaagit Ki Group — an Indigenous organization in Toronto focused on helping the Earth — Aanjiktigaan is an approximately 3,000 square foot garden in the Little Portugal neighbourhood of Toronto.

Aanjiktigaan is Anishinaabemowin for “making the garden over again.”

It is a space for Indigenous and nonIndigenous peoples to form deeper connections with the land through planting, growing and harvesting food and traditional medicines.

“The intention of our space is to be an important site for not just humans, but all of our relations,” said volunteer Meagan Dellavilla. "When we’re designing or managing the garden, we’re doing so with all of these other beings in mind.” For example, one of the volunteers is a bee researcher who ensures the space promotes pollinators.

The garden is home to over 60 different native trees, shrubs and plants. The food harvested is shared amongst the volunteers who care for it, neighbours and Fatima House, a local women’s shelter.

“As a volunteer-led group, having access to funds is so important to us,” said Dellavilla. “It helps us keep the garden really accessible. We have been able to purchase more garden tools, even things as simple as garden gloves.”

West Neighbourhood House

West Neighbourhood House (formerly known as St. Christopher House) promotes urban agriculture, health, community engagement, Indigenous cultural work and environmental justice.

Its new pollinator garden is labelled in both English and Ojibwe as a part of the agency’s writing relations work with Indigenous community members.

The growing plants include bergamot, 18 | LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Urban Farm Initiative

Urban Farm Initiative creates community gardens to tackle food insecurity across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This year, the organization built a community garden on the Unionville Alliance Church’s land in Markham, Ont., which was previously an open meadow.

“The land was dormant for 30 years, so the church didn’t utilize it at all. There are native pollinator plants in the acreage — there’s so many butterflies, and all these pollinator insects,” said Januja Jeyarajah, Urban Farm Initiative executive director.

The bursary helped construct the garden, funding the purchase of lumber, soil amendments, seeds, water, tools and other construction materials. The garden grows peppers, spinach, tomatoes, radishes, green beans, yellow beans and herbs like oregano and basil.

“We’re really impressed with the results. We started growing in midJuly, and we’ve already generated a lot of produce from just a small space,” said Jeyarajah.

Urban Farm Initiative donates all the produce to the church’s Master’s Pantry food bank, which feeds about 200 families, and the Markham Food Bank, which feeds about 600 families.

purple cone flowers, tickseed, oak sedge, sunchoke and butterfly milkweed.

Angela ElzingaCheng, program manager, said it is essential to increase the biodiversity of urban green spaces — which are typically composed of just grass — to support local pollinators and the health of the environment in general.

“One of our catchphrases is ‘thriving Earth, thriving people.’ So, when we take care of the Earth and we take care of the pollinators and the land around us, we also

Fred Victor

Fred Victor works to improve health, income and housing stability for unhoused people and people living in poverty. Their Community Food Gardening Program in Regent Park is turning the neighbourhood into a massive urban farm.

The non-profit maintains 269 allotment gardens for individuals and families, and four communal gardens across the area. People grow and harvest their chosen produce — like tomatoes, kiwis and zucchinis — and the organization provides oversight and support.

“It has become a real staple in the Regent Park community,” said Alexa Swaby, manager of foundations and community giving. “It gives people such a great attachment to the food that they’re consuming.”

A portion of the vegetables and herbs grown in the communal gardens are used in Fred Victor’s greater food security program, including the free meals it distributes daily — totalling approximately 200,000 meals per year.

The bursary helped support the program’s daily operational expenses, like soil, compost, seedlings and gardening tools — which make the garden accessible for everybody.

“We’re really thankful to have these bursaries that allow us to keep this program running,” said Swaby.

have thriving people,” ElzingaChang said.

The funding also contributed to the agency’s Growing the Future Kids Program. The children and families who participate in the program meet weekly over the spring and summer in two community gardens — the Hope Garden and Milky Way Garden — in Parkdale, Toronto.

“Being able to learn young what it means to take care of the Earth is really important,” said ElzingaCheng.

Thorncliffe Park Women’s Committee

The Thorncliffe Park Women’s Committee empowers women to build stronger communities in the Thorncliffe Park neighbourhood in Toronto. It maintains the Thorncliffe Family Garden in R.V. Burgess Park, which engages local families in urban gardening.

“Our garden is an asset to the neighbourhood,” said Sabina Ali, Thorncliffe Park Women’s Committee executive director. “It is very, very important, especially in the low-income neighbourhoods where there are issues of food security.”

The garden has individual plots for growing produce and a few plots that grow herbs and lettuce for the committee’s café in the park — a social enterprise inspiring community in the area. It also includes a pollinator garden and a children’s learning garden.

“In the immigrant communities, it is one of the ways to come out and meet your neighbours. It’s a place of socializing, gaining knowledge and learning about the plants. It’s an important place,” said Ali. “Any kind of support is really appreciated, and this funding really helped us in running the garden.”

Read more about each of the projects online at gfl.me/hbEe. Applications for the 2024 Toronto Chapter Bursary Program will open in early February and close in March. Stay tuned to HortTrades.com/tag/toronto for details and updates.

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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023 | 19

ASSOCIATION NEWS Ontario maintenance projects earn national awards

Consilium Place by Strathmore Landscape Contractors

Two Landscape Ontario members have received national awards for multi-year maintenance projects within the province. Congratulations to It’s About Thyme and Strathmore Landscape Contractors for being named National Awards of Landscape Excellence (NALE) winners in the 2023 program, run by the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association.

Based in Stratford, Ont., It’s About Thyme received the Residential Landscape Maintenance Award for Urban Oasis — a property in the Kitchener-Waterloo area the company has continuously maintained since 2016. Company owner Melissa McKerlie says only a fraction of the 50 trees, 280 shrubs and 250 perennials on the property have needed replacing over the past seven years. The property also includes 11 seasonal planter displays that are changed each season — an ongoing challenge for the maintenance team.

Strathmore Landscape Contractors received the Commercial Landscape Maintenance Award for the Quebec-based company’s first ever project in Ontario: Consilium Place, an office complex located in Scarborough, Ont., that features manicured lawns and full garden beds exploding with colour.

Strathmore has been maintaining the property since 2019 and account manager Sergiu Galitchi calls the grounds his baby, having been involved in the project from the start.

Other winners in the 2023 NALE include:

20 | LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Urban Oasis by It's About Thyme

COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION Trim Landscaping, Halifax, N.S., for Peggy’s Cove RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION Fossil Landscape Construction, Vancouver, B.C., for Modern Luxury LANDSCAPE DESIGN Planta Landscape, Calgary, Alta., for Britannia Residence GARDEN CENTRE OF DISTINCTION Alternative Garden Centre, Brandon, Man. GROWER OF DISTINCTION Jeffries Nurseries, Portage la Prairie, Man. GREEN FOR LIFE COMMUNITY AWARD Green Cities Foundation, for St. Matthew’s House, Hamilton, Ont. The National Awards of Landscape Excellence are sponsored

by Caterpillar, John Deere, Equinox Environmental Products, HortProtect, Fenchurch General Insurance Company and Greenhouse Canada magazine.

Winners from this year and previous years are highlighted on the CNLA website at cnla.ca/awards. Check out CNLA’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/cnla for videos on all of this year’s finalists, winning projects and past winners.

In Memoriam — Robert (Bob) Tubby Robert (Bob) Gordon Tubby passed away on Oct. 15, surrounded by family at his home in Toronto due to complications from Parkinsons.

Bob was born in 1955 to Jean and Marshall Tubby, and grew up in Etobicoke, Ont., where he later enrolled in the Landscape Technician program at Humber College. While there, he met the love of his life, Mitzi.

After college, Bob and Mitzi used their entrepreneurial prowess to build Arbordale Landscaping, followed Moonstruck Landscape Lighting 10 years later.

Bob was an active leader in Landscape Ontario for 40 years and served as the association's president in 2006-2007. Bob approached this volunteer role with great energy and excitement, and used his time to develop programs including Prosperity Partners, which helped landscape business owners to connect and help each other with similar issues and goals.

He also volunteered for many years on the Communications Committee and the Building Management Committee that completed an extensive renovation of the building back in 2019.

On Jan. 12, 2016, with Mitzi at his side, Bob was awarded an Honorary Life Member of Landscape Ontario, becoming

only the 12th individual in 43 years to receive the association's highest honour for his long standing individual contribution to the profession.

Bob enjoyed a busy life of work and play with plenty of golf, hockey, cottage weekends and travel in between.

He leaves behind his wife, Mitzi, his four children, Shannon (Daniel), Geneva (Mark), Kurtis and Blake (Samantha). He also leaves behind his sister, Sandra and his seven

grandchildren Findlay, Aila and Maisey Chaplin, Leah and Colton Tubby and Robert and Elton Campbell Howes.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's honour to Parkinson Canada.

Read more about Bob’s legacy online at HortTrades.com/bob-tubby A link to an online obituary and condolences can be found online at gfl.me/hbEf

Irrigation group updates at post-summer social Irrigation professionals from across Ontario gathered for lunch, networking and sector updates at Landscape Ontario in Milton, Ont. on a sunny September morning.

Jacki Hart, speaker and landscape business coach, facilitated a discussion about further engagement opportunities with the LO Irrigation Sector Group.

Attendees spoke to the value of meeting contractors and suppliers from all over Ontario, and hearing new points of view on issues in the sector. They hope to have hybrid meetings with relevant program updates going forward.

Cassandra Garrard, LO apprenticeship program manager, provided information on how the LO GROW program can benefit attendees’ businesses. The program offers priority access to new workers, trains key staff for more responsibility and helps build the best team possible.

The meeting also included an update on the Water Smart Irrigation Professional (WSIP) program, which provides irrigation companies with specialized training and certification to offer ‘Water Smart’ irrigation services to clients. LO developed the program in partnership with the Region of Peel and the Regional Municipality of York.

Though LO’s agreement with the two regions ended in 2021, the association is working on revamping the WSIP program. LO hired GROW program graduate Miles McVey to bring the program back to life, and aims to relaunch it in spring 2024.

avknursery.com NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023 | 21

Forum discusses alternate solutions to road salt Snow and ice professionals gathered to learn more about alternatives to road salt at the mid-October Salt Forum held at the Landscape Ontario office in Milton, Ont. The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority organized the salt management conference in partnership with LO. The assembled leaders and stakeholders engaged in constructive dialogue on the use of winter salt, with the goal of a win-win-win solution for public safety, business owners and the environment. “[We created] this forum to be the driving force behind positive change around the use of road salt. We know this is a huge challenge because the way forward has to balance environmental protection as well as public safety,” said Rob Baldwin of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, who moderated the event. “Our goal is to share the knowledge and inspire action and collaboration on this important topic.”

Read on for some of the key takeaways for those who were unable to attend.

IRST, chloride from road salt is affecting Ontario’s water F quality and the health of aquatic ecosystems, according to Ryan Sorichetti, Great Lakes scientist with the Ministry of Conservation and Parks.

The Ministry’s chloride monitoring systems found that chloride concentrations are highest and increasing in urbanized areas and in surface waters accessible by roads that are cleared with road salt. While most lakes, rivers and streams have chloride concentrations well below the Canadian Water Quality Guidelines (CWQG), some are exceeding them.

These areas are most deserving of provincial efforts to mitigate chloride’s harmful effects on aquatic organisms and their habitats, Sorichetti said. Generally, the science suggests snow and ice professionals ought to seriously curb their use of road salt.

ECOND, significant reductions in road salt usage are S complicated by the ongoing liability crisis affecting the snow removal sector. Since contractors are individually liable for slip and fall accidents that occur on job sites, they are forced to over-salt roads, parking lots and sidewalks to avoid costly claims.

Poorly maintained or designed sites are part of the problem, added Jon Agg, owner of Pristine Property Maintenance. Snow and ice professionals sign contracts on sites despite significant safety concerns to keep themselves in business — carrying all liability risk for accidents they often can’t control.

Agg, Chris Morrison of Morrison Risk Services and Adjusting Services, and John Castelhano of BGIS, a facilities management company, all agreed the answer is government oversight. They urged the Province to establish an Authority Having Jurisdiction over the sector to regulate the use of salt and cost of insurance, mandate safer sites and training for contractors and property owners, and create balanced liability between the two parties.

Morrison added the cause is gaining momentum faster than ever, thanks to the advocacy work of Landscape Ontario and snow and ice professionals around the province. The new Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Andrea Khanjin has committed to championing the cause.

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Jon Agg brought a sidewalk de-icing machine for attendees to test drive.

THIRD, there are alternatives to road salt in some cases.

Lorna Murison of Toronto Metropolitan University explained liquid anti-icing like salt brine or beet brine can be used to reduce the amount of chloride entering the water supply.

She said that though adopting liquid anti-icing may involve an increased cost for contractors up front, it can reduce costs down the line as road salt gets more expensive.

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FOURTH, contractors should consider getting Smart About Salt certified. Eric Hodgins of the Smart About Salt Council spoke about the training program, which aims to protect freshwater from road salt. It teaches contractors best management practices surrounding salt usage, like the importance of liquid anti-icing.

Getting Smart About Salt certified is voluntary, but some property owners seek contractors who have the certification. As an important first step to mitigating chloride concentrations in water sources, the program may become the foundation for future government-mandated training and standards.

Agg said landscape and horticulture professionals are front line climate change workers. They champion the environment over the summer but, unfortunately, a lot of this work is undone during the winter with excessive salt usage.

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By sharing knowledge and inspiring action at events like the Salt Forum, snow and ice professionals can work together towards a more sustainable, safer and less salty future.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023 | 23

Business owners to discuss mental health at peer workshop Landscape and horticulture business owners can take the first step toward a less stressful 2024 by attending Landscape Ontario’s Peer to Peer Network workshop on Jan. 8, 2024.

The annual gathering, held at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Airport, is the kick off event of the year.

The Peer to Peer network is a group where members support and help each other with real-time issues and tried and true solutions.

Facilitated by Jacki Hart, landscape business coach, teacher and speaker, the workshop provides real tactics for participants to take back to their businesses or workplaces, as well as a clear understanding of how to implement them successfully.

The full-day session aims to dissolve the stigma around

24 | LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

feelings such as anxiety and depression, with real life examples of amazing business leaders who forged a successful path forward after hitting an emotional wall caused by stress and overwhelm.

Attendees will leave knowing the strengths that come from camaraderie, peer support and mentorship and be confident in building their own personal resilience tool kit for 2024 and beyond.

Early bird pricing is in effect until midnight on Dec. 15 and includes lunch and a closing reception. Attendees also get access to all three days of the Congress trade show ( Jan. 9-11), including LIVE Stage demos and the Wednesday night Tailgate Party at the Delta Hotel.

Visit LOcongress.com for full details and to register.

SNOW AND ICE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE AND EXPO

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Snowposium returns — with updates on the liability crisis Landscape Ontario’s Snowposium provided another opportunity for the snow and ice community to share knowledge on important issues in the sector.

Hosted by the Snow and Ice Sector Group in September, the conference and expo gave snow and ice professionals, suppliers and manufacturers an inside look at exciting new products. 34 exhibitors showcased new snow and ice products and opportunities, from salt trucks to insurance solutions.

John Biggar of Partners Snow Ice Solutions said he loves attending Snowposium every year. “I believe the more [LO] supports the contractors, the better we can be,” he said.

Warren Kinsella of Daisy Consulting Group, the lobbying firm LO partners with on government relations work, provided an update on the liability crisis facing snow and ice professionals — who are shouldering the bulk of liability risk and facing skyrocketing insurance rates as a result.

The sector group is advocating for improved working conditions for snow and ice contractors across the province.

It is lobbying the Ontario government for legislative reforms that will lead to more affordable and accessible insurance and safer sites, as well as mitigate the loss of contractors willing to provide snow and ice services due to the liability burdens.

Kinsella said Landscape Ontario and Daisy Group have gotten the Province’s attention. In the lead up to a formal lobby day at Queen’s Park, the group had a successful meeting with Chief of Staff Patrick Sackville, among others, and have additional meetings set up with the Ministries of Environment and Transportation. “[Insurance] is a big problem in our industry right now,” said Snowposium attendee Helen Pantis. “It’s really interesting to hear how far along we’ve come, because we’ve been fighting this for a very long time, and it takes all the members in this industry to get us there, and we’ve all done it.”

Snow and ice professionals also discussed Temporary Foreign Workers, handling claims and best practices for the next generation.

Gerald Boot, Snow and Ice Sector Group chair, shared some key takeaways from these discussions. Boot said things are changing in the sector besides insurance, such as contractors beginning to do pre-season inspections. He said this best practice should identify hazards before the winter hits because “winter monitoring is a failed system.”

Boot also highlighted new technologies like dash cams and equipment for taking ground temperatures. Liquid de-icer is also something more contractors should take advantage of to reduce salt use, Boot said, adding that it’s important for contractors to be aware of what is going on in the sector and the resources available to them, especially training.

The Sector Group has developed a curriculum for training contractors which can be found online at gfl.me/hbcT.

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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023 | 25

Lighting Sector Group hosts holiday lighting technical session Landscape Ontario’s Lighting Sector Group hosted a technical session to introduce members to the wintry world of holiday lighting at Landscape Ontario in Milton, Ont., this fall.

Brent Faulkner, national sales manager at American Lighting, led the session. American Lighting is a lighting company based in Denver, Colorado with national and international distribution networks.

The event encouraged the adoption of holiday lighting as another income stream for lighting contractors, given its increasing popularity. Holiday lighting increases revenue, extends the season, provides opportunities for new customers and keeps employees working through the winter.

The feature presentation highlighted the different holiday lighting products available and cost/revenue analyses, as well as best practices for installation.

Jamie Riddell, provincial board rep for the Lighting Sector Group, shared his key takeaways from the event.

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Riddell said holiday lighting presents a giant opportunity for growth, as the aging population turns to professionals, rather than attempting to install holiday lights themselves.

Also, increasing numbers of people want their decorated houses to have a professional look.

Holiday lighting is also a recurring business, said Riddell. After an initial purchase, lighting professionals return annually for install, take down and provide storage, presenting more revenue. Even better, it has minimal start-up costs and inventory. Professionals can rent a zoom boom and run an entire holiday lighting business out of a minivan.

“Less than 15 items and you’re in business,” said Riddell.

Members can find more tips in the Lighting Sector Group’s Lighting Sector Tool Kit, an ever-evolving document that advises contractors on sales, design, service and planning.

Stay tuned to HortTrades.com/tag/lighting for future Lighting Sector Group events.

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VOLUNTEER PROFILE David Milne pays his passion for plants forward Plants have always fascinated David Milne, owner of Quercus Gardens and member of Landscape Ontario’s Provincial Board of Directors since 2022. For someone who enjoys the outdoors, design and visual art, landscape architecture and horticulture always seemed like a natural fit.

Established in 2000, Quercus Gardens is a small landscaping company in Toronto, Ont., that creates and supports green spaces in an ecologically sensitive manner — something Milne believes is critically important.

Milne is passionate about taking the wisdom he gained from over 40 years in the profession and paying it back. He is heavily involved in the Toronto Chapter, sitting on several community boards and volunteering on various projects.

How did you first get involved in landscaping and horticulture?

I’ve always had a real passion for plants; plants fascinate me almost to the point of obsession. Even as a kid when I got my allowance, I would often spend it on a houseplant. My mom was a really passionate vegetable gardener, so that nurtured my appreciation for gardening and love of the outdoors.

a negative impact on the environment. I don’t know what the answer is, but I hope we can find a way to get there.

When you’re not volunteering or working, what do you like to do?

I do like to garden. My wife thinks it’s crazy that I spend all week creating garden spaces, and then on the weekend I like to putz around in my own garden.

Aside from my family who I love and adore, my other passion is fish. All my life, I’ve been really fascinated with fish. There’s been times when I’ve had up to 30 aquariums at once. Now I’ve scaled it down, but the diversity intrigues me — I think that’s why I plant so much.

Do you have any parting advice for people thinking about volunteering and getting involved?

The more you give, the more you get. I can’t believe the connections I’ve made with people since volunteering, or the amount of pleasure it’s given me. It’s definitely made me a busier guy but giving back feels so good. You get more than you give.

How did you get involved with the LO Provincial Board of Directors?

Jonas Spring — who was then the president — brought me in and asked me if I wanted to be on the Toronto Chapter Board, and I said, ‘Absolutely, I want to do it.’ I was at a point in my life when I wanted to give back to the trade.

Being on the Toronto Chapter Board got me more involved with LO in general, and then I wanted to join the Provincial Board to give back. I have my thoughts on where the industry needs to go, and if I didn’t join the Board, those thoughts would just go down the river.

What’s your favourite volunteer project you’ve worked on?

Absolutely, the Plant Symposium Garden installation in London, Ont. back in February. That was a great feeling; we had a great line-up of speakers, everybody seemed to really enjoy it, and when I spoke to speakers afterwards, they all really enjoyed it too, so that meant a lot to me.

What are your biggest goals or dreams for LO, and landscaping and horticulture?

I want the general public to have a higher opinion of what we do.

What we do is something pretty special. We create great outdoor spaces that are good for people’s health and wellbeing — that’s been proven. There are so many pluses to what we do, and I don’t think everybody gets how important it is.

I want to see every person who works in the industry be able to make a living wage. I think that’s critical. We all need a few benefits; there are times when we get sick, and it would be nice to be compensated for that.

I would really like to find a way to do what we do in a more sustainable method. I struggle at times with the fact that to get the materials we need to do a patio or a deck or a fence, we have to take that from a natural landscape to make a man made one — which is

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023 | 27

SCHOLARSHIP PROFILE Pursuing fulfillment by connecting with the natural world An Nguyen was awarded one of twelve $1,000 Post-Secondary Scholarships offered by the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation (OHTF) in 2022. Originally from Vietnam, Nguyen decided to pivot from her career in the financial sector toward a greener future by enrolling in the two-year Landscape Technician diploma program at Humber College. Nguyen says her professors at Humber introduced her to the OHTF scholarships and encouraged her to apply. Now that she has graduated, Nguyen hopes to pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture.

After that, Nguyen says she’s interested in earning the Certified Landscape Designer (CLD) designation to further enhance her skills and knowledge in the field.

Did you have any exposure or classes that prepared you in high school?

I did not have any prior exposure or classes in landscape/horticulture before starting this program. Instead, I focused on studying classes that were geared towards the national exam to enter universities while in high school in Vietnam.

What work experience do you have relating to landscape/horticulture?

I have volunteered in various horticulture projects in the past, primarily involving tree planting activities. More recently, I have become a part of the garden stewardship program run by LEAF. As a volunteer, my role is to assist in the transformation of underutilized areas of turf in four TTC stations into beautiful demonstration gardens that exhibit native trees, shrubs and perennials. The purpose of this program is to inspire community members to consider incorporating native species into their own gardens and communities.

What prompted you to pursue a career in landscape or horticulture?

My educational background and career path were primarily focused on corporate finance, and I had been working in that sector for over 14 years. While I had some notable achievements during that time, I

28 | LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

found myself feeling unfulfilled due to a mismatch in values between myself and the financial sector.

Despite my success, I spent most of my time in the office and didn't feel like I was making a positive impact on my community.

As someone who admires nature, I realized that I could only achieve a sense of fulfillment by connecting with the natural world and making a positive impact on the environment. The COVID19 pandemic highlighted the importance of pursuing what truly matters to me, and I began researching horticulture and landscape jobs. After a year of exploration, I decided to enroll in the Landscape Technician program at Humber College to pursue a new career that aligned with my values and passion for nature.

What career path do you plan to take after graduation?

My short-term goal is to gain more experience by working for a landscape design company within the next couple of years. However, in the long run, I aspire to establish my own design and consultancy company that specializes in providing sustainable solutions for environmental challenges in urban areas through urban landscape design.

Is there anyone in the landscape profession who has particularly inspired you?

I hold Mr. Haig Seferian in high regard.

He is the founder of Seferian Design Group, a renowned lecturer, and author with a wealth of expertise in designing breathtaking landscapes and leading teams to deliver award-winning landscape designs. Haig is widely recognized as a

prominent figure in the landscape industry. He not only exhibits strong leadership skills but also dedicates his time to mentor students tirelessly.

I find it easy to confide in him about my thoughts and challenges in the landscape industry, and he never fails to exhibit his passion, patience and provide guidance. His work and personality have been a great source of inspiration to me in pursuing this path.

What do you love most about building a career in the green profession?

I find great satisfaction in my work with plants and creating landscape designs that not only enhance the beauty of the environment but also improve the quality of life for individuals and communities.

It's rewarding to know that my efforts are contributing to a positive impact on people's lives and the environment around them. Seeing the transformation of a space from a blank canvas to a flourishing landscape brings me a sense of accomplishment and pride. Additionally, I am motivated by the potential for my work to promote sustainable solutions that benefit both humans and the planet.

Overall, the combination of creativity, environmental consciousness and the opportunity to make a difference is what makes this career so fulfilling for me.

The Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation is a charitable organization whose mandate is to ensure a healthy future for the horticulture industry. To learn more about the many scholarships available under the Foundation and Cullen Family Scholarship Program, please visit ohtf.ca/scholarships.

The deadline to apply each year is June 30.

PROFESSIONAL NEWS

Join Landscape Ontario in recognizing these amazing stars as they step into the next phase of their apprenticeship journey.

Apprentices are a key to the future of our industry, and that future is looking bright.

ALGONQUIN COLLEGE - LEVEL 1

Juan Arango Matthew Cowan Colin Hornsey Colleen Hulett Ryan Kappler J. Dawson Ketchen Natasha Lauzon Jimmy Leblanc Lal Mawite Ryan McDonald Dayna Menifee Devin Parry Andree Pilon Amber Rivett

ALGONQUIN COLLEGE - LEVEL 2

Erin Anderson Mustafa Askar Terri-Lyn Blaskie Tasha Chapman Suzanne Hale Lauren Kunkel Richard Lam Taylor Middleton Teresa Roseboom

FANSHAWE COLLEGE - LEVEL 1

Tarik Ahmad Madeleine Benoit Jordan Coulson Alysha Diamond-Martin Lauren Friesen Benjamin Hunking Sergio Mendez Heather Money

“It’s always good to round out our knowledge and experience. The Horticultural Technician Apprenticeship Program has challenged me to find opportunities I never would have thought to look for,” said

Nienke Ravensbergen Cameron Rae Matthew Selman Aaron Serediak Emma Tedball FANSHAWE COLLEGE - LEVEL 2

Ryan Barker Bryce Bauman Maxwell Dick Aiden Floyd Erica Johnston Cassidy Loker Madison McBride Riley Murray Roch Provost Georgia Schoonderwoerd Steven Sjaarda Christina Rose Verhoeve David Wilcox-Henderson Mackenzie Wilcox- Henderson

HUMBER COLLEGE - LEVEL 1

Jack Barnes Dwight Oshayne Cuff Marco Espinoza-Garcia Michael Harding Denim Laing Helwig Reid Jeffs Loui Kakarelis Travis Leamen Caio Leite Ri-Qiang ( Jacob) Lin Katherine Moore Kendra Motz Adrienne Rupcic

Dakota Fripp, who received a Certificate of Qualification with Red Seal endorsement.

Congratulations to the Horticultural Technician Apprentices and Journeypersons who reached apprenticeship milestones.

Christine Ryan Junzhu Shi Christina Valicek Clayton Walker Brody Weiss Dylan Wilson Cheyenne Wyght Bowen Zheng HUMBER COLLEGE - LEVEL 2

Shantel Aziz Bryan Davey Alex Fandrich Braedon Flanagan Alexander Hollett Camryn Jackson Sanuja Kattilaparambil Terry Khamvongsa Chloe Kirkland Emily Law Rebecca Niebler Madeline Riley Keegan Stribbell Shannon Venman Dana Watts

MOHAWK COLLEGE - LEVEL 1

Rodney David Binns Owen Bryant Nicole Cassivi Matthew Colangelo Justin Gray Sarah Haworth Kevin Herale Raymond Lee-Page

Steven Pharand Ethan Willis MOHAWK COLLEGE - LEVEL 2

Zachary Allan Truyen Dang Jared Hutten Paula Lynn Kinghorn Sarah Knot Sarah Lovrics Lindsay Anne Smith William Stirling Matthew Van Haaren Bianca Vanderleest Brenden Venema

CERTIFICATE OF APPRENTICESHIP

Carey-James Huffman Frank Kennedy Darian LeBlanc Cole Nicholson Douglas Peacock Keegan Stribbell

JOURNEYPERSON

James Boutilier Dakota Fripp Jesse Hancock

For more information on how both employers and employees can benefit from the Apprenticeship Program, visit HorticultureTechnician.ca.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023 | 29

Canadian government extends CEBA loan repayment schedule

On Sept. 14, the Government of Canada announced they would extend the Canadian Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan repayment schedule. The overall repayment term has been extended by one year, from Dec. 31, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2026.

For those seeking to qualify for partial loan forgiveness (33 per cent of the total loan, up to $20,000), the deadline to repay the loan in full has only been extended from Dec. 31, 2023 to Jan. 19, 2024. For example, if $60,000 is borrowed, no forgiveness is available unless $40,000 is repaid by this

30 | LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

deadline. Businesses that refinanced their loans will be given until March 28 to qualify.

All loans will begin accruing five per cent interest if not repaid by Jan. 19, 2024.

If you have general questions about your CEBA loan, please contact the CEBA Call Centre at 1-888-324-4201. The CEBA Call Centre is available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, excluding statutory holidays.

Full details can be found on the Government of Canada’s website. A link is available online at gfl.me/hbDj.

Designers to connect in early 2024 Landscape Ontario’s Landscape Design Sector Group will hold its annual conference on Jan. 8, 2024, in conjunction with the Congress trade show and conference (taking place Jan. 9-11).

The full-day event kicks off at 8:30 a.m. at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Airport with the sector group’s annual general meeting, where future initiatives and projects will be discussed.

The conference will feature an extensive lineup of engaging and informative presenters and topics, including:

• T ELLING THE STORY OF THERAPEUTIC GARDENS THROUGH DESIGN

Bob Scarfo

• ACCESSIBLE LANDSCAPING Catherine Smart • REVEALING THE SPIRIT OF PLACE: THE EARTH TELLS ITS STORIES

Chip Sullivan and Elizabeth Boults

• MINDFULNESS FOR CAREER SUCCESS Paula Vital • PERMITS AND THEIR IMPACT ON LANDSCAPING

Adele Pierre

• SHADY BUSINESS Paul Gellatly

Those interested in attending are encouraged to take advantage of discounted early bird pricing, in effect until midnight on Dec. 15. The registration fee includes lunch, plus access to all three days of the Congress trade show, including LIVE Stage demos and the Wednesday night Tailgate Party, also at the Delta Hotel.

Held in conjunction with the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA), sessions attended qualify for OALA Continuing Education Credits (CECs) as well as Landscape Horticulture Certification (LHCP) CEUs.

V I S I T LO CO N G R E S S .CO M F O R F U L L D E TA I L S A N D TO R E G I S T E R

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023 | 31

EXECUTIVE DESK

A vision for a state-of-the-art training facility

I

n the chronicles of Landscape Ontario's history, the year 1994 marks a pivotal moment: when the association’s Provincial Board of Directors made the visionary decision to acquire our property at 7856 Fifth Line South in Milton.

The decision by a not-for-profit trade association to procure 50 acres of land, complete with a building and greenhouse, on the site of a former nursery, was nothing short of groundbreaking. The board's vision was clear from the outset: to cultivate the property into a beacon of industry best practices, and the epicentre of excellence for landscape horticulture training and development in Ontario.

Fast forward to today — Landscape Ontario is in the fourth year of receiving funding through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) via the Skills Development Fund. Through this fund, our mission extends to attracting dedicated individuals to the landscape horticulture trades, offering them an intensive fourweek training program. Upon successful completion, these graduates are integrated

32 | LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

into our membership community of employers. This initiative serves the dual purpose of upskilling existing industry employees and empowering employers with the necessary tools to recruit and retain top talent. All these initiatives are meticulously orchestrated under the umbrella of our GROW Program (growtraining.ca).

Recently, MLITSD unveiled the Capital Stream of the Skills Development Fund — a watershed moment for LO. This Capital Stream earmarks funds, covering up to 49 per cent of expenses for renovations and construction of new training facilities within the skilled trades. In light of this wonderful opportunity, we have embarked on a whirlwind journey to secure funds, collaborating with esteemed construction partners and meticulously addressing the intricacies of the grant application process.

Courtney McCann, Landscape Ontario director of workforce development, has led the process, dedicating countless hours over the past month to our submission.

A small industry working group has been guiding the process and we can’t thank them enough for all of the volunteer hours

they have dedicated to this project. Special thanks to Karl Stensson, Haig Seferian, Jon Agg and Lindsay Drake Nightingale for the many hours they have contributed to the development of our application.

We’re thinking very big, with highly ambitious goals. We’re looking at dismantling our existing 17,700 square-foot greenhouse to make space for a worldclass landscape horticulture training facility.

Envision a net-zero building with a lush, green roof. The grant application mandates a Class B budget (allowing for all design components including all major systems and subsystems needed to make the project a success). This crucial component has been provided by our trusted construction partners. The projected cost of the entire project as submitted would be about $15 million.

This new facility would seamlessly integrate with our existing infrastructure, ensuring architectural cohesion. The design includes office areas, open training rooms — adaptable through the use of temporary partitions — integrated audio-visual facilities ready for presentation-based learning and seminars, and a dedicated space for immersive hands-on practical training. Our training delivery plan extends across all sector groups within our industry, offering employers the opportunity to enroll their employees in full-time training during the off-season. Additionally, we are committed to fostering engagement with Indigenous and marginalized communities, providing newfound avenues for employment and bolstering the GROW Program's reach, among a host of other initiatives.

A noteworthy facet of our application is the inclusion of the first phase of our landscape work at our facility. This addition is particularly significant given its role as an integral training space. Landscape Ontario is uniquely positioned for both indoor and outdoor training facilities, which we hope helps our application stand out.

As we reflect upon the initial vision conceived by our board in 1994 — a vision of a world-class training facility — we are thrilled to be on the brink of making it a reality, nearly three decades later. The journey has been arduous, but the prospect of achieving our goals is more tangible than ever, reaffirming the timeless adage that with unwavering dedication and vision, dreams can indeed become a reality.

Now wish us luck as we finalize this grant application and hit the submit button.

Joe Salemi CAE

LO Executive Director jsalemi@landscapeontario.com

MEMBERSHIP

What members can look forward to at Landscape Ontario Congress

L

andscape Ontario Congress is the can’t-miss event of the year for Landscape Ontario members.

Thousands of attendees from across Ontario (and North America, for that matter) will come together to network and learn with their peers in the horticulture trades.

But what’s in it for members besides the registration and conference fee discount?

Congress has so much to offer LO members: special events, our member awards ceremony, access to LO staff, and the chance to connect with hundreds of equipment suppliers and manufacturers, plus so many opportunities to meet your friends and peers in the business. Here are a few of the key ways you can take full advantage of Congress as an LO member.

MEET FELLOW MEMBERS With over 400 exhibitors covering more than eight acres, the Congress trade show is the perfect place to connect with old friends and new contacts. Get some face time with those clients or suppliers you only ever communicate with through email or over the phone.

Are you a member of LO’s Peer to Peer Network? Whether you answered “yes” or “not yet,” you’ll want to check out the Peer to Peer Network Workshop on Jan. 8, the day before the trade show begins.

At this one-day workshop, you’ll hear from some of LO’s amazing business leaders who “hit the emotional wall” and crafted a path forward. You will walk away with real tactics to help build your personal resilience toolkit for 2024 and beyond.

The Landscape Ontario Annual General Meeting (AGM) is your annual opportunity to hear from LO’s staff and Board of Directors about the work the association is doing on your behalf. It’s also your opportunity to elect your Board members for the coming year. Whether you are a longtime LO member or you’ve just joined the association, you’ll want to stay informed and involved by attending the AGM. Of course the three-day event isn’t all business. The Tailgate Party on Jan. 10 promises to be a little more fun than the AGM. Enjoy some social time with your peers at the biggest networking event of the year.

It’s free to attend with your Congress badge.

MEET THE TEAM LO’s energetic staff will be out in full force at Congress. Drop by our official membership booth #1435 to meet the team who dedicate their days to making sure you get the most out of your LO membership. Are you taking advantage of all the exclusive discounts, networking events and resources available to you as an LO member? Pay us a visit and find out how to optimize your membership ROI. LO’s GROW Program will be set up next to the LIVE Stage and student garden. Find out how our workforce development programs can connect you with people who are trained and ready to enter the horticultural trades.

Your national trade magazine, Landscape Trades, will be at booth #2412. Be sure to pick up the latest edition, packed with useful articles geared to landscape contractors, designers, growers, retailers and other industry sectors.

CELEBRATE YOUR PEERS (AND MAYBE YOURSELF) The Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence Ceremony will announce winners live at a gala dinner on Jan. 9. Cheer on your fellow landscape professionals and get inspired by the breathtaking craftsmanship in landscape construction, maintenance, design, interior plantscaping, lighting and irrigation projects created by members. If you’ve already submitted your entry, you might even come away a winner.

Congress has something to offer everyone in the horticulture trades, but LO members are uniquely positioned to maximize the value of this blockbuster event. Whether you just drop in on the trade show or attend the full conference and special events, walk the Congress floor with pride knowing you’re at your association’s event. We can’t wait to see you there.

Evan Dickson

LO Director of Membership Services edickson@landscapeontario.com

Tillsonburg, ON Specializing in field grown and potted cedars along with perennials, trees and shrubs of both deciduous and evergreen varieties.

519-688-0437

info@pottersroadnursery.com

PottersRoadNursery.com NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023 | 33

PROSPERITY PARTNERS

Balancing lifestyle with work

I

n last month's issue, I discussed part one of the pandemic hangover: the impact of inflation on our workforce.

If you read it, hopefully you’re well on your way to leveraging the strategy of paying at least a living wage for your area versus the minimum wage mandated by the province. This time, we will discuss the degree of flexibility and support your potential workforce is likely expecting as they strive for ‘work balance’ and navigate stress in a post-pandemic world.

THE LIFESTYLE-FIRST HABIT Without a doubt, the work from home trend has changed the mindset of a large percentage of the workforce across the country. Everyone I’ve asked in my travels this year knows someone who still works from home (either hybrid or full-time), who would previously have always gone to an office or place of business to work.

What does that have to do with employee retention in the landscape professions? Lots.

During the pandemic, many people had to be creative in order to make life work amidst shutdowns. Many benefited from government subsidies for a long time. Employers did as well. This new reality plunks landscape and horticultural professionals squarely into an economy that’s navigating higher interest rates, less discretionary spending, unleashed inflation and new habits of staying closer to home for a living. For most employers for whom I write this column, staying home means not getting paid.

So, we have a workforce that in many ways want or expect to be able to continue this new habit of managing their lives conveniently, sometimes fitting the personal weekly tasks within the work week. Add to this the reality that Gen Z (18-30 year-olds) are less likely to stick to one job for more than a short period of time, and we have a 34 | LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

workforce retention challenge that puts us into a whole new ball game.

THE NEW RETENTION LANDSCAPE When the going gets tough, the leading entrepreneurs get creative. Now is a good time for you to join them. What this all means to seasonal businesses is that the model of a workforce willing to work 45+ hours a week for 30-ish weeks a year and then fend for themselves the rest of the time, is officially now defunct. Also defunct the model where employees must be willing to work five days a week, starting and finishing at the same time every day, and the same time as everyone else, or there’s no job offer.

Reset your thinking. Employee retention is now inextricably linked to the ‘lifestyle balance’ and ‘stress minimization’ that your company can afford them. This means having ongoing conversations about employees’ wants and needs. And about the stress that each employee is navigating outside of work. It means having new policies on days and hours of work.

It means policies which include room for flexibility and customization from one employee to the next. It means building empathy into attendance policies. It means that training has to be a confidence builder and not a source of anxiety when paired with the quick addition of responsibility. It also means ensuring employees know they have to show up when they say they will.

I’m seeing successful employers negotiate convenience (for the employee) with dependability (for the employer).

The hardest part of this is that employers are being pinched tighter on margins to make room for more people on staff at any given time and a more complex scheduling regimen to balance it all on the customer-facing side of the business. At a time when employers feel the need to

improve efficiency, many employees are feeling the need to stress less.

If paying the living wage is step one to retention, then post-pandemic lifestyle balance is step two.

The reality is, the higher percentage of staff under the age of 35 that a company employs (I’m stereotyping here, but it’s a clear trend), the more likely it is that a significant number of staff are walking out the door because either your workplace is too stressful for them or their home/social life is. Some of you reading this might roll your eyes and think “so what does that have to do with my company?” To you I ask this: “How’s retention going for you?” In all likelihood, I’ll hazard a guess — not too well.

This is a time to slow down in order to go faster. Slow down and talk to your staff one on one. Go for a coffee. Pick them up during the workday and go sit on a park bench. Care, and show it. You don’t need to act as a therapist, but you could direct them toward one if you think it would help.

You don’t need to be a parent, but you might want to keep a box of Kleenex in your truck. Sometimes people just need to know you care. If you do, they will trust you.

If they trust you, they will be more likely to stay. If they stay, you grow bench strength and minimize the need to recruit and train.

Think about it.

Retention. It’s not just about the money. It’s about belonging. It’s about personal safety. It’s about being a part of a social network that is supportive. It’s about realizing that the employers’ role has changed for the foreseeable future.

Honest.

Jacki Hart CLM

Prosperity Partners Program Manager info.peertopeer@landscapeontario.com

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HortTrades.com/subscribe

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023 | 35

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION The Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation was created in 1979 by a committee of forward-thinking leaders of the landscape and nursery sectors.

The original goal of the Foundation was to help fund much-needed industry research. However, its mandate was soon expanded.

Today, the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation is the research and scholarship arm of Landscape Ontario. The Foundation’s mandate is to ensure “a healthy future for the horticultural industry,” through financial support of research and scholarships funded by interest generated on capital investments.

SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

Donations to the Foundation can be made online by visiting OHTF.ca/donate.

The Foundation would like to thank all of its donors. A donation is an easy and effective way to benefit Ontario’s horticultural community. The Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation is a registered charity and all donations will receive a tax receipt.

Also at OHTF.ca, you will find information on how to support the Foundation in a number of ways. With a donation to the Foundation, you have the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a difference and leaving a legacy to the profession that you love.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Providing scholarships is particularly close to the hearts of Foundation supporters, who point with pride to the many recipients who are now successful industry members.

The scholarship program continues to grow, and now boasts a number of scholarships supported by individual people and companies: • Apprenticeship Scholarship • Bob and Ruby Allen Scholarship Fund • Casey van Maris Scholarship Fund • College/University Scholarships • Hensbergen/DeGroot Fund • Horst Dickert Scholarship Fund • Horticulturist Scholarship • John and Ruth Wright Scholarship Fund • Neil Vanderkruk Innovation and Scholarship Fund

• Ottawa Chapter Scholarship • Unilock Collaborative Communications Scholarship • Peter Olsen Memorial Fund • Post-Graduate Scholarship • Post-Secondary Scholarships • Russel and Karen Loney Fund • Tony DiGiovanni Scholarship Fund • Upper Canada Chapter Scholarships • Waterloo Chapter Green Industry Scholarship • OJ Müller Memorial Fund

CULLEN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Introduced in 2015, a major component of the program is the Cullen Family Scholarships, which distribute more than $20,000 each year. The program is designed to encourage and inspire leadership qualities in students who have a passion and enthusiasm for the landscape and horticulture profession, with candidates selected by their peers and teachers. Individual amounts are assigned to each school offering a horticultural program.

This year, the foundation distributed a total of $57,900 in scholarships to students enrolled in horticultural programs across the province.

36 | LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS FOR 2023 PRESIDENT

David Turnbull VICE-PRESIDENT

Tim Rivard TREASURER

Bob Allen SECRETARY

Brian Cocks, CHT DIRECTORS:

Phil Charal Tony DiGiovanni CHT Hank Gelderman Audrey Partridge John Peets Bill Stensson

2023 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS APPRENTICESHIP SCHOLARSHIP ($600)

BOB AND RUBY ALLEN SCHOLARSHIP ($500)

Darra Ashwell, Humber College Jimmy Leblanc, Algonquin College Kendra, Motz, Humber College Christina Valicek, Humber College

Haylee James, Fanshawe College Elliot Alkemade Young, Niagara Parks School of Hortculture

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

DON SALIVAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Vanessa Costa, Algonquin College Emma Cote, Dalhousie University Lily Hamilton, Fanshawe College Lucas Henson, Fleming College Jonathan Nava Motta, St. Clair College William Springham, Niagara College

HORST DICKERT SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

POST-SECONDARY SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Qozim Adegoke, St. Clair College Shelley Allison, Seneca College Victoria Big Yue Lau, University of Guelph Hezel Bigornia, St. Clair College Dallas Canavan, University of Guelph Sandra Dombi, Fanshawe College Yu Fai Lo, Seneca College Jacob Farrish, University of Guelph Ian Murphy, University of Guelph Nicolas Prezio, Fanshawe College Tina Qu, Seneca College Jayden Selwood, Niagara College POST-GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Melissa, Kooiman, University of Guelph Matthew Lundstrom, University of Guelph JOHN AND RUTH WRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Mike Banton, University of Guelph Lawi Njeremani, University of Guelph

CASEY VAN MARIS SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Nicole Dejager, Niagara College Sophia Nazari, University of Guelph Katelyn Kush, Niagara College TONY DIGIOVANNI SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Ryan De Jong, University of Guelph Chi Mui Lam, Humber College WATERLOO CHAPTER GREEN INDUSTRY SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Meagan Heaney, University of Guelph CULLEN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM ($2,000)

Dianna Cinnamon, Algonquin College Blake Coleman, Niagara College Emaile Kamrath, University of Guelph Ryan Kappler, Algonquin College Jasmeen Kaur Bhuller, University of Guelph Julissa Litterick, Fanshawe College Alderic Martin, Seneca College Dayna Menifee, Algonquin College Taylor Middleton, Algonquin College Virginia Pate Campos, Niagara College Noah Tavares, Niagara College Mayte Vancini Berra, Humber College Caedy Wyjad, Humber College

HELP ENSURE A HEALTHY FUTURE

DONATE TODAY ohtf.ca/donate NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023 | 37

FOUNDATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FUND BALANCES

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION YEAR END AUG. 31, 2023

YEAR END AUG. 31, 2022

($24,367)

($148,054)

1 Bench 1 Tree Fund

$6,772

$10,491

Casey van Maris Scholarship Fund

$29,383

$35,487

Cecil Delworth Fund

$51,815

$81,250

Cullen Family Scholarship Fund

($1,246)

$11,953

Don Salivan Memorial Scholarship Fund

$2,892

$0

$224,240

$269,722

$0

$50,720

Growers’ Group Research Fund

$383,283

$448,984

IPM Symposium Research Fund

$178,486

$208,550

OJ Muller Memorial Scholarship Fund

$11,129

$13,037

Ottawa Chapter Val Kirshner Scholarship Fund $73,121

$84,847

General Fund

Dunington-Grubb/ Sheridan Nurseries Research Fund Grandtrees Walk Fund

Hensbergen/Degroot Scholarship Fund

$26,596

$31,155

Highway of Heroes (TFL) Fund

$288,911

$1,157,747

Horst Dickert Scholarship Fund

$0

$0

Hortprotect Research Fund

$45,530

$53,809

J T Somerville Fund

$10,417

$12,203

John/Ruth Wright Scholarship Fund

$64,612

$77,946

Neil Vanderkruk Innovation & Scholarship Fund $68,818

$81,332

Peter Olsen Scholarship Fund

$31,550

$36,958

Robert/Ruby Allen Scholarship Fund

$22,184

$26,551

Russel/Karen Loney Scholarship Fund

$9,801

$11,480

Scholarship Fund

$84,555

$103,169

Tony DiGiovanni Scholarship Fund

$197,757

$232,317

Unilock/Designers Group Fund

$12,258

$14,422

Waterloo Chapter Scholarship Fund TOTALS

$62,715

$74,542

$1,861,212

$2,980,616

ASSETS (CURRENT)

Bank Accounts Receivable

YEAR END AUG. 31, 2022

$94,129 $34,649 $128,778

$288,766 $96,123 $384,888

LONG TERM

Investments Investment - Vineland Consortium Accrued Interest Receivable

$1,704,225 $2,525,326 $57,711 $57,711 $24,661 $70,018 $1,786,598 $2,653,055 TOTAL ASSETS $1,915,375 $3,037,944

LIABILITIES (CURRENT)

Accounts Payable and Accrued Charges $54,163 $57,328

ACCUMULATED FUND BALANCES

Fund Balances - Regular Funds $1,513,714 $1,731,129 Fund Balances - Special Projects $347,498 $1,249,487

$1,861,212 $2,980,616 TOTAL LIABILITIES/FUNDS $1,915,375 $3,037,944 STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS & FUND BALANCES

YEAR END YEAR END AUG. 31, 2023 AUG. 31, 2022 REVENUES

Investment Gains (Losses) -$193,312 -$159,638 Miscellaneous $0 $288 Research Grants $0 $49,927 Donations/Funding $134,834 $1,739,455 ($58,478) $1,630,032 TOTAL REVENUE

EXPENSES

Administration Fees/Expenses $137,217 $247,126 Disbursed as Research Grants $69,927 $0 Event/Sponsorship Expenses $795,881 $2,299,513 Disbursed As Scholarships $57,900 $47,600 TOTAL EXPENSES $1,060,925 $2,594,239

($964,207) EXCESS OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES ($1,119,404) FUND BALANCES, BEGINNING OF YEAR $2,980,616 $3,944,823 FUND BALANCES, YEAR END $1,861,212 $2,980,616

For information on the Foundation, including scholarship applications, supported research programs or to donate, visit OHTF.ca 38 | LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

YEAR END AUG. 31, 2023

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023 | 39

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