Landscape Ontario - March 2015

CA M N ar AD c A h 13 BL -2 O 2 O M S

March 2015 www.horttrades.com

Oaks return to Vimy soil PM 40013519

Case Vanderkruk propagates cuttings from historic lineage Page 4

2 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MARCH 2015

S’ LOGO

SUMERS’ RS’ LOGO , Website edia, etc.)

ON LOGO

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Listening Tour #growingtogether

By Dave Braun LO president

M

y focus during my term as president has been ‘Growing Together.’

That’s exactly what we’ve done.

We set a bold goal for growing our membership by five per cent last year.

With the help of the Chapter Challenge created by our membership department, and a greater focus on sales and your promotion of LO to other businesses, I’m proud to report that every single chapter, without exception, exceeded that goal.

The state of our membership is stronger than it has been in any time in our history. With your help, we can ensure that we continue to grow.

With the potential (or perhaps likely) sale of a portion of our land, we will have a once in a generation opportunity — an opportunity to act, create, build and invest on a scale that was never before possible. We have a chance to positively impact more members, more businesses,

March, 2015 • Volume 33, No. 3 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 industry in Ontario.

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and therefore be a greater force for good within the green industry in Ontario.

We can be a model of inspiration and a beacon of light to similar organizations around the world.

We also need to be careful. There are wise and important people in our organization that, because they often have quiet voices, may be drowned out.

We must remember that most of the businesses in our organization have five or fewer employees. It is important to encourage these smaller businesses to raise issues and communicate their vision for LO because they are, in fact, the majority of our members. It is only natural for larger, more established, businesses to confidently assert their opinions, but everyone’s ideas count. It is our job to make sure we listen to each and every member. It is our job to make sure we make the right decisions on behalf of all of our members and in order to do this best, we need to hear from you.

Over the next number of months, I will be connecting with every chapter and every sector group to ask again, what do you want from LO in the future? We will listen actively about what is relevant to our members. Our mission is to listen,

Publisher Lee Ann Knudsen CLP lak@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-7557 Editorial director Sarah Willis sarahw@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5424 Editor Allan Dennis adennis@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5345 Graphic designer Mike Wasilewski mikew@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5343 Sales manager Steve Moyer stevemoyer@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-0708 Integrated solutions representative Greg Sumsion gsumsion@landscapeontario.com, 647-722-6977 Communications coordinator Angela Lindsay alindsay@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5305 Accountant Joe Sabatino jsabatino@landscapeontario.com, 647-724-8585 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO STAFF Shawna Barrett, Darryl Bond, Kim Burton, Myscha Burton, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Rob Ellidge, Denis Flanagan CLD, Sally Harvey CLT CLP, Jane Leworthy, Heather MacRae, Allie McInnes, Kristen McIntyre CHT CEM, Kathy McLean, Linda Nodello, Kathleen Pugliese, Ian Service, Tom Somerville, Martha Walsh

and we will continue to improve what LO can offer you, whether it’s education, networking, or professional development. As always, we aim to improve our organization with every step we take.

I have great faith in the future of our members who will continue to be responsible stewards of our organization’s assets. Because of this confidence, we have the ability to make measured and deliberate decisions.

At the same time, with the potential sale of our land, we may be uniquely positioned to capitalize on this current opportunity — one that could greatly benefit the future of our organization. The more we hear from you about exactly what you’re looking for from LO, the more able we will be to direct our assets towards what you want.

It is not enough for me to simply say that your thoughts, ideas and opinions are important, so we have created a medium for you to share them with us. Click on surveymonkey.com/r/daveislistening to provide your opinion.

Please use this new tool to express yourself and create a conversation. We will be listening.

It has been an honour and a privilege to serve you over the past year. I look forward to working with, and listening to, all of you in the months to come.

Dave Braun may be reached at dbraun@landscapeontario.com.

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FEATURES OAKS FOR VIMY GreenTrade Expo CANADA BLOOMS Students AT congress SALT REPORT

ASSOCIATION NEWS NEW MEMBERS EVENTS Industry NEWS COLUMNS Ad Index Classifieds

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 2015, reproduction or the use of whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Published 12x per year. Rates and deadlines are available on request. Subscription price: $43.51 per year (HST included). For subscription and address changes, please e-mail subscriptions@landscapeontario.com

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Media, politicians and many others gathered at the Chinese Baptist Church in Scarborough for the ceremony and cutting process to begin the Vimy Oaks project.

Connon Nurseries NVK ensuring legacy of Vimy Ridge oaks On April 9, 1917, close to a 100,000 Canadians poured from trenches, dugouts and tunnels to begin the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Among those soldiers was Leslie Miller, a farm boy from Toronto. When the guns had gone silent, Vimy Ridge was barren ground. Nothing was left standing, including the old oaks. From this, Miller somehow located acorns buried in the mud of the battlefield. He sent them home to be planted on his farm, located along Kennedy Road in Scarborough.

When he did make it back home, nine saplings were growing, and Miller would tend them the rest of his life. He passed away in 1979.

English oaks

Jump ahead 98 years, and Landscape Ontario member Connon Nurseries NVK is working to ensure the legacy of Vimy, its English oaks, and Leslie Miller.

For Case Vanderkruk, vice-president of Connon Nurseries NVK, “As soon as I received the request to help with the project, there was a lot that resonated with me.”

Vanderkruk and propagator at Con-

4 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MARCH 2015

non Andrew Barbour are working to produce enough English oak trees to return to Vimy for the battle’s centennial in 2017. The species Quercus robur, is not native to Canada.

The process to return the Vimy oaks began when Monty McDonald, a longtime friend of Miller’s, came up with the idea of repatriating the Vimy oaks in Scarborough back to Vimy, France.

Shortly after Miller’s death, the property on Kennedy Rd., north of Highway 401, was sold to the Chinese Baptist Church, which over the Monty McDonald proudly spoke of the support and years left the old woodlot, where enthusiasm being generated to ensure that oak trees the trees were planted, undisturbed. from the Battle of Vimy were returned to the site to celebrate the event’s 100th year.

“Thank goodness the church purchased the property, because if it had been a retail operation the trees strength and determination of those who would be gone and a parking lot would be gave so much nearly 100 years ago, and there today,” says McDonald. it is truly an honour to be here to witness On Jan. 24, a ceremony and gatherthe beginning of what will become a lasting of cuttings from the oaks took place ing reminder of the Canadian sacrifice on at the church. McDonald welcomed the Vimy Ridge.” nearly 100 people who attended the Also attending the ceremony was event. He introduced former Minister of Vimy Foundation executive director, Jerthe Environment Peter Kent, who said, emy Diamond. “Generations of people “These trees stand as a symbol of the from all over will be able to come and see

a true piece of Vimy in these trees.”

Following the ceremonies, arborists Andrew Cowell and Chris Brown, from the City of Oakville, and Caitlin Ayling from Aldershot Greenhouses, cut the branches from the oak trees, while Case Vanderkruk and Andrew Barbour were there to choose the best ones for transport to Connon Nurseries NVK in Waterdown.

Oaks ready in 2017

Now the pressure is on us,” says Barbour. “We will work to provide the best possible trees for transplant at Vimy in 2017.” The growers expect that around 1,000 trees should be available by then, although the project will need 120 trees.

Vanderkruk says those trees not used for the Vimy celebration, could be planted at ceremonies in Canada.

Under the watchful eye of Barbour, the cuttings from the Kennedy Road property will be grafted onto a host. “Once the union takes, it will be important to create a good rooting system.”

Not all the trees will be produced through grafting. A couple of hundred cuttings treated with rooting hormone have been planted in grow containers, and Monty McDonald found an acorn under the brush that had began germination.

This one acorn is now under the care of Andrew Barbour.

Case Vanderkruk said that the five oaks left on the property did not produce many acorns. As well, the process to grow oaks from an acorn and have them a suitable size for 2017 wouldn’t be feasible.

Project is legacy

Asked why he took on the project, Vanderkruk gave a number of reasons, but cited how he felt it was important that the industry become involved in such a great project. “This project is just one way that we can show our industry’s professionalism and how many of us believe it’s important to be good stewards and leave a positive legacy.”

Another reason to become involved is a personal one for Vanderkruk. “I’m a bit of a history buff, and Vimy is one of the major turning points in our country’s history.” He noted that Connon Nurseries also has a long and rich history. It is over 100 years old, having been founded by a man with a military background Major John Connon. “He hired my grandfather Cornelius Vanderkruk.”

Cornelius later purchased Connon Nurseries, and today, five generations of the Vanderkruk family spend their time both growing plants and the business.

Propagator Andrew Barbour and Case Vanderkruk of Connon Nurseries NVK are working to produce enough oak trees to return to Vimy for the battle’s centennial in 2017.

Case’s father Neil Vanderkruk is a past president of Landscape Ontario.

“I see this project as one of legacy for our country, industry and Vimy, and Connon Nurseries NVK,” said Case.

Asked if he would want to attend the planting in April 2017, Case Vanderkruk said, “That would be a great honour to be there to return the oaks to the site...but we’ll wait and see.”

To help ensure that the project is successful, Monty McDonald has created

a team of people who include Dr. Ron Ayling, editor of the Forestry Chronicle; Dave Lemkay, general manager of the Canadian Forestry Association; Ed Lawrence, well known gardening expert and radio personality; Tony DiGiovanni, executive director of Landscape Ontario; Case Vanderkruk and Andrew Barbour; Colonel Ralph Coleman, former director public affairs Canadian Armed Forces, and Patricia Sinclair, a community activist.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 5

Ottawa Chapter handed out the inaugural Awards of Distinction at GreenTrade Expo. In photo, award recipients are, from left, Stacy Elliott, Bradley’s Commercial Insurance, winning Best Supplier to the Trade; Mostafa Fallah, Artistic Landscape Designs, for Best Plant Material Supplier; Sue Windover and Kelly Mulrooney-Cote, both of Geosynthetic Systems, winners of Best Accessories and Equipment Supplier; and Rob Redden, of Upper Canada Stone, Salesperson of the Year. Upper Canada also won Best Hardscape Supplier.

Expanded GreenTrade meets with great approval Over its 22-year history, GreenTrade Expo has often been referred to as the little trade show that could. After its latest edition, Ottawa Chapter’s event no longer fits that description.

Presented by the Ottawa Chapter on Feb. 10, at the EY Centre, in conjunction with Permacon, GreenTrade has become a major annual event in eastern Ontario and western Quebec.

This year’s celebrations began the evening before with the inaugural Awards of Distinction Gala and Casino Night, at the Southway Hotel Ballroom.

The Ottawa Awards of Distinction began as an idea, written on a napkin, by Ottawa Chapter past president Ed Hansen, of Hansen Lawn and Garden, after attending Congress 2014. “Ottawa should be recognizing and celebrating local suppliers and members, similar to the Awards of Excellence that take place at Congress every year.”

The plan for the awards began to take

6 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MARCH 2015

The awards night was viewed by a sold out crowd of 127. The evening was hosted by Bruce Morton and Ed Hansen. Morton explained to attendees, “We wanted to recognize our suppliers, for they provide us with the products and services we need to be the best at what we do in our industry.”

Tony DiGiovanni, executive director of Landscape Ontario, and Landscape

shape in the spring of 2014, when the GreenTrade Expo committee, Bruce Morton, Show Chair, of GreenScape; Ed Hansen; Sundaura Alford, of A Cultivated Art; and Michael Fulcher, of Permacon; chose the inaugural year to recognize landscape industry suppliers. To add some fun for attendees, the committee included a casino night at the event.

A call went out for nominations of suppliers that fit simple criteria of being members of Landscape Ontario that provide goods and or services to the local industry. Once the nominations were received, the voting process began, culminating in the Award of Distinction Casino Night was such a popular event at this year’s GreenTrade Gala on Feb. 10.

Expo, that plans are already underway to hold it again next year.

Ontario president Dave Braun brought greetings. The event was presented by Permacon, with category sponsorships from Greely Sand and Gravel, and Upper Canada Stone. The award trophies were sponsored by The Sam Group.

All nominees were recognized at the gala, and those chosen by their peers include: Best Plant Material Supplier, Artistic Landscape Design; Best Hardscape Supplier, Upper Canada Stone; Best Accessories and Equipment Supplier, Geosynthetic Systems; Best Supplier to the Trade for 2014, Bradley’s Commercial Insurance; Salesperson of the Year, Rob Redden, Upper Canada Stone.

The evening continued with the Casino Night. As part of the fun, a number of prizes were handed out, including two pairs of 200 level Ottawa Senators’ tickets, a weekend trip to Bromont, courtesy of Permacon, and a Landscape Ontario membership, courtesy of home office. Everyone agree that Casino Night needs to be an annual event.

GreenTrade Expo show day began with a sigh of relief for show manager Martha Walsh, as the predicted snow flurries held off. “Ottawa experiences heavy snow storms in February, and we always cross our fingers and hope for the best. We have not had snow on show day for five years, and we hope it continues that way.”

The MTO contractors’ breakfast attendees were greeted to a cold, but sunny morning, in a room full of their peers. This annual event was sponsored

by Connon Nurseries CBV Holdings, Jim Tubman Chevrolet, and Manderley Turf Products, with MTO Officers Graeme Cook and Richard Sauvé informing members of the most up-to-date legislation relative to road safety in Ontario.

Once again the students from the University of Guelph Kemptville campus and Algonquin College Horticultural Industries program were the frontline volunteers of the show. They greeted attendees and handed out lanyards, sponsored by Dutchmaster Nurseries. Show guides were sponsored by Greely Sand and Gravel and show bags were sponsored

by Canlok Stone.

The entrance lobby, designed by Sundaura Alford, A Cultivated Art, and installed with the help of landscape designer Don Lewis and horticultural technician Laura Dove, made use of the many tulips to support the show’s theme.

Attendees were provided coffee, in custom cups, throughout the day, courtesy of Geosynthetic Systems, Bradley’s Com-

Michael Willis of Roger Willis Contracting received a year’s membership as a raffle prize for the Awards of Distinction at GreenTrade. In photo he is receiving his prize from Landscape Ontario Membership Services Coordinator Myscha Burton.

mercial Insurance and Greenlife Inc., with muffins and croissants sponsored

by Lanark Cedar and Bobcat of Ottawa.

Attendees were able to network at their very own lounge this year, sponsored by Petersen’s Turf Farm. New exhibitors this year included Stone Age Manufacturing from Oklahoma, Blue Imp Recreational Products, John Deere Landscapes, JC Rock, Surefoot Hardscape Products, TBL Deport, Pro-Fleet Care, Arbourdale and Alliance Designer Products.

GreenTrade Expo’s special theme was the 70th anniversary of the gift of tulips, celebrated during the show with a dedication ceremony in the coffee bar, presided over by Bruce Morton. Present were LO president Dave Braun; Ottawa Chapter president Sundaura Alford; LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni and included honoured guests The Dutch Defense Attaché Lt. Col. Christa OppersBeumer; Jan Bonsink, a former member of the Dutch underground in WWII; and well-known Ottawa Chapter members Jim and Anneke Bauer, who presented a ceremonial gift of tulips to Lt. Col. OppersBeumer. The coffee bar was designed and installed by Stephanie Scott, Jason Smalley, Permacon and the students from the Algonquin Horticultural Industries program. Plant materials throughout the show were provided by Algonquin College and Connon NVK. GreenTrade Expo free business education seminars, sponsored by Connons NVK and Cohen and Cohen Natural

Stone, included noted arborist Mark Burleton, Manager of Grounds and Greenspaces, Official Residences with the NCC, who presented optimal pruning for growth; Paul Zammit, Nancy Eaton Director of Horticulture at the Toronto Botanical Garden. He led attendees through the importance of planting for pollinators.

The business insight panel discussion included Jason Tasse, Chief Operating Officer at Lee Valley Tools, and Ken Merkley, Marketing Manager of Merkley Supply. They led discussions with attendees about retaining great employees, and how such practices tie into their company’s philosophy on giving back to the community.

Landscape designers Paul Brydges and Chris Mace conducted a meeting with Ottawa area landscape designers to provide a forum for local representatives to talk about provincial initiatives and networking with peers.

After another successful year, GreenTrade Expo 2015 thanks all the exhibitors for their continued support, attendees for the continued registration, and especially all Chapter volunteers, whose help continues to make GreenTrade Expo celebrate 22 years of trade show success.

The date for GreenTrade Expo 2016 is Feb. 10. All up-to-date information on the show, including the Awards of Distinction supplier nominees and recipients, can be found at greentrade.ca.

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LO Otium Garden is easy on the eyes and tough on the body

By Shawn Gallaugher The LO Otium Outdoor Exercise Garden at Canada Blooms features exercises for sports that represent the cultural diversity of St. James Town, the community where components of the garden will be installed after the show.

The garden accommodates the national sports of the Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, China, Russia and Korea. For instance, exercises have been designed for baseball and cricket, racquet sports (badminton, tennis, racquet ball), soccer, rugby, volleyball, basketball and cycling. These sports are also represented in the upcoming Pan Am and Para Pan games this summer in Toronto.

A wheelchair workout has also been choreographed for the garden, as well as an exercise program to strengthen core muscles that we use for gardening, because we all know what a workout this can be.

The garden will also feature a cross-training workout for cyclists to develop strength, flexibility, endurance and speed.

These are just the kind of exercises that are designed to take place in the LO Otium.

The workout program itself focuses on the lower body and core, because these areas are constantly being activated while cycling. The routine is a full body workout that incorporates stretches and a warm-up, flexibility, endurance, core conditioning, power and strength training, as well as a cool down.

The following exercises are a sample of what you can see and do in the garden.

Canada Blooms takes place from Mar. 13 to 22 at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto.

The photos accompanying this article are by Kim McKenzie, landscape design by Shawn Gallaugher Design, construction by Floristerra and exercise model is Chris Panagan.

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Otium Fitness Challenge In the LO Otium Outdoor Exercise Garden at Canada Blooms, LO members and the visiting public can exercise and have some fun by signing up for the Otium Challenge.

This is a fun fitness competition to test your power, core strength, and endurance to see how many sit-ups and pushups you can do and how long you can hold the plank.

The winning LO members will be published in the next issue of this magazine. If you want to start training for the competition, here are some general tips on form.

Sit Ups • Bend knees and place the balls of your feet flat on the ground • Place hands on opposing shoulders • Tighten your abdominal muscles • Gently lift your head followed by your shoulder blade

Push-ups • Set hands at distance slightly wider than shoulder width • Think of your body as one straight line • Look slightly ahead of you not down • At the top push up and straighten arms

The plank • Start off on a yoga mat in the push up position • Lower your forearms to the ground • Curl your toes under and engage your abs • Straighten your body and keep your spine and neck neutral • Flex your abdominals and hold this position for as long as possible

Students had a big presence at this year’s Congress. In photos, are students who built gardens at the annual trade show.

From left, Durham College, Niagara College and Humber College teams.

Students express their thoughts on experiences at Congress

By Denis Flanagan By the time you are reading this article, students will be looking forward to another March Break (reading week) in Ontario. Hopefully, lots of kids will have the opportunity to visit Canada Blooms and be inspired to think about a career in horticulture.

Speaking of inspiration, it was a pleasure speaking with the college students who took part in building gardens at Landscape Ontario’s Congress in January. I spoke with a number of teachers and students on how they felt about experiencing Congress.

Judging by their skill set, keenness and positive attitude I think the students have a very bright future in our industry. I hope they will in turn visit the high schools that they attended and spread the word about the opportunities that exist in the exciting world of horticulture.

Jason Milling, Head Technician at St. Clair College, Windsor “The Congress build is an event that the students look forward to each year. The chosen students get the opportunity to utilize some of the skills they have been developing during their education here

at St. Clair College. The opportunity to showcase themselves at an event as grand as Congress is exciting for them.

At times it can get hectic, and it certainly can be challenging, much like developing an installation in the industry. Everyone on the team has a job to perform while assembling the project and everyone on the team takes pride in representing the college and the future of the landscape industry. Congress gives the students an opportunity to network in the industry and make connections. It also gives the students the opportunity to bond with their peers in a setting outside of the classroom. For the students Congress is a resounding thumbs up.

Mike Mason, Fanshawe Horticulture student “We worked together, accomplished our goals with a step-by-step process. The class did a great job. The whole twoday experience of working and staying together as a class was exhilarating.”

Michael Hoekstra, Horticulture Technician Coordinator, Niagara College “The opportunity for our landscape students to participate in the design and building of the Niagara College ‘UnWined

Garden’ at this year’s LO Congress, allowed the students to experience a level of understanding that only a ‘real world’ project can provide.”

Blair Cole, Niagara College student “I feel that the only way to totally understand the complexity of a landscape design build project is to do it.

The LO student garden provided me that critical experience. And it was totally fun.”

Justin Clairmont, student St. Clair College The build in Toronto was a great learning experience. I was able to learn many new techniques and skills with some good people. I made many new friends in the process and gained many memories.

It was a long ten hours of hard work, but the end result was worth it. I was very proud of what we all built together, and I am looking forward to doing it again next year.”

Professor Shane Jones, Horticultural program, Durham College “I have had the opportunity to experience building a students’ garden at Congress from the perspective of an educator and as a student. There are two things I can say with certainty. First, it takes a great deal of hard work ‎and passion to build those gardens within those two days.

Second, it’s worth every bit of it!”

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LO and SIMA working to create industry standards on salt applications A 32-page report that summarizes three years of research, Snow and Ice Control for Parking Lots and Sidewalks is a start to eventually creating working standards for the industry.

This according to Phill Sexton, Director of Education and Outreach at Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA): “The need to create industry standards on salt application is very important,” he says. “We can’t afford to let this report sit idle.”

The report’s authors are Kamal Hossain, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow, and Liping Fu, Ph.D., P.Eng., Professor at the University of Waterloo. The field tests were conducted at a parking lot and several sidewalks located in the City of Waterloo, over three winters. Approximately 5,000 tests were conducted over nearly 100 winter snow events, covering a large number of treatment combinations in terms of material types, maintenance strategies, and treatment techniques under a wide range of winter weather conditions.

Sexton has taken on the unofficial role as a liaison between a working committee, created by SIMA and Landscape Ontario, and the University of Waterloo. Along with his position with SIMA, Sexton is also a private contractor. “As a contractor, I understand the need to develop practical rates that will provide an expected level of service within budget.”

Over the next few seasons, using the research report and ongoing studies with the university and contractors, Landscape Ontario and SIMA hope to create realistic data.

“Ultimately, we are working towards developing a standardized method for determining the most efficient salt application rates that provide the least impact to the environment, are defensible against slip and fall liability, and mitigate the risk of over-reliance on salt for business continuity,” says Sexton.

Field testing began in early February of this year with two contractors in the Kitchener-Waterloo area and two in the northeastern U.S. Results from those tests will be ready by the end of this summer.

Sexton says he hopes to have more contractors involved in tests next year. Interested contractors may contact him, or Tony DiGiovanni at Landscape Ontario. Those taking part in the tests must have equipment to measure salt distribution.

Over than 70 per cent of the contrac-

10 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MARCH 2015

tors surveyed in the University of Waterloo report currently do not have any equipment that can be used to accurately measure the amount of salt being used at different locations.

Over application

Under the heading, Summary of Major Findings, the University of Waterloo report states, “A majority of the contractors surveyed (60 per cent) prefer to have ‘Salt Extra’ contracts and this preference remains similar across contractors serving different types of clients. Given the limited guidelines and references available for this industry, along with no incentive to save salt (as it is paid for by the client), it can be expected that the industry is prone to over-application of salt.”

The report also states, “Despite their proven effectiveness (NCHRP, 2004), prewetting and direct liquid application (DLA) are not used widely with only a small number of contractors indicating their prior experience (25 per cent and 15 per cent respectively). While high initial cost is one of the major hurdles in adopting new methods and technologies, another reason for the low adoption rate is the lack of formal studies and guidelines that explain the correct use and potential savings for parking lots and sidewalks.”

On the issue of salt application and slip and fall litigation, the report states, “From a sustainability perspective, the majority of the contractors reported applying excess salt to avoid slips and falls, which often lead to litigations and increases in insurance premiums. Given the relatively low price of salt, minimal penalties for over-application, and a majority of contracts being ‘Salt Extra,’ it can be expected that this trend for over application of salt will continue. A large proportion of the respondents (75 per cent) believe that 10 per cent or more salt could be saved if litigations and insurance premiums were not a concern.”

Sexton believes that as an industry, we can no longer turn a blind eye to the environmental effects of salt. “The economic

impacts have become clearer, particularly after last season’s challenges with supply and demand for salt. These recent fluctuations, and their significant risk potential for snow professionals, are symptoms of an over-reliance on salt within our industry.

Yes, salt will always be an essential component in the snow management toolbox, but it can’t be the only one.”

The Waterloo University Report outlines deicing treatments using regular rock salts, pre-wetted salts, and several semi- to fullorganic salts such as Green Salts, Blue Salts, Jet Blue and Slicer. “It was observed that alternative products generally outperformed regular rock salt. The bare pavement regain time on the sections applied with these alternatives was approximately one hour shorter in average than those using rock salt.”

The test results did not indicate statistically significant differences between the performance of organic products and chloride based salts. “This finding has confirmed that the organic products are at least as effective as the regular products for anti-icing operations in addition to the advantage of being environmentally friendly,” states the report.

Sexton says, “Societal perspectives have shifted over the past 15 to 20 years.

Contractors are faced with higher-than-ever expectations for performing the work, while being forced to absorb more and more liability. These undeniable trends have led to a dramatic increase in salt output within our industry over time. Like it or not, these increases can have negative effects on the environment, particularly fresh water resources, which we as a human race rely on more than any other resource on earth.

The current trends for salt usage in our industry will not continue without scrutiny.”

The SIMA official concludes, “There is a global push from an environmental perspective to hold the snow and ice management industry accountable for using salt more efficiently. Those who start now win.

Those who continue to turn a blind eye and decide it’s ‘just a phase’ will eventually lose…lose their credibility, lose their clients, and lose their business.”

Phil Sexton may be contacted at phill@sima.org, and Tony DiGiovanni at tonydigiovanni@landscapeontario.com. The complete report may be accessed at http://gfl. me/x2rT.

ASSOCIATION NEWS Minister announces funding to help women succeed in green industry

be involved in all phases of the project, and a key collaboration with Landscape Ontario will see its regional chapters directly engaged in the design, piloting and evaluation of the mentorship model.

In talking with Minister Leitch at the funding announcement, LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni said she told him she would like to send letters of support to women in ownership or management positions.

Says DiGiovanni, “Last week I spoke with Dr. Leitch about our industry and to thank her for supporting our sector.

Landscape Ontario is currently compiling a database of women in the horticulture industry, and asks women to join at http:// goo.gl/forms/WHwdR9izm9. Minister Leitch wants to send letters of support to women in green industry ownership or management, and intiate a mentorship program.

Growers happy with Short Course returning to Royal Botanical Gardens

From left, following the minister’s announcement, are Abhimanyu Verma, volunteer chair for Microskills, Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Tony DiGiovanni and Jane Wilson, project coordinator at Microskills.

Community MicroSkills Development Centre is receiving $250,000 to support the economic success of women in the landscape and horticulture industries through new mentorship opportunities.

Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, announced the federal government funding on Feb. 6, saying that Community MicroSkills Development Centre will collaborate with women, industry represen-

Proudly growing fine perennials

tatives such as Landscape Ontario, and local employers, to pilot and formalize a mentorship model in the landscape and horticulture sectors.

The Centre will focus in the Greater Toronto Area, Durham, and Wellington/Waterloo. It will address the barriers to advancement for women in these sectors such as biased perceptions of women’s capabilities, or lack of business and social networks. Employers will

25

for over

Most attendees at this year’s Nursery Growers’ Short Course on Feb. 4 were happy to return to Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington.

In comments recorded from attendees, they were happy with the line-up of speakers. “Tons of information. Very interesting,” wrote one attendee. “Speakers were very knowledgeable about their topic.”

Jen Llewellyn of OMAFRA began the day’s topics with What’s Bugging Your Nursery Crops, followed by Julian Suurd of Suurd Agri Sales, on Agronomy for Nursery Production.

The rest of the morning included Jason Deveau of OMAFRA, speaking on Latest in Sprayer Technology; Jeanine West, of PhytoServ, on How Effective are Impact Sprinklers?; Greg Riddell, of

years

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ASSOCIATION NEWS Riddell Aquatic Science, talking about Managing Algae in Recycling Ponds, and Kristen Hoffman, of Workplace Safety Prevention Services, presenting Safety in the Nursery.

At the end of the morning session, participants had the opportunity to view the New Products Showcase.

Tom Hsiang, of the University of Guelph, led off the afternoon agenda with his topic, The World of Rotting Wood. He was followed by Jason Henry, of Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, speaking on nursery research; Youbin Zheng, of the University of Guelph, speaking on Using Nutrients More Efficiently; and Melissa Spearing, of Ground Covers Unlimited, talking on The International Seed Bank. Julian Suurd highlighted the afternoon agenda with his talk on Soil Agronomy for Nursery Production.

Chris Pieper, of Pieper Nurseries, demonstrated How to Survive an MOE Audit, followed by the always-popular

Grower Good Ideas.

The event was sponsored by Direct Solutions.

Next year’s Growers Short Course will return to the RBG on Feb. 3.

Next Peer to Peer event in Oshawa

Following the launch of the new Landscape Ontario Peer to Peer Network at Congress, Tim Kearney and Jacki Hart are ready for the next event on Mar. 26 in Oshawa.

Says Hart, “The goal of the Peer to Peer Network is to ensure that our members realize that in business and in their career, they are not alone. They work side by side, moving forward together towards their own individual goals and aspirations.”

The focus of the Peer to Peer Network is to improve participants’ ability to finding qualified people, effects of poor financial controls, creating a positive company

culture, creating leaders in your company and managing efficient systems.

Other issues include creating longterm viable business plans and consistent production rates year to year, crew to crew.

The Landscape Ontario Peer to Peer Network is communicating using LinkedIn. Go to linkedin.com and in the search box at the top of the page, type in: Landscape Ontario Peer to Peer Network. Make a request to join, if you are a member of LO, and a business owner or manager. Your request to join will be processed quickly, and you can then start to enjoy sharing and learning from your peers on these and other issues posted in the discussion.

Hart says, “There are two important criteria to join: You must participate and you have to agree to abide by our Pledge and Commitment.”

The next Peer to Peer Network live session will take place from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Quality Hotel and Conference Centre, 1011 Bloor Street East, Durham South Room, in Oshawa. For more information, or to register, go to horttrades.com/peer-to-peer-session-oshawa.

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Quiet Nature duo ready for fourth annual canoe trek

Family Skate Day

For the fourth consecutive year, Derek Lippert and JP Bartle of Quiet Nature in Ayr will paddle nearly the entire Grand River (nearly 300 km), raising money to plant trees along the Grand River watershed.

The canoe trip begins Apr. 26 and ends May 2.

Lippert and Bartle hope to increase awareness of watershed and the environmental issues facing the watershed, while highlighting the river’s tourism and social importance.

Over the past three years the canoe trip has raised close to $10,000 resulting in the planting of nearly 2,000 trees for the Grand River Conservation Authority.

The duo is hoping to receive pledge support from fellow LO members. Visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/grandriveradventure for more information and to follow the week-long journey in real time.

On Feb. 16, over 90 Landscape Ontario members and their families were treated to a fun Family Skate Day, hosted by Golden Horseshoe Chapter.

Employers and employees along with their families had the opportunity to take a break from work to enjoy a free family skate at the Gateway Ice Centre in Stoney Creek, followed by a lunch at Don Cherry’s, all courtesy of Danny Trombetta of Grand River Natural Stone.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

other, head office was well represented.

Good times, good food and good squash were the order of the day with all of the participants stating they would return next year.

Jason Partridge of Wentworth Landscapes took the ‘C’ honours over Justin MacDonald of Upper Canada Stone, while Dan Clost of Connon Nursery CBV slipped past Blake Herrington of Serenity Landscapes in the ‘B’ finals. Returning champion Perry Hartwick of Upper Canada Stone retained his title after taking Dan Clost to squash school in an entertaining match to end the day.

Many thanks to the volunteers who worked hard to make this happen, including Judy deBoer and Sian Pritchard from the Chapter and Myscha Burton. Thanks to all who promoted the event.

Sponsors were Upper Canada Stone and Unilock, with in-kind gifts received from Garant Tools, Connon Nursery and Thornbusch Landscaping. Thank you all for your generous support; it is your company’s willingness to be involved that makes this tournament such a fun event.

Next year, we’ll be in Picton. This tournament is open to all industry members from all of the chapters. We look forward to seeing you there.

Good times, good food and good squash were the order of the day for all of the participants at 4th Annual ‘I Was There’ squash event in Trenton.

Upper Canada Chapter continues fun with squash tournament

It was quite the tournament! Upper Canada Chapter held its 4th Annual ‘I Was There’ squash event in Trenton on Feb. 17.

Much of the preliminary discussion cen-

tred around Denis Flanagan being on the courts and how members were to be circumspect with their court behaviour. Flanagan reached into his bag of tricks and displayed some superlative squash skills.

With LO membership coordinator Myscha Burton on one court and Flanagan on the

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Members attend New York event

Two members of Landscape Ontario, Michael LaPorte CLT and Paul DeGroot, took the opportunity to learn about a neighbouring landscape association.

The pair attended Plant WNY’s, the landscape and nursery association of Western New York, annual conference on Feb. 5 and 6. The event focused on education, providing credits to those who have achieved certification. There was also a large opportunity to network with other attendees, while visiting sponsor exhibits.

Plant WNY is a member of the New York State Nursery and Landscape Association. NYSNLA, like Landscape Ontario, is committed to education for the industry. They are also involved in issues such as invasive species, labour force, and public promotion.

This year’s event hosted a number of speakers discussing topics on design, maintenance, and construction. The keynote speaker, however, stole the show.

Michael Dirr PhD discussed his love for trees, especially the ‘Noble’ varieties. He described them as trees that are expected to outlive those who plant

them. His discussion then led to his love of plant breeding. “Growing plants to their full genetic potential is the goal,” according to Dr. Dirr. His passion provided inspiration to everyone at the event.

Both LaPorte and DeGroot were appreciative of Joyce Jansen, Kathie Gates-Depan and the event committee for the great hospitality shown them.

NYSNLA extended member pricing to visiting LO members attending any of the upcoming New York Region’s Education Days. The offer was presented at Congress 2015.

LO members help combat invasive plants

Ed Horlings, owner of Horlings Garden Centre in Peterborough and member of Landscape Ontario, is always looking for new products, information and services for his customers.

In 2013, he discovered Grow Me Instead and decided to bring what he felt was an innovative program to his customers.

Grow Me Instead is a province-wide program coordinated by the Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC). Its purpose is to educate professional and hobby gar-

deners about invasive garden plants and non-invasive and native alternatives.

In 2012, a small guide was distributed at gardening events. It soon grew into an outreach program that currently engages over 40 nurseries and garden centres.

“We were pleased to increase awareness of non-invasive and native garden plants through the Grow Me Instead program,” says Horlings. “Our customers appreciate the free educational material.”

This year, OIPC is looking to grow the outreach program. “Our goal is to engage more nurseries than ever this year and connect with some of the bigger stores as well,” says Rachel Gagnon, OIPC coordinator. “The demand for beautiful non-invasive and native garden plants is growing as people learn more about the ecological implications of their gardening decisions.”

Landscape Ontario is represented on the OIPC board of directors by Jeanine West.

Participating nurseries and garden centres receive Grow Me Instead posters, header cards and brochures (countertop stands included) — at no cost to them.

OIPC also offers free presentations on invasive garden plants, alternatives and

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ASSOCIATION NEWS the Grow Me Instead program to staff and/or costumers.

Grow Me Instead nurseries will be promoted on the OIPC website and in related presentations given to gardening clubs and master gardener groups across the province.

“Offer your costumers the information they need to create beautiful gardens that contribute to the ecological health of your community, while encouraging them to purchase plants at your centre,” suggests Gagnon.

To join the Grow Me Instead community, contact Kellie Sherman at kellie@oninvasives.ca for more information and to register as a nursery partner.

Ottawa Chapter to create dream garden

Nurseries and garden centres taking part in the Grow Me Instead program will display posters such as this one.

Landscape Ontario, led by Ottawa Chapter members, will create the Dream Garden at the 2015 Ottawa Home and Garden show, taking place at the EY Centre in Ottawa from Mar. 26 to 29.

The garden, which measures

2,800 sq. ft., will be a celebration of the Canadian landscape and the rich history of horticulture in our nation’s Capital.

A walk through the Canadian Dream Garden will take visitors on a journey through a showcase of quintessentially Canadian landscapes, including wetlands, the far north, forests, mountains and an urban garden. Tulips will also be featured in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Gift of the Tulip from Holland to Canada, the gift that led to the creation of the worldrenown Ottawa Tulip Festival.

The designers working on the project include Ashley Cochrane for the wetland and forest, Karla Narraway for the north and Welwyn Wong for the mountains with Sundaura Alford CLD managing the overall coordination of the planning phase and the design of the urban garden.

Several Landscape Ontario members are teaming up for the construction including Les entreprises Maréchal, an established company from Gatineau, Que., and a new member of Landscape Ontario, which has stepped in to the lead role for the implementation.

Joining them, at the time of writing, are Nature’s Way Landscaping from the Upper Canada Chapter, Natural Impressions Landscaping, Hansen Lawn and Gardens, Clintar Landscape Management, Cityscape Group of Companies and Lanark Cedar.

The horticultural students from Algonquin College, led by Steve Neumann, will provide additional assistance with the construction and the planting.

Suppliers already on board with loans and donations of materials include Permacon, Cohen and Cohen Natural Stone,

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Aquascape, Greeley Sand and Gravel and several growers who have kindly agreed to force plant material for the garden to give everyone a sneak peek of spring. A complete list of the volunteer team and everyone who has generously donated to this project will be displayed at the garden and the Landscape Ontario booth at the Home Show.

Landscape Ontario members are invited to a tour of the garden on Mar. 27 at 11 a.m., before the show opens for the day.

Tickets to the show will be provided to those who preregister. The tour will include an update on the plans for the 2016 garden show, which is intended to mimic the Canada Blooms format with a series of gardens constructed by Landscape Ontario member companies.

Anyone interested in helping out with the garden build, which runs from Mar. 23 - 25, or volunteering at the Landscape Ontario booth during the show is encouraged to contact Martha Walsh at mwalsh@ landscapeontario.com.

In memoriam John Somerville

Industry pioneer John Somerville passed away on Feb. 12.

He was the co-founder of Somerville Nurseries, Everett.

His contributions were profiled in an October, 2012, Landscape Ontario magazine story, John Somerville honoured for his lifetime of achievement.

A Eulogy delivered by his grandson, James T. Somerville, expressed the family’s thoughts on John Somerville: “He had a deep passion for Ontario’s forests, and was instrumental in a lot of its re-growth. His work and his legacy speak for themselves in the trees that already tower throughout the county and across Southern Ontario. Speaking on behalf of all of his grandchildren, we are proud to have had you as our grandfather.

It was wonderful to have known you, and we will all miss you dearly. Rest in peace, Grandpa.”

Somerville passed away peacefully at Matthews House Hospice, Alliston, in his 92nd year.

He was the beloved husband of Jean, and loved father of Tom (Kim), Fred and Robert (Kathy) and grandpa of Lindsay, Justin, James, Thomson and Dana.

A funeral service was held at the St. John’s United Church in Alliston, with interment in Alliston Union Cemetery.

In memoriam Steven Petersen

Co-owner of Petersen’s Turf Farm in Osgoode, Steven Petersen died tragically on Feb. 16, at the age of 46.

Petersen was killed while snowmobiling in the Petawawa area.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Diabetes Association would be most appreciated by the family.

Steven Petersen was the loving husband of Vicki (Cinnamon) and proud father of Ethan and Mason. He was the cherished son of Jes and Mary Petersen and brother of Jack (Mae), John (Janis), Brian, Brigit (Allan Stanley) Aase (Trefor Lewis), Erik, Paul (Cindy), David (Shelley), Glenn (Melanie) and Ivan (Darlene).

Petersen’s Turf Farm has been a member of Landscape Ontario since 1985.

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NEW MEMBERS Durham Heritage Stone Facing

Kevin Dennison 4760 Solina Rd, Hampton, ON L0B 1J0 Tel: 866-616-3146 Membership Type: Active

MPM Landscaping

Rob Mainhood 1427 Parkham Cres, Pickering, ON L1W 1B7 Tel: 905-831-6273 Membership Type: Active

Georgian Lakelands Advanced Landscapes (1748318 Ontario Inc) Jim Molenhuis M - 7328 Yonge St, Innisfil, ON L9S 2M6 Tel: 647-984-8873 Membership Type: Active

Eisses Brothers Excavating

Mike Eisses PO Box 7005, Innisfil, ON L9S 1A9 Tel: 705-722-6488 Membership Type: Associate

Ikes Turf

Jeff Eichenberger 31 McKean Blvd, Nottawa, ON L0M 1P0 Tel: 705-606-1477 Membership Type: Interim

Son of a Gun Services Ltd

Denise Gunson 37 Brown Wood Dr, Barrie, ON L4M 6N5 Tel: 705-730-6840 Membership Type: Active

Golden Horseshoe CCT Landscaping

Calogero Tirone 510 510 West 5th St, Hamilton, ON L9C 3P8 Tel: 905-962-2122 Membership Type: Active

Calibre Concrete Inc

Trevor Pennings 1680 Concession 4 W, Rockton, ON L0R 1X0 Tel: 905-637-4537 Membership Type: Active

Creative Concepts Landscape Design & Property Maintenance Mike Voortman 2 - 59 Kirby Ave, Dundas, ON L9H 6P3 Tel: 905-961-5762 Membership Type: Interim

Core Property Solutions Inc

Cory Lawrynowicz 2596 Weston Rd, Toronto, ON M9N 2A9 Tel: 416-245-4545 Membership Type: Interim

Crown Verity Inc

Economy Landscaping div of Economy Chimney

Kasty Landscaping

Fineline General Contractors Ltd.

M&M Tree Service

Fleetmatics

Niagara Outdoor

Frosty Snow Plowing

Pumpcrete Corp O/A Modern Crane

Gerd Hermanns Landscape Contractor Inc.

John Foulger 37 Adams Blvd, Brantford, ON N3S 7V8 Tel: 519-751-1800 Membership Type: Associate Alexandre Kastelein 3174 Trailwood Dr, Burlington, ON L7M 2Z5 Tel: 905-466-1080 Membership Type: Active Mirek Turczyniak 16 Robroy Crt, Brantford, ON N3R 3E3 Tel: 519-752-4887 Membership Type: Active Greg Brunet 4900 Cherry Ave N, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B1 Tel: 905-562-8815 Membership Type: Active Mark Williams 6000 Progress St, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X8 Tel: 905-354-3855 Membership Type: Associate

Ottawa Labour Ready

John Pezoulas 1659 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K2A 1C4 Tel: 613-862-7391 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Savaria Landscape Products Inc.

Emilie Chagnon 950 Rue de Lorraine, Boucherville, QC J4B 5E4 Tel: 613-679-1010-x218 Membership Type: Associate

Toronto Arborjet, Inc.

Monica Munoz 99 Blueberry Hill Rd, Woburn, MA 01801 Tel: 781-935-9070 Membership Type: Associate

Budds Chevrolet & Cadillac Buick

Marino Peric 410 South Service Rd W, Oakville, ON L6K 2H4 Tel: 289-291-2504 Membership Type: Associate

Martin Meulendyk 20 HWY 7, RR1, Locust Hill, ON L0H 1J0 Tel: 905-294-7147 Membership Type: Active

Jenine Liscio 4215 Lloydtown Aurora Rd, King, ON L7B 0E6 Tel: 416-898-3654 Membership Type: Active Chelsey Carlson 800 - 1600 E Golf Rd, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 Tel: 866-844-2235 Membership Type: Associate Jason Ash 262 Main St N, Acton, ON L7J 1W9 Tel: 519-853-1347 Membership Type: Chapter Associate Gerd Hermanns 1408 20th Sideroad, Schomberg, ON L0G 1T0 Tel: 905-939-7171 Membership Type: Active

Halton Pool Guys Inc./Landscaping

Bob Nesbitt 11 Churchill Cres, Georgetown, ON L7G 2M8 Tel: 905-873-9444 Membership Type: Active

Pave Krete Construction

Roby Rizzi 2 - 69 Ram Forest Rd, Gormely, ON L0H 1G0 Tel: 416-659-3917 Membership Type: Active

S J Stone Mason Company

Robert Jarnevic 36 Alysha Way, Maple, ON L6A 0E5 Tel: 905-417-8403 Membership Type: Active

Techno Metal Post Toronto - York - Simcoe Dan Mazanik 1801 - 1 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5E 1W7 Tel: 416-526-2224 Membership Type: Associate

Terrier Excavating

Larry Galo 37 Edgebrook Cr, Brampton, ON L6T 1Y6 Tel: 416-984-1681 Membership Type: Active

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EVENTS Bookmark horttrades.com/comingevents for up-to-date event information.

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Direct Energy Centre, Toronto Spring comes early to Toronto, and as Canada Blooms says, Let’s Play.

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March 16 - 18

Garden Tourism Conference 2015

Eaton Chelsea Hotel, Toronto The Conference theme — Gardens and Tourism: Making a Difference — will be echoed throughout the two-day event, as each session will twin a garden speaker with a tourism speaker in order to underscore the opportunities of working together in the garden tourism marketplace. Visit gardentourismconference.com for full details.

March 19

Compost Matters in Ontario

Direct Energy Centre This year the Compost Council of Canada hosts its annual workshop at Canada Blooms. Come to learn, discuss and place the organics recycling industry in its proper context — as the fundamental means to “Feed the Soil.” See compost.org.

March 26

Windsor Chapter meeting

Dominion Golf Course The Windsor Chapter’s March meeting will feature the latest updates from the Ministry of Transportation. Join members for lunch at noon, followed by the meeting at 1 p.m. For more information, please contact Jay Rivait at jaytopgrade@hotmail.com.

Check out our website! www.millgroveperennials.ca

March 26

Toronto Chapter meeting

Latvian Cultural Centre, 4 Credit Union Drive, North York Join the Toronto Chapter for the continuation of the ‘What’s up with That?’ lecture series featuring all things disposal and dumping. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and dinner will be provided. Elections will take place for the Toronto Chapter executive board at this meeting. For more information, or to submit a nomination for the Chapter board, contact Myscha Burton at myscha@landscapeontario.com, or call 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354.

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INDUSTRY NEWS Irrigation now included in overtime pay exemption The Ministry of Labour Employment Practices Branch has confirmed that those who install and maintain irrigation systems are now included in the program’s policy on exemptions that apply to persons employed as landscape gardeners.

Employers of landscape gardeners are exempt from the requirement to pay overtime. The exemption covers landscape maintenance (raking, watering, weeding); planting or moving plants including hedges, trees or shrubs; preparing the ground for planting; caring for established lawns; trimming, pruning and maintaining plants including hedges, trees, and shrubs; installing rock gardens, ponds, and planters; park gardening; and golf course greens-keeping.

Now added to the list are employees who install and maintain irrigation systems (including both drip lines and sprinklers) where the irrigation system contributes to sustaining and maintaining plants (including sod, trees, shrubs and flowers).

The program’s revised policy will appear in the update to the

Employment Standards Act, 2000 Policy and Interpretation Manual, published on February 20.

The Program considers employees engaged in the following activities to fall outside the definition of a person employed as a landscape gardener: Persons employed by a landscaping company who do not perform landscaping work (e.g. administrative employees, landscape architects/designers, and truck drivers); builders of retaining walls for purely, or substantially, structural purposes; installers of lighting systems; persons involved in weed spraying of roads and industrial sites.

New online guide contains answers for truck operators

The Commercial Vehicle Operators’ Safety Manual, prepared by the Ministry of Transportation, has every answer to questions from commercial truck operators.

The nearly 300-page online guide

by The Carrier Safety and Enforcement Branch of the Ministry of Transportation

will assist and ensure companies operate safely and are compliant with the regulations that govern highway use.

Ontario and other provinces, along with the the Government of Canada and the transportation industry, developed the rules and regulations to help reduce the number and severity of collisions. Each jurisdiction has used the National Safety Code standards as guides in drafting its own transportation safety legislation.

The guide applies to Ontario operators of commercial motor vehicles that are trucks, tractors or trailers, or a combination of these vehicles that have a registered gross vehicle weight or actual weight of more than 4,500 kilograms.

According to MTO, the main reason for developing the guide was to help operators and drivers of commercial motor vehicles understand and comply with Ontario’s legislative requirements.

The guide is also much more than a safety document. It provides a study guide for new Commercial Vehicle Operators’ Registration (CVOR) written test, as well as sections to assist existing and future drivers, managers and operators of trucks understand legislation and safe operating procedures. The CVOR test must be completed prior to obtaining a CVOR certificate.

There are also resources and contact information in Ontario, Canada and the U.S., and recommendations to help operators develop, update and implement their safety and maintenance programs.

The guide also will help operators access the legislation and related regulations such as the Highway Traffic Act,

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Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act, Fuel Tax Act and more.

To view or print the guide, go to http://gfl.me/x2s5.

NEW AT LEGENDS....

Training for falls from heights mandatory after Apr. 1

Falls from heights are a major hazard for workers and one of the leading causes of critical injuries and fatalities in Ontario workplaces.

A new training requirement will focus on the construction sector because the number of fatalities due to falls from heights on construction projects is disproportionally large compared to other workplaces.

As of Apr. 1, 2015, new training will be mandatory for workers on construction projects who use any of the following methods of fall protection: travel restraint system, fall restricting system, fall arrest system, safety net, work belt or safety belt. Workers must be given adequate oral and written instructions by a competent person.

The new requirements must be met in addition to existing training for workers who use fall protection systems on construction projects, as set out in the Construction Projects Regulation.

A two-year transition period will apply to workers who received adequate training in the use of fall protection systems, prior to April 1, 2015.

Whether a particular activity is considered to be maintenance or construction will continue to be determined on a case-by-case basis, subject to specific workplace conditions and an initial assessment of the situation.

Employers will be required to maintain a record of a worker’s approved working at heights training. The employer must make a training record available to an inspector on request.

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MTO amends truck regulations

The Ministry of Transportation has made some amendments regulations under the Highway Traffic Act that came into effect on Jan. 1, 2015. They include Changes to Regulations 611, ‘Safety Inspections’ and 601 ‘Motor Vehicle.’

Changes are to Schedule 1, Daily Inspection of Trucks, Tractors and Trailers. The following are the four amendments: • Striking out “(a) any door fails to close securely” under Column 3 opposite “Part 2. Cab” under Column 1 and substituting “(a) any cab or sleeper door fails to close

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INDUSTRY NEWS securely.” (See: O. Reg. 242/14, ss. 9 (1), 15) • Striking out “(b) parking brake is inoperative” under Column 2 opposite “Part 17. Hydraulic Brake System” under Column 1 and by adding “(f) parking brake is inoperative” under Column 3.

(See: O. Reg. 242/14, ss. 9 (2), 15)

• Striking out “(a) damaged or deflated air bag” under Column 3 opposite “Part 20.

Suspension System” under Column 1 and substituting “(a) damaged (patched, cut, bruised, cracked to braid or deflated) air bag or insecurely mounted air bag.” (See: O. Reg. 242/14, ss. 9 (3), 15) • Striking out “(b) tire leaking” under

Vineland to study Norway maple With funding from Ontario Genomics Institute (OGI), Vineland Research and Innovation Centre will conduct research on developing a Norway maple tree “that is no longer invasive.”

The funding announcement on the Norway maple research came on Feb. 11, by OGI, which describes itself as “a private, not-for-profit corporation focused on using world-class research to create strategic genomics resources and accelerate Ontario’s development of a globally-competitive life sciences sector.”

The Vineland project received $30,000. Vineland’s Travis Banks and Darby McGrath will work on the Norway maple tree project.

A press release by OGI, states, “Having fallen out of favour because of invasiveness, Norway maple was used extensively as an urban tree, which thrives in polluted and compact soils, withstands hot summers and cold winters, and suffers few diseases. This funding will enable DNA sequencing of the Norway maple genome and update methods to identify new Norway maple plants that are unable to create fertile seeds.”

Column 2 opposite “Part 21. Tires” under Column 1 and substituting “(b) tire leaking, if leak cannot be heard” and by adding “(a.1) tire leaking, if leak can be felt or heard” under Column 3 (See: O. Reg. 242/14, ss. 9 (4), 15).

To read the entire schedule and download the updated Daily Vehicle Inspection Report, go to http://gfl.me/x2sc.

Green highway project continues and broadens

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre will continue in 2015 to monitor the Greening the Highways project.

The project was initiated in 2008 to provide Ontario nursery growers with opportunities to diversify the range of tree species in production, particularly for crops destined for highway roadside planting. With the support of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and Landscape Ontario, Vineland Research has been investigating causes of highway tree mortality in Ontario to improve tree establishment in these ecosystems.

Soil remediation findings and plant community findings will be combined into a manual of recommendations for urban plantings at the close of this project. In 2015 Vineland will also continue to rewrite the draft of the soil specifications for planting with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

In 2013, Vineland began evaluating the planting conditions (i.e., soil, temper-

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ature) of typical right-of-way highway systems. Two sites were chosen for the initial evaluations. The sites were planted in the fall of 2012 (along Highway 406 in Thorold) and operated as the control and baseline of site characterization for future research.

In 2013, it was found that soil structure and composition were the main limiting factors in plant survival in these systems.

The project has evolved into Greening the Canadian Highways, with the support of the Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance. The project has been awarded funding by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada through the Agricultural Innovation Program. The funding will carry the project through to 2018.

In Business to make Money?

University of Guelph helping Blue Jays

The University of Guelph is working to improve the Toronto Blue Jays.

It’s nothing to do with batting and fielding, but it will influence the surface on which the major league team will fulfill those skills.

A $600,000 agreement was signed by the university and the Blue Jays for a year-long intensive study to determine the impacts of growing natural grass in the Rogers Centre. The team hopes to install natural grass with a dirt infield by the start of the 2018 season.

The tests will involve developing a blend of grasses that will survive the Rogers Centre’s unique conditions. Maintaining the turf is a complex issue in that the Rogers Centre hosts many other events beside baseball. The baseball field goes in and out about 40 times a year.

Eric Lyons, an associate professor of turfgrass sciences at the University of Guelph, will head the study. He says the

USE THE RIGHT TOOLS

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 23

INDUSTRY NEWS

University of Guelph is working to bring real turf to the home of Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers Centre.

sod requires approximately 12 growing months. “If you want the grass installed at the beginning of spring, you need to harvest it the previous fall,” he said.

The researchers will look for the right species of grass, as well as the right soil mixture, artificial lighting system, irrigation system and whether or not any engineering changes are required at the stadium to handle air flow and humidity.

Lyons says he is up for the challenge.

“It’s the perfect project for me. I’m a scientist. I love baseball, I love sports and I love turfgrass.” He says he is certain the research team will find suitable grass species to ensure it will flourish inside the stadium.

The grasses will be grown on an

Ontario sod farm and then tested in a simulated environment under artificial light. If all goes well, the natural turfgrass field will be installed for opening day in 2018.

Safety conference coming to Mississauga

Canada’s largest annual health and safety event, Partners in Prevention 2015 Health and Safety Conference and Trade Show, will take place from Apr. 28-29 at the International Centre in Mississauga.

The show will feature 60-plus sessions and over 400 exhibits. Opening keynote speaker is Canada’s famous spaceman Chris Hadfield. Other keynote speakers at the conference include Dr. Joe MacIn-

nis, who studies leadership and teamwork in life-threatening environments, and Michael Landsberg, host of TSN’s Off the Record.

“Bigger and better” may be common event buzzwords, but they stand true for these returning trade show highlights: Other highlights include the Healthy Living Centre, which will focus on agerelated health issues and injuries; Working at Heights Pavilion, which will provide dramatic hands-on demonstrations of rigging devices. It’s a great opportunity with Ontario’s new Working at Heights Training Program Standard in effect on Apr. 1.

Partners in Prevention is administered

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EXECUTIVE DESK What is the purpose of Landscape Ontario?

Tony DiGiovanni CHT LO executive director

I

recently read a book on the science of motivation. The research says that motivation is fuelled by autonomy, mastery and especially purpose. It outlines that we should constantly articulate “why” our organization is important.

Over the years I have observed members communicate our purpose in many ways: “We are club for mutual improvement.”

“We exist to grow a prosperous, professional, ethical, recognized, valued and contribution-oriented industry.”

“Our purpose is to advance the industry.”

“Our purpose is to educate, and promote our industry.”

“Our purpose is to support each other.”

“We exist to be prosperity partners.”

“We are in the business of enhancing lives.”

“We are stewards of creation.”

“We are a green force for beauty.”

All these purpose statements are valid and communicate why we exist. Even though there are many different ways of communicating purpose, the best way is through action.

Landscape Ontario is a collective of individuals. Landscape Ontario is “you.”

Together we have a job to do. As LO members, we have assumed responsibility to take collective and individual action. Our job is to grow a prosperous, professional, ethical recognized, valued and contributionoriented industry. Our job is to raise awareness for the economic, environmental, health, recreational, therapeutic, life-style and spiritual benefits of our industry. Our job is to enhance lives by what we do and who we are.

There is a saying, “Be the change you want to see.” Recently, I came across a slogan adopted by a school in the U.S. It says, “I am the change.” What a

wonderful statement.

Perhaps we should amend it to, “I am the change — I am Landscape Ontario.”

The industry will continue to change for the better because our members inspire others through their actions. As your staff, we are constantly inspired by your integrity, industry pride, honesty, respect, trust, character, professionalism, competence and contribution ethic. It is no wonder we have such a vibrant, engaged and successful organization.

We enjoyed successful net membership growth this year (six per cent).

However, each year we cancel approximately 150 members. Some members leave because they retire, or because of Mark Cullen motivated members with his pledge business failure. Others leave because of $30,000 towards scholarships for young people interested in a green industry career. He’s challenged they see no value. Some leave because LO members to raise $100,000 to put towards the they feel the dues are too high. Many scholarship program. become members simply for the discount on trucks and equipment. Once they Property update receive the benefit, they leave. Years ago and Listening Tour we mounted a very successful memberMost of you know we are in the middle of ship campaign based on discounts. After a real estate deal. We are selling 23 acres a few years, most of those new members of our 48-acre property. If everything goes vanished. This underscores why it is so according to plan, we will close the deal on important to sell membership based on purMar. 31, 2015. pose. Discounts are important. Purpose is This means we will have expanded essential. resources to accelerate activities related to our purpose. In keeping with tradition, we Scholarship challenge are seeking input from our membership on Leaving a positive legacy motivates many how to best use the resources for the colof our members. Mark Cullen is one of lective benefit. those. He recently challenged LO to raise President Dave Braun has already $100,000 per year to distribute as scholarstarted a Listening Tour. Please let your ships. He has also dedicated three of his views be known. Consider this question, Toronto Star columns in February to pro“What is the one thing that Landscape moting careers in horticulture.

Ontario can do to realize our vision of a Mark’s challenge came with $30,000 a prosperous, professional, ethical, recogyear of his own money. This has motivated nized, valued and contribution-oriented the Designer Sector Group, Unilock, Teresa industry?”

Matamoros, Russ Loney, Bob Allen, BerAlthough there are many actions and nie Wolfe and some of the chapters. We activities necessary, we are asking you to are up to $75,000. Consider taking the focus on one. This will give us a real sense challenge. You choose the amount. You of priority. Send me your answer. develop the criteria. You choose the school.

You choose whom you want the scholarTony DiGiovanni may be reached at ship named after. There is nothing that tony@landscapeontario.com. beats a gift of legacy.

Contact me if you are interested at tony@landscapeontario.com WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 25

UNDERGROUND WORLD Congress was an unqualified success

By Terry Murphy CLP

A

gain, the Landscape Ontario Congress proved a major success. I can always gauge the success level by listening to my Horticultural Technician apprenticeship students from Mohawk College. They thought it was an amazing experience to see the new equipment, new products showcase, nurseries and all the associated exhibitors, including the safety organizations and to network with industry professionals. Many students were surprised at the quality time that many exhibitors gave them.

Congress was also a solid success for the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA). The goal going in was a ‘Theme of 25 and 25’, namely 25 signups for membership into ORCGA and 25 firms to apply for Alternative Locate Agreements (ALAs) with the utilities. These were ambitious goals. We only signed-up one member at the show, but we did create a very good list of potential firms who are interested in receiving more information on why they should join. Fifteen firms joined ORCGA following the show. We are now following up with other firms and hope to increase our membership by two dozen by the end of March.

What are ALAs?

As far as ALAs are concerned, many firms are still learning about the opportunities this arrangement will present. We had more than 40 firms inquire at our various exhibitors. These firms are currently being sent forms to complete the ALA application process. Enbridge Gas took down contact information and is now sending out the required information. Enbridge will also share these contacts with the other utilities that were present at Congress. Each landscape industry firm must have a separate ALA agreement with each utility.

ALAs are agreements with industry firms, whereby the firm agrees that it will not excavate deeper than 11 inches. This is ideal for irrigation companies, companies doing annual and perennial plantings,

and those laying sod. The firm must still call Ontario One Call and get the proper paperwork. It could be advised over the telephone that the firm does not need to wait for any locate markings to be on the ground before digging. All regular steps to obtain a locate through Ontario One Call are required. The only difference is that you don’t need to wait for the locate company to put the actual marking on the ground. The whole idea is to not hold up the excavator and delay a project because the locate company is too busy and overloaded that personnel can’t do the locate markings.

This is especially true in the spring months.

ORCGA’s winter symposium was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Toronto last month.

This event included seminars, a trade show and guest speakers in the damage prevention industry. The three-day event attracted 300 industry professionals.

The month of April will see our annual Dig Safe campaign, which will have over 100 events scheduled at various venues across the province. The idea is to educate the public about the potential dangers that exist when digging on their own residential or commercial properties. The public must obtain locates when they dig, just the same as a contractor is required to call Ontario One Call.

Each ORCGA regional council is looking for volunteers to help at the local Dig Safe campaigns in April. If you can afford a couple hours of time, these Councils can use your help. It is also a great time for networking and sharing local business opportunities.

If you have any comments, suggestions or questions on any underground damage prevention issue or about the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance or its Councils, please contact me at tvmurphy@ ca.inter.net. I always look forward to your thoughts, ideas and concerns. Thank you.

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Students attending Congress 2015 thought it was an amazing experience to see the new equipment, new products showcase, nurseries and all the associated exhibitors, including the safety organizations and to network with industry professionals.

PUBLIC RELATIONS What happens in Ottawa does not stay in Ottawa

By Denis Flanagan CLD Director of Public Relations and Membership Services

Y

our Milton office supported the Ottawa Chapter GreenTrade Show in February. Our membership booth was very busy with lots of enquiries about industry updates, education and joining LO. The job board and plant ID challenge were also buzzing with activity.

The show was amazing and had many new features, including great seminars and a brand new awards evening.

At the end of the show, we also held a mini-governance meeting under the lead-

ership of Lexi Dearborn. A presentation and review was given by Myscha Burton, reporting on the many ideas that came out of the Association-wide governance meeting held last December. Since then, we have prioritized the tasks and have been working on moving things forward, making GreenTrade a great opportunity to get feedback from Chapter members and to fine-tune some details.

Three main topics came up for discussion. These include customized cards showing membership benefits, methods of communication and long distance learning.

We have produced a wallet-size card that highlights the benefits of joining LO. It was suggested that we customize the card for each Chapter, so that local contact information may be included. These will be completed, printed and ready for distribution for Industry Night at Canada Blooms.

How we communicate to our membership is always a lively topic. The goal is to have consistent, professional looking templates available that can be used for numerous forms of communication. This was supported, with the important feature being that they are all adaptable to handheld devices. An update and samples will be available for next month’s Landscape Ontario magazine.

We all agree that it is an important to present long distance learning opportunities to share knowledge. The concept is that seminar topics would be recorded at a central location and made available to Chapters to use in group settings at local meetings. We will decide on a topic, presenter and location to produce a piece and be ready to launch a test run in the coming fall season.

It was great to have LO President Dave Braun in attendance for the meeting. The enthusiasm and conceptual thinking by the group dovetailed nicely into his theme of Growing Together. The fact that a local group could plan and develop ideas that resulted in handson solutions designed to be shared with the entire membership is definitely a big step in the right direction. A big thank-you goes out to everyone who contributed.

Public relations update

• Large Green for Life presence at Canada Blooms • LO Garden seminars on What’s New • Great media coverage; a detailed report from our public relations company to follow • Home and garden shows with Green for Life and Landscape Ontario featured: Mar. 5, Hamilton; Mar. 25, Picton; Mar. 26, Kitchener; Mar. 27, Windsor; Mar. 28, St. Thomas • Meetings with United Way in regards to a garden tour, Toronto Botanical Garden and garden tourism, Garden Writers Association, Toronto Parks and Tree Foundation

Denis Flanagan may be contacted at dflanagan@landscapeontario.com.

Lexi Dearborn leads a mini-governance meeting at the end of GreenTrade Expo.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 27

MEMBERSHIP

Endorsed suppliers

Spring is coming!

By Myscha Burton Membership and Chapter Coordinator

F

or the shortest month of the year, February was certainly a busy one.

In addition to successful Chapter meetings across the province, we had some special events this month, including the Ottawa Chapter’s GreenTrade Expo and the inaugural Awards of Distinction, which was a tremendous success.

Georgian Lakelands Chapter’s annual Ski and Spa Day and the Golden Horseshoe Chapter’s Family Fun Skate were also great events. This month I also got to make my squash debut at the Upper Canada Chapter’s ‘I Was There IV Squash Tournament.’ I learned that I should probably stick to horseback riding. A big note of congratulations to Perry Hartwick of Upper Canada Stone on winning the tournament for the second year in a row. I know who I’m going to for pointers!

As the new season approaches (and hopefully it brings some glorious warm weather with it), I want to remind you of some of the resources available to you with your LO membership. These resources are

here to help you, your company and staff.

I encourage you to utilize them to your advantage.

HR Toolkit

Waterloo Chapter’s February meeting did a great job at addressing some of the challenges companies face in the realm of human resources. We have a user-friendly HR Toolkit available for you to help you create your own policy and procedure manual, employee handbooks, as well as guides for recruitment and retention. There are templates, policies and legislations, and useful tools for both employers and employees alike. This is a FREE benefit to you with your membership and can be a great asset for your company. You can access the HR Toolkit by going to horttrades.com/HRToolkit.

Job postings and classifieds

As the new season approaches you may be looking to add some new members to your team. If you go to horttrades.com, you will find our classifieds under the ‘resources and services’ tab. Here you will not only find various equipment and services being offered, but also dozens of resumes for folks looking to join your company. If you already have a vision of your ideal new team member, you can post an ad here at a discounted rate for members; perfect timing to get you and your team ready for

GreenTrade in Ottawa was just one of the many events in February that saw lots of face-to-face time with members.

28 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MARCH 2015

the coming season. You can also use the aforementioned HR Toolkit to help create the perfect job posting by using the samples available in the recruitment section.

Yes, you may know about the great discount that you can get on a vehicle through the endorsed supplier program. But there is so much more to it. Some of the programs that you already may be aware of include equipment and fuel savings, as well as discounted pricing on industry training courses, including seminars offered through LO. If you’ve attended a recent Chapter meeting, you may have met a representative from HortProtect, an industry-specific insurance company understanding the unique needs of your business and your staff. They offer insurance and group benefit program packages. As a member, you also have access to discount programs through the Retail Council of Canada, which include both financial and business solutions. Perhaps you are in need of a new credit card? What about office supplies or promotional materials, new safety shoes and work equipment, or maybe you’re looking to save at your next hotel visit? We have programs for all of these things. For the most up-to-date listing of the endorsed supplier programs, visit cnla-acpp.ca/benefits.

Our chapter meetings are wrapping up before the start of the season. Still to come in March is the Toronto Chapter’s meeting on the 26th at the Latvian Centre. It will feature the next instalment of the ‘What’s Up with That?’ lecture series.

Chapter meetings wrap up for the season

Golden Horseshoe Chapter’s Gear Up for Spring Trade Show will feature seminars from the MTO and WSPS on Mar. 31, at the Ancaster Fairgrounds. As if you needed another reason to attend this event, admission is free, but you must register online.

To wrap things up before the start of the season, Waterloo Chapter hosts the annual MTO meeting on Apr. 1, at Coleman Equipment, and Georgian Lakelands Chapter will host its meeting in Thornbury, featuring a seminar on accessible landscapes and ‘Smart Access in Design/Build Services.’

Your chapter executive boards are already hard at work planning some great summer events, including golf and baseball tournaments. Check your weekly e-news and your chapter’s webpage for the latest details of all of these events, or you can contact me directly at myscha@landscapeontario.com, or call 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354.

PUBLIC RELATIONS Hiring smart — Who do you want to work with?

By Jacki Hart CLP Prosperity Partners Program Manager

I

think most of us turn the page of our calendar on the wall with a degree of hesitation at this time of year.

MARCH. Rapidly followed in 31 short days by APRIL. And off we all madly bound in various directions with enthusiasm, energy and hope. You might be asking yourself, “Yikes! Where did that lovely stretch ahead of winter planning and making improvements for this time of year go?”

This month I’m pretty sure most of you reading this will either be conducting interviews, or overseeing people who do. It’s an important task and a difficult one to do well. It’s pretty tough to demonstrate hard skills for the majority of our industry’s tasks, when sitting in an office. And, as we all know from experience, when it comes to how good someone is at any given task, we can all pretty much be a legend in our own minds.

So, where does that leave you as an interviewer, trying to determine who to hire? My suggestion is to focus on what you can absolutely determine in an interview, and follow your gut on the rest.

Here’s how:

Soft skills

A mentor of mine once told me that you can teach most people to do pretty much any task, but you can’t teach them to smile.

He was right. Soft skills speak to attitude, communication style, self-accountability, diligence, perseverance, willingness, adaptability, kindness, sense of humour and honesty — to name but a few. Think for a moment about who you want in your midst, on your team, chatting with your customers.

Someone who has all of the attributes and more than I listed above? I would.

In my opinion, one of the important steps in this process is to reflect on the qualities your best employees possess.

Not their hard skills, their soft skills. If you’ve taken the Prosperity Partners Build Your Prosperity workshop, you’ve taken the time to determine your business Core Values. The non-negotiable soft skills are baked into your company culture, policies and procedures. If you haven’t yet taken this important step to clarify WHO your business is, now’s a really good time, so that you can build a right-fit team. When you have aligned people, there’s less friction, fewer problems, better communication and great collaboration.

If you took your list of soft skill qualities, and use it to devise an open ended questionnaire (i.e. questions that you can’t answer with a yes or no), your interviews will reveal each candidate’s soft skills. Your interviews will also let you know WHO each candidate is, more than what they know and how to do. Try it! I guarantee you’ll find more right-fit people who are easy to train, and willing to be trained.

Using the short list I mentioned above, here are some examples of open-ended questions that reveal specific soft skills: • Describe an experience you have had when a task you were doing was corrected by a co-worker or supervisor. Was that a comfortable experience? Why? Why not? (accountability) • What do you enjoy most about working in an environment like ours? (engagement) • Describe the best experience you have had working with a team. (respect, sense of humour)

• Using a work example, can you tell me about a time when you had to really persevere and go beyond your normal tasks in order to meet a deadline? (perseverance, willingness, diligence) • What is it about our company or this job that encouraged you to apply for this position? (self accountability, honesty) • Tell me about the best job you have ever had, and why you liked it so much. (communication) • In terms of the people you work with, describe a perfect fit for you. (kindness, cooperation) • How do you know that your work is achieving or exceeding required standards? (diligence) At the end of the interview, share the soft skills you think are important, and ask the candidate if they can describe an example of how they may have demonstrated these in a previous job. Listen for authentic answers.

For other hiring and people management resources, go to: horttrades.com/ HRToolkit to access our free online Human Resource Tool Kit. The Tool Kit offers various resources for managing the people in your business.

Join the Network

The Peer-to-Peer Network is a powerful, new tool to bring industry members together, to benefit all. Facilitators Jacki Hart and Tim Kearney know landscape industry challenges first-hand. To join, visit linkedin.com, and type Landscape Ontario Peer-to-Peer Network in the search box.

Members may participate in the next faceto-face Network event, Mar. 26 in Oshawa.

Space is limited; Sign up horttrades.com/ peer-to-peer-session-oshawa The topic is “Develop a Positive Culture; Find Qualified People.”

Free prosperity tool: Contractor / Sub-contractor safety policy A free tool from the Prosperity Partners resource library is a best practice guideline for updating safety policies between contractor and subcontractor. It’s a simple list to help monitor the safety policies of all companies you work with. Download this free resource underneath the Operational Excellence heading at http://gfl.me/hlm A wealth of other free resources is available at horttrades.com/prosperitytemplates.

The templates are organized by Prosperity Pillar, and can be customized to suit your business needs.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 29

CLASSIFIEDS

employment OPPORTUNITIES GLEN ECHO NURSERIES INC. is a family owned and operated business in the heart of the Caledon Hills. We are currently looking for a few key people to start the season.

We are a retail nursery/garden centre and also a design office with several construction crews.

Nursery Sales Persons • Minimum 2-5 years experience in horticulture retail sales • Working knowledge of hardy ornamental trees, shrubs, evergreens and perennials • Outgoing and friendly personality • Must be available on some evenings and weekends • Must be able to promote and participate in a team environment Please contact Valerie Wylie Email: valerie@glenecho.com Fax: 905-584-9751

All classified ads must be pre-paid by credit card. Rates: $50.85 (HST included) per column inch Min. order $50.85. 15% discount on ads run for entire calendar year. Box Numbers: Additional $10.

Confidentiality ensured. Deadlines: 20th day of the month prior to issue date. (eg: June issue deadline is May 20th). January deadline is Dec. 10. Space is limited to a first come, first served basis.

To advertise: E-mail your name, phone number and ad to Robert at classifieds@landscapeontario. com or fax to (905) 875-0183. Online advertising: Website only ads are available for $67.80 (HST included) for Associaton members and $90.40 HST included for non-members. Website ads are posted for 31 days. View ads online at www.horttrades.com/classifieds

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

employment OPPORTUNITIES

ESTABLISHED MUSKOKA LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE COMPANY FOR SALE Successful, respected company, locally owned and operated, is looking for a professional and dedicated purchaser. Well-maintained fleet of trucks and equipment. Dependable staff, loyal customer base. Year-round operation.

For serious inquiries only, please reply in confidence by email to: MuskokaOpportunity@gmail.com

opportunities at davey tree Davey Tree is currently expanding operations and looking for experienced Arborists, Foremen, Climbers, and Groundspersons.

We are the largest employee-owned company in the green industry, and Canada’s trusted source for complete plant health care. Our roots extend back to 1880, and we have branches from Ontario to British Columbia. Davey provides: • Excellent training • Career advancement • Company benefits • Employee ownership • Opportunities in all aspects of arboriculture • Solid industry compensation bases and incentive programs.

If you are interested in being part of our growing team, please email or fax resume to: John Arico.

Email: John.Arico@davey.com Fax: 905-304-7605. www.daveytree.ca

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE COMPANY FOR SALE Successful, respected and well-established company, serving the Dundas, Hamilton and Burlington area for 25 years. Locally owned and operated. Looking for a professional and dedicated purchaser. Well-maintained equipment. Dependable staff, loyal customer base.

Owner retiring.

For serious inquires only, please reply in confidence by email to: knightspropertymaint@hotmail.com

Get INSPIRED Get CONNECTED Get INSPIRED Get CONNECTED

Allstone Quarry Products Inc. Canadale Nurseries Ltd. Connon Nurseries/NVK Holdings Inc

WANTED WHOLESALE Ontario White, Black, Emerald Cedars.

Up to 14 feet, delivery GTA. Call 416-741-1407

Expressway Hino Waterloo

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877-898-2688

Page 12 Page 13

519-631-1008 905-628-0112

Page 31

www.donwayford.com

416-751-2200

Page 14

www.expresswaytrucks.com

800-558-7364

Page 23

www.gandlgroup.com

905-669-3538

Page 22

www.gro-bark.com

905-846-1515

Page 19

www.haltonautolease.com

877-837-5674

Page 16

www.highlandgm.com

905-727-9444

Page 24

G & L Group (Draglam) Halton Autolease Inc. Highland Chevrolet/Highland National Leasing John Deere Corporate

905-939-8491

www.botaggregates.ca www.canadale.com

Gro-Bark (Ontario) Ltd.

Kobes Nurseries Inc.

www.allstonequarry.com

www.connonnurseries.com

Donway Ford Sales Ltd.

30 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MARCH 2015

FIRST NATURE NURSERY Quality Suppliers of LIVE STAKES AND RODS DECORATIVE BRANCHES LARGE EVERGREENS Check us out at firstnaturenursery.com 905-973-3605

ADVERTISERS Bot Aggregates Limited

Landscape Ontario’s Green for Life brand is designed to promote your professional business Landscape Ontario’s Green for Life brand is designed to promote your professional business

NURSERY STOCK

www.johndeere.ca

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www.kobesnurseries.com

905-263-8814

Page 20

www.landscapestore.ca

905-336-3369

Page 21

www.metalpless.com

866-362-1688

Page 15

Millgrove Perennials Inc.

www.millgroveperennials.ca

888-867-1925

Page 19

Newroads National Leasing

www.newroadsleasing.com

416-587-1021

Page 23

www.pottersroadnursery.com

519-688-0437

Page 26

www.sipkensnurseries.com

866-843-0438

Page 11

Legends Landscape Supply Inc. Metal Pless Inc.

Potters Road Nursery Inc. Sipkens Nurseries Ltd. South Oakville Chrysler Fiat Stam Nurseries Stanley Black & Decker (DeWalt) Uxbridge Nurseries Ltd.

www.southoakvillechrysler.com

905-845-6653

Page 21

www.stamnurseries.com

519-424-3350

Page 23

www.dewalt.com

800-433-9258

Page 2

www.uxbridgenurseries.com

877-655-3379

Page 18

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 31

From moving dirt to zero-turn mowing, They all count.

The GreenFleet Loyalty Rewards Program just got better. How ?

Well, for starters, every piece of John Deere ride-on equipment* can count towards your membership level. From combines to lawn tractors, skid steers to zero-turn mowers.

Signing up for GreenFleet is free. And once you purchase two pieces of equipment in twelve months, you are eligible to receive valuable discounts on John Deere products.

Plus you’ll save money on John Deere tools and workshop products. Stop in or give us a call today to learn how GreenFleet can turn your loyalty into savings.

To view full program terms and conditions, visit GreenFleetRewards.ca.

Everything Counts

JohnDeere.ca/GreenFleet

*GreenFleet Equipment is defned as self-propelled, ride-on equipment. All attachments and implements are excluded.

See GreenFleet Terms & Conditions at JohnDeere.ca/GreenFleet.

32 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MARCH 2015

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