BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

www.cnla-acpp.ca/savings

SAVE 10% MRSP plus a 2.5% CNLA partnership discount. Print and marketing in EVERY store in Canada!

20 % OFF most products or services in the Solution Shop –Either in-store, or online at WWW.STAPLESCOPYANDPRINT.CA With 300 locations there is always a store close by. 10% OFF on select regular priced merchandise. Contact CNLA to receive

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DISCOUNT 3.1cents/litre on Retail Fuel, and 1cent/litre OFF Cardlock Fuel. Special pricing available on bulk fuel, email CNLA@parkland.ca for details. 5% OFF MSRP . Please see dealer for details.

COMING SOON!Stay tuned for new programs!

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SAVE 10% MRSP plus a 2.5% CNLA partnership discount. Print and marketing in EVERY store in Canada! 20 % OFF most products or services in the Solution Shop –Either in-store, or online at WWW.STAPLESCOPYANDPRINT.CA With 300 locations there is always a store close by.

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Advancing The Professional Landscape Industry

MANAGING EDITOR Joel Beatson

CONTENT & EDITING Kyla Hardon

LAYOUT KWL Design

Landscape Alberta Green for Life is a professional publication for the landscape trade in Alberta.

Editorial and Advertising

Landscape Alberta

18051 107 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5S 1K3

P: 780-489-1991 F: 780-444-2152 admin@landscape-alberta.com

Landscape Alberta does not assume responsibility for and does not endorse the contents of any advertisements herein. All representations or warranties made are those of the advertiser and not the publication. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Landscape Alberta or its members. Material may not be reprinted from this magazine without the consent of Landscape Alberta.

ISSN No: 1929-7114 (print)

ISSN N0: 1929-7122 (online)

Landscape Alberta Board of Directors

Brian Gibson, Green Drop Lawns Ltd., Chair

Ken Ruddock, ULS Maintenance & Landscaping Inc.

Cody Brown, Tree to Tree Nurseries Ltd.

Jeff Oudyk, CSLA, AALA, JLG, Land Tec Landscape Contractors Ltd., Vice Chair

John van Roessel, CLM, CLT, JVR Landscape (2006) Inc., Treasurer

Matthew Chausse, Seasonal Impact

Laura Watson, Finning Canada

Adam Jansen, The Jansen Group

Landscape Alberta Staff

Joel Beatson, CAE, CLM, CEO joel.beatson@landscape-alberta.com

Marnie Main, Member Services Director member.services@landscape-alberta.com

Kyla Hardon, Communications Coordinator kyla.hardon@landscape-alberta.com

Lisa Warner, Events & Relationship Coordinator lisa.warner@landscape-alberta.com

Cheryl Teo, Bookkeeper accounting@landscape-alberta.com

On the Cover

2022 Lansdscape Award of Excellence Winner and National Award of Landscape Excellence Finalist, Planta Landscape Inc., Britannia Ridge

@landscapealberta

Enter The 2023 Landscape Awards

Alberta Election Results

With the election now complete, we can look forward to a resumption of our regularly scheduled programming (the election hold on government business will soon be lifted). In the coming weeks we will see Premier Smith announce her new cabinet and provide mandate letters to the new Ministers.

Landscape Alberta will review these mandate letters along with research on the Ministers to provide issue briefings on a caseby-case basis. Ongoing work continues with the Ministries of Agriculture, Skilled Trades and Professions, Municipal Affairs, Jobs and Economy, Forestry, Parks and Tourism, and Environment and Protected Areas and industry priorities can be positioned to align with overall government direction/point of view. This assumes there isn’t some cabinet restructuring (new ministries, removing old ones, or combining some).

The fall session is currently set to begin in October so no new legislation will be seen before then. Once we have new faces in their new roles, we can connect dots to members and begin the work of influencing policy or legislative change in our favour.

FOR

1-800-378-3198

Enter the 2023 Landscape Awards

Showcase your expertise and creativity... The early bird entry deadline for this year’s Landscape Awards is October 21, 2022.

**New for 2023**

All active members get their first entry free! If you have never entered before we hope this helps you take your first step into the awards program. Or if you have entered in a while, what a great time to get involved again.

Download the Landscape Awards Entry Package with all the information you will need for this year’s awards below. If you have any questions or need extra time to put together your entry, please let us know! There are categories for all residential and commercial projects, including maintenance, construction, and design. We also have a landscape feature category for those stunning show pieces (e.g. fireplace)

Now is the time to identify the projects that you would like to submit for awards. Ensure you take pictures before, during and after. You can always go back to previous projects from the last two seasons as they often look better after some maturation (construction). Avoid the rush at the end of season by ensuring you get client permissions and pictures throughout the season.

TFWP Wages Updated

The Program uses wage data from Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey to help in the administration of the Program and review of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The LMIA is in place to protect the Canadian labour market from potential negative impacts of hiring temporary foreign workers, including any downward pressures on Canadian wages. The LMIA also protects the health and safety of temporary foreign workers while in Canada and ensures that appropriate wages are paid for the work undertaken.

The provincial and territorial median wage data is updated annually and used to determine whether a position falls into the Low-Wage or High-Wage Streams. This means, employers are eligible for the Low-wage Stream of the Program if they offer a wage that is below the provincial or territorial median hourly wage for the position requested on the LMIA and, are eligible for the High-wage Stream if they offer a wage that is at or above the provincial or territorial median hourly wage for the position requested on the LMIA. Each stream has specific requirements designed to recognize the labour market impacts of hiring TFWs in certain occupations and industries. The requirements include recruitment efforts, working conditions, and employment duration. (editor note: the AB median wage remains steady at $28.85/hr)

The updated median wages for 2023 are now available, and is in effect as of May 31, 2023. For LMIAs received on or after this date, employers will be required to submit the application forms and meet the program requirements of the new stream, using the updated median wages. It is important to note that the online application form will be updated automatically, as of May 31, 2023, assisting employers in their application process.

Note that a 90-calendar-day transition period has been put into place (until August 29, 2023), on an exceptional basis, to account for unforeseen delays in the publishing of the wage data this year. During this transition period, Service Canada will work with employers whose application will have changed streams because of the new wages (from Low Wage Stream to High Wage or vice versa) to complete the appropriate application form. Recruitment efforts that meet the Program requirements of the original application package will be accepted as meeting the requirements of the new program stream during this time. More information about the application process is available on the Employment and Social Development Canada website.

Keep your eyes open for Box Tree Moth (BTM)

While the risk is low across Alberta and Saskatchewan it is still important to monitor your boxwood stock for signs of box tree moth (BTM) in the pupae and larvae stages. Recent shipments out of ON have led to positive finds in the retail garden centre and urban landscapes in provinces to the east. The two most common varieties in the Prairies (Green Mountain & Calgary) are generally propagated in BC, which so far is BTM free. Please see the CFIA infographic and other resources via the Landscape Ontario page on identifying the pest and continue to monitor shipments for any signs, especially if you have received boxwoods imported from Ontario or other easterly locations.

Update to insurance market (including snow coverage) for Alberta members

Marsh is pleased to advise the HortProtect Business Insurance Program now provides adjusted rates in Alberta. While each member’s insurance offering is underwritten on its own merits (i.e. loss history), members may be eligible for an average 15% reduction from the insurance company’s base rates. This is the result of ongoing collaboration between Marsh, the CNLA and Landscape Alberta to best serve the needs of the local market.

Most insurance providers see all businesses as the same, whereas risk managers look for the differences. Marsh, are risk managers, and look to provide you with savings on your insurance package by leveraging our deep industry knowledge along with the group buying power of being part of the HortProtect family of insurance products.

What do you have to lose? Even if you received a quote in the last year or two, Marsh might now have a better solution. Reach out to Melanie McInulty (Marsh Alberta) today to initiate a no obligation quote for your business. T +1 403 476 3434 M +1 403 461 1225 melanie.mcinulty@marsh.com. Even if your current insurance coverage is not yet up for renewal .....speak with Marsh today to evaluate your current program and see where we might be able to offer assistance.

Best Practices for Agency Workers/Labour Contract Workers and Direct Hires

With the unprecedented demands for labour currently facing the landscape sector, many members are looking at all avenues to meet their needs. As such, we are aware that more third-party labour agencies (temp agencies) are focusing efforts on our sector as one with high need. We have compiled some best practices below to ensure Landscape Alberta / Saskatchewan members know their obligations and help limit their liability when using such services.

Nursery/Landscape employers are legally responsible for all workers in their organization, including agency workers. If agency workers do not have proper documents showing they are legally able to work in Canada, then the employer would be liable.

SINs that begin with a “9” are issued to temporary workers who are neither Canadian citizens nor permanent residents. The use of these SINs is temporary and are valid only until the expiry date indicated on the immigration document authorizing them to work in Canada. If a worker presents a SIN starting with a 9, it is imperative that you request a copy of the work permit. (Government of Canada, 2020).

Agency Worker Best Practices

1. Identify a lead person coordinating agency workers for the business through a reputable agency. The lead person must contact the reputable agency and explain the procedure for all agency workers.

2. Schedule orientation for agency workers when they arrive at the business. No workers will begin work until orientation is completed, work permit and photo id are photocopied.

3. Verify agency workers’ work permit, photo identification, and SIN card.

4. Photocopy work permit and other documents for the business Human Resources file. Photocopy the work permit, SIN card, and photo id and then return to the worker.

5. Complete company orientation and safety training.

6. It is important that no Agency worker begins work with the company until the company has validated their work permit status. This is protection for the company and the employer if questioned by provincial, federal, police authorities now or in the future.

Much of this advice applies to direct hire individuals as well but is often skipped when hiring via an agency. We suggest that this still occurs to protect both the employees and you as the employer (via agency).

For a more in-depth look at your requirements as an employer please watch the webinar provided by CNLA and Zaifman Law.

Bev Minksy, City of Edmonton, Retirement

the season progresses and we can approach the City with findings on the behalf of industry.

National Awards of Landscape Excellence Finalists Announced

We have tallied the judges’ scores after their extensive review of numerous entries from across Canada. Scan to check out the 2023 National Awards of Landscape Excellence finalists. We’ll feature each of our finalists throughout the summer leading up to the day when the winners are revealed on August 9 at the Fairmont Winnipeg. This year’s finalists for awards of excellence are:

Residential Landscape Maintenance

After a pithy career with the City of Edmonton, Beverly (Bev) Minsky has decided to retire from leading Old Man Creek Municipal Tree Nursery.

Everyone knew Bev and her ability to communicate and build relationships in the landscaping industry. She will leave a long lasting positive impact on Old Man Creek Nursery. We wish her all the best as she moves to her next adventure.

City of Edmonton – Landscape Inspection Guidelines Updated

The City of Edmonton has released updated Landscaping Inspector Guidelines for 2023 and a new contact list for the year.

Its About Thyme Inc from Stratford, ON, for Urban Oasis Rockscape Bracebridge, ON, for Skeleton Lake Cottage Snider Turf & Landscape Care from Waterloo, ON, for Paradise Lake Retreat

Commercial Landscape Maintenance

Para Space Landscaping Inc. from Burnaby, BC, for Maquinna

Bos Landscaping from Smithville, ON, for Janco Steel Strathmore Landscape Management from LaSalle, QC, for Consilium Place

Commercial Landscape Construction

Trim Landscaping from Bedford, NS, for Peggy’s Cove Oakridge Group from Hannon, ON, for Gardens of Pillar and Post

Terra Vista Landscape Architecture, Construction & Supplies from Picton, ON, for Wander The Resort

Residential Landscape Construction

Fossil Landscape Construction from Vancouver, BC, for Modern Luxury

Cedar Springs Landscape Group from Oakville, ON, for Wonderful in White

The Landmark Group from Thornbury, ON, for Tranquil Hideaway

Landscape Design

Planta Landscape from Calgary, AB, for Britannia Residence

Blue Bear Landscape Construction from North Vancouver, BC, for Cypress Mountain

Welwyn Wong Landscape Design from Manotick, ON, for Hillside Retreat

Also, of note is this includes updated testing standards for topsoil. Please ensure that you are accounting for the testing costs and timelines in your project planning for 2023 and beyond. As this is the first full construction season to use the new soil standard, we are anticipating growing pains, please let us know any feedback as

Each year the National Awards of Landscape Excellence recognizes Canadian companies that have actively participated in significantly raising the level of professionalism in the landscape industry. Each provincial horticultural trades association nominates members from the Provincial Awards of Landscape Excellence competition to the National Awards.

OHS: Wildfire Smoke

This publication discusses wildfire smoke as a workplace hazard. Includes information on potential health effects, risks and controls.

ELCA is Coming to Canada!

The European Landscape Contractors Association (ELCA) Excursion 2023 is coming to Canada. Canadians are welcome to get in on the fun! This is a great opportunity to both see your own country, but also see it through the eyes of people from across the globe. Learn about strengths and best practices from peers from around the world.

Connect with Anne for more details. akadwell@canadanursery.com Or register at the link: Scan QR code to register.

Program Update: Esso/Mobil

Now save on oil changes at Mr. Lube!

The Esso & Mobil Business Fleet Card Program has partnered with Mr. Lube to bring more value to the Business Fleet Card Program.

Enjoy a 10% discount at participating Mr. Lubes on every oil change just by showing your Esso and Mobil Business Fleet Card*.

Avoid Late Fee for 2022 LHCP Recertification

The deadline for certified members due to renew their certification in December 2022, without the additional $25 late-fee is June 30th, 2023. Submit CEUs for educational activities, including for participating in online industry-related trade shows, conferences, seminars, workshops, training webinars, etc., and for service to the industry. Certifications lapse if not renewed within one year of the recertification date.

Canadian Landscape Standard: Download the CLS’s Revised Version (March 2023), available now!

The Canadian Landscape Standard Steering Committee is proud to release a revised edition (March 2023) of the Canadian Landscape Standard. As a member of the CSLA, a digital subscription to the CLS is included in your membership dues!

https://www.csla-aapc.ca/standard

Take Advantage of these Member Perks!

HortProtect Insurance: Designed to meet the specialized needs of professionals and operators within the Canadian Horticulture Industry. Start a quote at www.hortprotect.com

Travelodge: Save 16% to 20% off stays at Travelodge Canada.

Greenius: Members receive FREE 2-month license of Greenius Training Software, Unlimited users for 2 months and Unlimited training courses + FREE custom implementation.

ECHO / Shindaiwa: Members receive a 15% manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP, plus applicable taxes) discount off ECHO or Shindaiwa gas powered units and accessories purchase*. Members also receive a 10% discount off the purchase of any ECHO 58V battery-powered products. Also, members will be offered a 20% discount if you arrange a product demo with an ECHO representative and purchase a minimum of five ECHO and/ or Shindaiwa gas-powered units in a single purchase. *$250 minimum purchase required, does not include parts and labour.

Parkland: Per litre discount on retail fuel, cardlock and bulk fuel. Wacker Neuson: 5% off MSRP on select Wacker Neuson products. Administration fees apply.

Are you a member of the Landscape Alberta? Are you taking advantage of your Member Benefits? We offer discounted pricing on vehicles & equipment, industry training, financial services & much more! To access the Member Benefits portal, scan here. If you don’t have a log-in please reach out to memberservices@cnla-acpp.ca to request one.