Landscape Trades - August 2020

August 2020 VOL. 42, NO. 6

landscapetrades.com

Cross-Canada insurance update The law on coronavirus and contracts Remembering J.P. Lamarche

PM40013519

We have the

PROOF

Four pros share efficient recordkeeping strategies

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CONTENTS AUGUST 2020 VOL. 42, NO. 6

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Lee Ann Knudsen CLM | lak@landscapeontario.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Scott Barber | sbarber@landscapeontario.com LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MAGAZINE EDITOR Robert Ellidge | rob@landscapeontario.com MULTIMEDIA DESIGNER Mike Wasilewski | mikew@landscapeontario.com ACCOUNTANT Joe Sabatino | joesabatino@landscapeontario.com ACCOUNT MANAGER Greg Sumsion | gsumsion@landscapeontario.com

Snow and ice management

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Angela Lindsay | alindsay@landscapeontario.com ADVISORY COMMITTEE Gerald Boot CLM, Laura Catalano, Lindsay Drake Nightingale, Jeremy Feenstra, Mark Fisher, Hank Gelderman CHT, Marty Lamers, Bob Tubby CLM, Nick Winkelmolen Landscape Trades is published by Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 Phone: (905) 875-1805 Email: comments@landscapetrades.com Fax: (905) 875-0183 Web site: www.landscapetrades.com LANDSCAPE ONTARIO STAFF Andrea Annis, Darryl Bond, Grace Bruch, Amy Buchanan, Ben Buchmuller, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Cassandra Garrard, Meghan Greaves, Sally Harvey CLT CLM, Tim Kearney, Keri MacIvor, Heather MacRae, Katarina Markovic, Kathy McLean, Jeff McMann, Joe Salemi, Ian Service, David Turnbull, Lissa Schoot Uiterkamp, Tom Somerville, Myscha Stafford, Martha Walsh

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FOCUS 2020 FEATURES 8

Documents save your skin

Documentation systems are one way to head off lawsuits. Four snow pros share their strategies.

BY JORDAN WHITEHOUSE

16 Insurance update

Rising premiums are putting contractors in crisis mode across Canada.

18 Remembering JPL

A tribute to Canada’s landscape profitability pioneer.

BY PAUL ST. PIERRE

20 Pandemic support for green entrepreneurs

An interview with federal small business cabinet minister Mary Ng.

COLUMNS

24 Legal matters

Covid-19 has certainly affected ability to perform contracts. What is your liability?

BY ROBERT KENNALEY

26 Management solutions

Implement systems now for 2020/2021 snow season success.

BY MARK BRADLEY

28 Road to success

A record-breaking spring reaffirms business management truths.

BY ROD McDONALD

38 Mentor moment

Kelvin Vanderveen has built his reputation on humility and gratitude.

INTERVIEW BY ROD McDONALD

DEPARTMENTS ISSN 0225-6398 PUBLICATIONS MAIL SALES AGREEMENT 40013519 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT LANDSCAPE TRADES MAGAZINE 7856 FIFTH LINE SOUTH, MILTON, ON L9T 2X8 CANADA

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GREEN PENCIL 6 SNOW PRODUCTS 22 NEWSSCAPE 30 CNLA NEWS 33 NEW PRODUCTS 34 ADVERTISERS 37

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GREENPENCIL Recordkeeping is just one part of beating lawsuits

Self-defence 101

DOCUMENTATION IS IMPORTANT, ‘negative’ and so you must have ‘positive’, so we although low on the list when avoiding or can assume ‘negative,’ and being the good snow defending a lawsuit. The first thing is, you don’t plower that you are, you would have ‘positive?’ I want one coming your way. take my time, straighten up and slam home: “Sir, The Number One step is to know your numsome of the things you said I agree with, some of bers, calculate correctly and create a quote that the things you said I do not agree with, and you will allow you to do the job. Getting that award are not to put words in my mouth.” At that point, might scare you, as you ask, “What did I miss my lawyer has to leave the room … laughing. It that everyone else saw?” is easier for a human to state a positive than a Your quote is your budget; now get out and negative. Starting with a positive, stroking you SPEND the budget as intended. It’s not the time through the question and ending with a positive, to create shortcuts because you did not do you are likely to answer with a positive — and Number One correctly, or you want to try and now the lawyer has you. For you just agreed to MARK HUMPHRIES increase your margin. Do the work and do it well. the negatives.

Make regular and consistent notes of your observations, your Documentation will have influenced the adjuster somewhat, but thoughts, your decisions, your actions. Your smart phone on dictation he doesn’t REALLY understand winter maintenance. Documentation can go a long way to help here. Now file your notes, for 99 per cent will have influenced the opposing lawyer somewhat, but he is more will not be required. Use those notes — date, time, location, etc. — to concerned with your credibility as a witness. Documentation becomes answer challenges knowledgably. Facts at your fingertips tell chalcritical only IN the courtroom, because now the documentation lengers ‘you shouldn’t try and come after us, it will be good money begins to speak. But cases rarely make it that far. against bad.’

IS DOCUMENTATION NECESSARY? YES. Also cumbersome, time IF A LAWSUIT COMES YOUR WAY, make sure YOU manage the action. consuming and annoying. And 99 per cent of it will never be used, but Nobody will look after you the way you will. Your insurance adjuster you have to have it to give yourself (as a witness) confidence and to has many claims to handle, all of varying types. It is not likely he or she show you are ready. knows much about winter maintenance; YOU are the expert. Your In 39 years of service, my company faced seven large cases, each adjuster claims to be on your side. Your adjuster is on your side of the with claims over a million dollars. Five withdrew as unlikely to succeed. fence, but is really on-side for your insurance company.

Remember, these actions have been taken on contingency, and if the Bring all relevant material together immediately. Not the originals; opposing lawyer feels he may be wasting his time he will give up and leave them where they belong. Place a sticky note on the original that move on. Two are outstanding but we will succeed. The first of these it has been copied: ‘Betty Jones vs. My Landscaping Co.’ This same cases provided their own pictures of the scene while the claimant was material could become needed for other reasons! Scanning and using being assessed and moved to the ambulance. In these pictures, you thumb drives helps to keep things organized. I reduced seven banker’s can see our vehicle tracks — we had already been on site, showing we boxes of binders to one thumb drive. Make notes of all you remember had performed reasonably. And the second one will be deflected back and think about as you pull relevant material together. to the property owner. We had informed and reminded him that the Your adjuster is going to take a statement, since the action is now property had deficiencies and needed attention. We have the emails. not yours, it belongs to the insurance company. You are a witness. If I have offered to help other contractors who say, ‘Oh yah, we have your adjuster arrives to find you prepared and well organized, it goes a good records.’ But when I arrive in their office to assist ... Nope! Doculong way toward shaping his mindset on the next decision. mentation is another tool in the toolbox, not to be forgotten or ignored.

If you go to pre-trial, your documentation might be handy, although Why not use ALL the tools in our toolbox to defend our companies? LT the plaintiff already has a copy under disclosure. The opposing lawyer will size you up as a witness. Are you intelligent, organized, accurate and Mark Humphries recently started enjoying retirement in Nova Scotia, articulate — or a hillbilly? I play the hillbilly, UNTIL the one critical quesafter operating one of the top snow management companies in Ontario’s tion is put and then I straighten up, fix my clothes and SLAM my answer Durham Region. He welcomes questions to markh@directls.com. home. For example, “Sir, did you on the day of ‘positive,’ and did you 6 | AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

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M U C O D , T N E M U DOC

How four contractors from across Canada reduce their risk of slip-and-fall claims

BY JORDAN WHITEHOUSE WINTER IS COMING, and so are those slip-andfall lawsuits. According to the latest numbers from the Canadian Institute for Health Information, slips and falls led to nearly 9,000 hospitalizations last winter. That was more than twice the number for hockey, skating, skiing, snowmobiling, and tobogganing injuries combined.

The bad news for snow and ice contractors is that all of those falls mean the potential for liability claims, not to mention higher insurance premiums every year. One contractor from Oshawa, Ont., last year reported a 400 per cent increase in premiums after one slip-and-fall 8 | AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

claim. Another in the Toronto area said her premiums went up $10,000 last winter, even though she had never made a claim.

The good news, however, at least for those who can still afford the premiums, is that there are more tools than ever to help ensure properties are serviced to the letter of the contract. From business management software to GPS technology to weather cams, here is how four contractors from across Canada keep tabs on their properties and reduce the risk of those liability claims even reaching litigation.

T N E M U C O D , T N ME CLINTAR COMMERCIAL OUTDOOR SERVICES

With 25 franchises in six provinces, Clintar’s documentation systems can’t be completely standardized. But Clintar’s manager of corporate training and health and safety, Krista Kent, says there is a level of documentation franchises have to meet, and the company does have recommendations.

“We recommend, for instance, that they send a pre- and post-storm email to clients detailing the weather that’s coming, that we’re aware of it, and that we’ll be there to provide that service,” says Kent. “The post email would detail any issues they came across.”

Most Clintar franchises also use LMN to track when crews were onsite, though Kent notes some clients have their own service verification platforms that crews have to log in and out of. In recent years, many franchisees have installed weather cams onsite so they can monitor conditions live and make sure the level of service is appropriate.

Thankfully, Kent says, she can’t recall specific instances when these processes and tools saved the company from getting sued. Indeed, she believes they actually prevented the company from even getting to the Krista Kent discovery stage. She also believes the level of detail these technologies provide has strengthened client relationships and led to renewed contracts.

That’s why her main piece of advice for anyone trying to set up or improve a documentation system is to make sure it can give you the most detail possible. Staff training is key to that, she adds, because if those tools aren’t being used properly, they can’t really help you when you need them most. “It’s so crucial, right from day one, to make sure that training is consistent and ongoing, and to let staff know that if they have any concerns or obstacles, to let managers know so that it can be an easy transition.”

Kent says the company has had situations where employees weren’t happy about the data usage on their personal phones when clocking in and out of apps like LMN, so she recommends being prepared for those concerns. “Are you going to provide them tablets, for instance, or their own work phones? Or maybe you can give them a monthly allowance for data.”

Bottom line: support your crews and stay current with technologies that might help your documentation system, says Kent. “I think we’re a bit behind the U.S. when it comes to technology and processes, but these are going to become more of the standard. So, it’s key to always look back into your overhead and see where you can make adjustments, because things do improve, and new companies pop up that might be the supplier for Continued > your needs.”

AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

9

Trim’s system integrates annotated satellite images with service software and site photos.

10 | AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

TRIM LANDSCAPING HALIFAX, N.S.

Over the last five years, Mat Archibald can think of five instances where landlords of smaller commercial properties have called him to say something like, “Someone slipped outside my building and now they want money. What’s the deal? Were you guys there?”

Within a few minutes, Archibald responds with digital records, proving that yes, they were.

“That ends it right there,” says Archibald, Trim’s president.

Those digital records usually come from a variety of tools, including the business management software LMN, which crews use to sign in and out of properties and to get job details, all from their phones. Trim also uses two other digital tools: a GPS system called Northern BI that tracks, among other info, where every vehicle has gone, and the Hilti On Track asset management system, which can provide a complete service history of every piece of equipment. Plus, Trim uses a private weather service that runs about $1,000 per month. “It’s worth its weight in gold,” says Archibald, because crews and clients depend on it, as does Archibald himself when claims are filed.

In fact, all of the tools Trim uses for documentation are worth it, says Archibald. While claims from smaller clients can usually be dealt with quickly, those for larger clients can require much more Mat Archibald time and detailed information. “Those tools have definitely saved us many times, and the insurance guys like it,” says Archibald. “I’ve been told by many of our underwriters and claims people that the information I provide to them has made their ability to deny claims much easier if they see fit.”

It’s only been over the past five years, however, that contractors on the east coast really started adopting digital documentation, says Archibald. Before, it was all pen and paper, which made the process for crews very time-consuming, especially for growing companies like Trim. That’s part of the reason it’s been straightforward to get buy-in from crews to use these digital tools, says Archibald.

For employees who aren’t too comfortable with smartphones and apps, Archibald says the company just has to spend a bit of extra time on the education side. “If you just tell someone to do something, the buy-in isn’t great. But if you explain why we’re doing this and that at the end of the day we’re just trying to keep the properties safe and make sure there’s documentation, we get buy-in across the board.”

Continued >

continued on page 12

Above, asphalt is higher than the concrete and acts as a dam, leading to water and ice build-up. Ginkgo removed the walkway from its scope of work to reduce the risk.

The icy walkways at right are from water coming off a roof that lacks gutters.

GINKGO LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT SAINT-ANTOINE, N.B.

For Chris Budrow, the first step to improving his company’s documentation system was with a risk assessment consultation from his insurance company. It happened over two days and about 14 hours a couple of years ago, but by the end of the audit it was clear what Ginkgo had to change.

For one, they had to scrap the paper time sheets showing when an employee was at a property and go digital with LMN. (Ginkgo also uses GPS nodes on equipment to back up LMN’s digital time stamps.) “If it’s a paper time sheet and it’s not signed, it doesn’t exist,” says Budrow. “Unless the guy signed it, it means nothing.” It was the same with training. In the event of a slip-and-fall claim, Ginkgo would have to document when and how staff were trained, and with a signature.

That assessment consultant also reiterated something Budrow had learned a few years prior: photograph and document the conditions of your properties before the snow falls. In 2016, he was the division manager at Clintar in Moncton, and they had a contract for a Chris Budrow Sears parking lot in the CF Champlain Mall. “That lot was a meteor shower,” he remembers. Yet that year the insurance company approached Clintar with a $60,000 claim and told them to pay it. Instead, Clintar handed over the photos of the pothole-ridden lot and the written details of the hazards they had sent the client before the incident. “It worked,” says Budrow. “We didn’t pay.”

Budrow has also found sometimes you have to build a little creativity into the system.

At one seniors’ residence, for instance, Ginkgo actually moves every one of those residents’ vehicles before plowing and salting. “We do that a) because it’s cold out for them, and b) because I don’t want them to fall going to their car,” says Budrow. “It’s going to cost $150 to do that versus a $2,500 deductible and my rates are going up if someone falls down.”

Perhaps just as important as that creativity and those digital tools and that assessment consult, however, is training, says Budrow. He regularly attends seminars that touch on documentation and has even started a peer development committee for snow and ice contractors on the east coast. “I’d put education as more important even than advertising,” he says. “A lot of people might think that’s stupid, but your phone will ring for jobs even if you don’t advertise. But if you don’t know how to do those jobs, your phone’s not going to ring.”

Continued >

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GELLER’S DESIGN BUILD LANDSCAPE ST. ANDREWS, MAN. If there’s anything Geller’s owner Matt Bell has learned about creating a documentation system, it’s that you can’t craft it on the fly. “You need to sit down and spend the time required to first develop standard operating procedures for your employees before you can start dealing with liability,” he says. “At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what you get

a homeowner or commercial client to sign off on, because it really comes back to what you’re able to have your staff complete when you’re there in terms of documentation.”

What works for Geller’s team is LMN and GPS. With LMN, Bell says it really helps them maintain a consistent and clean form of communication,

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as well as provide a high level of accountability. With GPS, Bell says it bolsters accountability and adds another layer of verification if the company does encounter any legal disputes.

Luckily, Geller’s has never had to deal with any legal liabilities due to slip-andfall claims, but still, these two tools have paid for themselves and then some, says Bell. “We’ve found that we’ve really gotten a cost benefit just in billing back the clients. The systems detail when were we there, how long we were there, why were we there, what did it look like before, what did it look like after.

And to have that basically at our fingertips makes it really easy from a management Matt Bell perspective.”

It helps that these tools are easy to use for crews, even for older employees who aren’t as used to new technology as younger ones, says Bell. Besides, he adds, they don’t really have a choice. “Company culture plays a big role in buy-in. It’s just: This is how we do it, and if you want to work here, this is how it has to take place.”

That doesn’t mean Bell ignores his employees when crafting Geller’s documentation system. Quite the opposite. “When you’re looking at developing a really bullet-proof system for tracking work, it needs to start with the end user,” he says. “You need to ask what he is going to be able to use efficiently and effectively and build from that point out.”

And again, that can’t be done on the fly. “You don’t start to develop a program like this a month before winter,” says Bell.

“As crazy as it sounds, you’re best to start in February or March, when you’re in the winter, when you know what works.

You get to test it out a little bit so that when you go into the following season you’ve got a bullet-proof plan already put together.” LT Jordan Whitehouse is a Kingston, Ont.-based freelance writer.

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Insurance storm paralyzes Canada A cross-country look at plans to help snow and ice management pros face skyrocketing insurance premiums

ALBERTA AND SASKATCHEWAN

“Starting in summer of 2019 we heard about insurance renewals coming back much higher than the previous year in relation to any snow work,” said Joel Beatson, Executive Director of Landscape Alberta and Landscape Saskatchewan. “This continued as a trend through fall of 2019 with many companies beginning to point at non-renewal terms or massive (800%) increases to premiums.

Landscape Alberta held two town hall-style meetings in February of 2020 to help address the issue. We are working with partners including CNLA, Landscape Ontario, and Marsh Canada on manyfaceted approaches. This will include government advocacy to limit liability for snow contractors, reducing the statutory reporting regulations on slip-and-falls and limiting liability to contractors and property managers. The plan also includes looking at improve16 | AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

ments to the insurance models available to members and working on education for industry at all stages in the value chain. Covid-19 has been a serious speed bump in terms of progress, but we continue to look at all options to improve the prospects for being a profitable snow contractor in 2020.”

BRITISH COLUMBIA

The snow and ice insurance market in B.C. is a great concern to the landscape sector,” explains Hedy Dyck, British Columbia Nursery Landscape Association (BCNLA) Executive Director. “Landscape companies offering snow removal services have experienced significant premium increases. Premiums for some companies have doubled since 2019. Fewer insurance companies are willing to write snow removal policies, limiting a contractor’s ability to shop for

ALBERTA AND SASKATCHEWAN

“ MANY COMPANIES BEGINNING TO POINT AT NON-RENEWAL TERMS OR MASSIVE (800%) INCREASES TO PREMIUMS.”

BRITISH COLUMBIA

“ PREMIUMS FOR SOME COMPANIES HAVE DOUBLED SINCE 2019. ”

MANITOBA

“ IT’ S A TERRIBLE SITUATION.”

NEW BRUNSWICK AND P.E.I.

“ FIVE OF US MET LAST WINTER AND ALL BUT ONE SAID INSURANCE WAS THEIR BIGGEST PROBLEM FOR ICE AND SNOW.”

NEWFOUNDLAND AND NOVA SCOTIA

“ WE ARE CERTAINLY SEEING RATES INCREASE OUT EAST.”

ONTARIO

“ EVERYONE IS FACING LARGE INCREASES. SOME MEMBERS REPORT INSURANCE PREMIUM INCREASES ANYWHERE FROM 25 TO 400 PER CENT.”

competitive quotes. Landscape businesses offering snow removal services are now performing cost analysis, and some have decided to stop offering snow removal for the 2020-2021 winter season.

BCLNA is consulting with industry to navigate this issue and continues to monitor the conversations occurring on a national level.”

MANITOBA

“It’s a terrible situation,” said Matt Bell, a Director with the Manitoba Nursery Landscape Association (MBNLA). “My own company has seen significant jumps at renewal, to the point where snow makes up 60 per cent of our insurance costs while it is just 10 per cent of our business revenue. It’s an issue that MBNLA is looking at very closely and I expect it to be one of the priorities at our next board meeting.”

NEW BRUNSWICK AND P.E.I.

“I have had calls last year from members whose increases remove all of the profit, or trigger a loss, or they cannot get insurance at all,” says Jim Landry, Executive Director of Landscape New Brunswick and Landscape P.E.I. “Five of us met last winter and all but one said insurance was their biggest problem for ice and snow.”

NEWFOUNDLAND AND NOVA SCOTIA

“We are certainly seeing rates increase out east,” Landscape Newfoundland and Landscape Nova Scotia Executive Director Christine Finn says. “While it isn’t an issue I have heard from a great deal from members, I would say that it is always a concern when costs are increasing. This is an issue we will be continuing to monitor going forward.”

ONTARIO

“Insurance has quickly become a huge issue for many business owners in the landscape and horticulture profession,” explains Tony DiGiovanni, Executive Director of Landscape Ontario. “Everyone is facing large increases. Some members report insurance premium increases anywhere from 25 to 400 per cent. Some cannot obtain insurance at any cost. There are several reasons for these increases.

Many insurance companies simply will not cover snow and ice operations — even if the business is profitable. This has happened in the past. Insurance markets fluctuate internationally, and we are currently in a very hard market where insurance companies are fleeing risky business. It also does not help when contingency lawyers proactively encourage the public to sue and insurance companies settle because it costs more to fight than to settle.

“Landscape Ontario’s Snow and Ice Management Sector Group is fighting this issue. One important effort is support of Bill 118, MPP Norm Miller’s bill to reduce the statute of limitations from two years to 10 days. Just before the Covid crisis hit, the Bill was scheduled to go before committee, but unfortunately, Covid postponed all normal legislative activity. Hopefully the process will be picked up as soon as government gets back to normal.

“LO also supports the Freshwater Roundtable Alliance, that is working to convince government the best way to protect our water resources from oversalting is to develop appropriate standards for snow and ice operations. The standards focus on reducing the use of salt, and provide liability protection to accredited contractors who employ those best practices. This model is patterned after one being used in New Hampshire.

“Through the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA), LO has asked endorsed insurance broker Marsh to investigate the feasibility of developing our own insurance company. The idea is called Captive Insurance. The model may prevent members from being subjected to the ups and downs of the global market and give them control of standards and decisions on which claims to fight.

“A number of larger members are looking at developing a Self Insured Retention (SIR) program. This is similar to Captive Insurance, but without the formality of setting up an insurance company.” LT

AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

17

Remembering JPL

BY PAUL ST. PIERRE Editor’s note: The landscape profession recently lost Jean Paul Lamarche, a pioneer teacher, speaker and consultant. JPL helped contractors on both sides of the border know their true costs — and charge accordingly. He created software toward that goal, and his book What the Market Will Bare is available on Amazon.com.

I LISTENED TO JPL SPEAK at a conference over 15 years ago, and he changed my life ever since. He had a brilliant mind, a warm and engaging personality, and was someone who genuinely cared about the people he worked with. That includes the company owners he consulted with, their teams, and all others he came across in the landscape industry during his hugely successful 36-plus years of consulting. He was, above everything else, an amazing communicator and teacher.

I was the “lucky one” who got him to cross the line and we became close friends.

He tried to stay arm’s length away, but I finally cracked him.

Friendly beyond the definition of the word, I remember thinking about an hour or so after the first time I met him, ‘this guy is one of those people you could put literally anywhere, and he would make friends.’

His stories were awesome. Whether recounting the many different situations he had come across in business, or retelling tales of his junior hockey days and his long drives to see his adored wife Stella from Niagara-on-the-Lake. His favourite client of all time.

He was un charactere as we say in French. Someone you would see in a movie or read about in a book; translation does not do it justice. His influence on me personally will carry on positive effects for the rest of my life. At my company LFX, JPL is a system, it is a way of life for any of us who work on budgets. We have JPL pricing, JPL thresholds, we ask each other if you have done the JPL numbers … and I could go on. He has touched almost every piece of our business. He was a strong mathematicsbased consultant but could not keep score on the golf course. I am sure others can attest to that — but who cares? He shared his wisdom every time he spent time with us. He actually retired eight years before he told me, because he wanted to make sure WE — LFX — were going to be OK. He fired me with a letter and included a book with all his most-admired quotes. At the same time, he gave me my three- and five-year wish plan for my life. His visits to our workplace were less frequent in recent years: “You guys don’t need me anymore.”

But he would tell me he was never far. Our relationship actually got stronger, we communicated a lot more and we had more fun.

I think that’s one of the ultimate compliments you can pay a person: how even the

little things they did, the little nuggets of conversation you had with them here and there, stay with you.

JPL never seemed to be in a rush. He would explain the same thing a hundred times over if you were having trouble “getting it,” while never losing his patience in the process. He was simply a Class Act through and through. That was J. Paul. The Man loved people. He loved life. And his was a life Lived! Which is why I know he is in the most beautifully kick-assed, fullyJPLed landscaped place right now. Painfree. Cocktail in hand. Cigar at the ready.

And shooting 68 whenever he wants to!

It’s time to make him proud with all we do here on Earth. Take some time tonight or tomorrow to send an email or text to your mentor or the most influential person in your life. JPL will be looking down at you saying, ‘well done’ with his big smile.

RIP my dear friend, and as many of his text messages ended: GIDDY UP! LT Paul St. Pierre operates Belle River, Ont.-based Lanscape Effects.

JPL in Landscape Trades All you need is a calculator

June, 2005 landscapetrades.com/all-you-need-is-a-calculator

Benchmarks guide your business April 2008

landscapetrades.com/benchmarks-guide-financial-health

Recovery pricing June 2011 18 | AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

landscapetrades.com/recovery-pricing

It’s What Drives Us. Open roads mean open doors. And open doors mean your town is open for business.

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And no matter what winter throws your way, BOSS will always be there to BACK YOU UP.

#KeepEmOpen Ask your BOSS Dealer for more information or visit bossplow.com. ©2020 BOSS Products. All Rights Reserved. The “f” logo is a registered trademark/service mark of Facebook, Inc. The Instagram logo is a registered service mark of Instagram, LLC. The Twitter logo is a registered trademark/service mark of Twitter, Inc. The YouTube logo is a trademark/service mark of Google LLC. The “in” logo is a registered service mark of LinkedIn Corporation. The Blogger logo is a registered service mark of Google LLC. All other trademarks belong to BOSS Snowplow.

PANDEMIC-PROOFING small business An interview with Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion, and International Trade LANDSCAPE TRADES:

Employers in the landscape and horticulture profession are experiencing labour shortages. What is the federal government doing to help employers find the talent they need?

MARY NG:

Canadians should be confident that their jobs are safe as we continue to fight Covid-19 — and employers who have seen their revenue decrease should know the government will support them as they attract new employees. That’s why we introduced the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy — to support businesses the hardest hit and protect Canadian jobs. The subsidy will cover 75 per cent of an employee’s wages, up to $847 per week, and is retroactive to March 15, 2020. This significant support will help eligible employers keep their staff on payroll, rehire those previously laid off, and consider hiring new employees.

LT: The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is calling on the federal government to expand eligibility to CEBA. Is the government considering expanding the eligibility as the crisis extends into its fourth month?

20 | AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

MN: We know that many small businesses need help paying their rent, paying suppliers, and topping up their employees’ wages. That is why we launched the Canada Emergency Business Account, offering interest-free loans of up to $40,000 — with up to $10,000 forgivable if repaid by December 2022.

Businesses of all sizes in all sectors with payroll between $20,000 and $1.5 million can apply. If businesses don’t have that minimum payroll threshold, they can still apply if they have non-deferrable expenses between $40,000 and $1.5 million, a 2018 or 2019 tax return, and a business operating account at their local

bank or credit union. Non-deferrable expenses include costs such as rent, utilities, equipment leases, and insurance.

We know that some business owners operate with a personal bank account or have yet to file a tax return — and we are working hard on a solution to help them.

This program has been expanded and evolved because of what business owners and entrepreneurs across Canada have told us — and we will continue to listen to them to ensure they are supported during this challenging time.

they want to contribute to their communities, and they want stability for them and their families.

We’ve also brought in programs like the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, which is helping employers keep their staff on payroll, rehire those previously laid off, and consider hiring new employees. And the new Canada Student Service Grant and expanded Canada Summer Jobs programs are helping students find jobs, gain valuable work experience, and serve their communities.

We will continue to help people through this unprecedented crisis, while ensuring that workers feel safe and supported as people get back to work, and we begin to restart our economy.

LT: Some critics argue the CERB and the CESB provides incentive for some Canadians not to work, and therefore makes it more difficult for employers to recruit talent. How would you respond to those critics?

LT: Will the government extend the CEWS beyond the current June 6 limit for as long as various levels of emergency provisions are in place?

MN: T he situation we find ourselves in because of the Covid-19 global pandemic is extraordinary, and requires an extraordinary response. Our emergency support measures, such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and Canada Emergency Student Benefit, are designed to provide people with the urgent support they need to keep food on the table and keep up with their bills. However, we know that Canadians want to get back to work once it’s safe to do so;

MN: To help businesses rehire their employees and ensure Canadians can start getting back to work, we are extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy to August 29, 2020 (editor’s note: CEWS has been extended until December 2020). We’ve also consulted with businesses of all sizes, in every sector — as well as labour representatives, non-for-profits, and charities — to discuss how to adapt this program and save as many Canadian jobs as our economy begins to safely restart. LT

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21

2020-07-07 12:54 PM

SNOWPRODUCTS V-plow

The recently released Enforcer v-plow from Western is constructed of high-strength, low alloy steel that makes it stronger and lighter than conventional steel, and the ideal weight for half-ton trucks, the company says. Available in corrosionresistant stainless steel or powder coated steel, the 7 ft., 6-in. v-plow features wings with a 27-in. centre height and 33 in. outer edges.

Western Products www.westernplows.com

Plow mounts for tractors

Fisher Engineering announces new Minute Mount 2 attachment kits for tractors. A removable push beam allows for easy installation and removal of the plow. Also, with these attachment kits, operators don’t need to completely uninstall the mount when reattaching the loader system, Fisher Engineering says.

Fisher Engineering www.fisherplows.com

Hopper spreader

SnowEx introduces its new Helixx stainless steel hopper spreaders, featuring a corkscrew, or helix, design, optimized for efficient and cost-effective use of salt. The design runs the entire length of the hopper with variable flights, promoting even unloading of material. With the addition of a pre-wet and direct liquid application kit, the spreaders have the ability to pre-wet materials or spray brine directly onto the driving surface for anti-icing applications.

SnowEx www.snowexproducts.com

Stainless steel hopper spreaders

Western unveils two new Striker stainless steel hopper spreaders: 0.7- and 0.35-cu. yd. models. The 0.7 is purpose-built for half-ton and light-duty trucks, while the 0.35 is designed for UTVs and compact trucks, the company says.

Western Products www.westernplows.com

22 | AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

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Snowplow attachment system

Buyers Products is upgrading its full line of SnowDogg snowplows to the RapidLink Attachment System. The system is designed so a user can mount or dismount plows quickly, the company says.

Several features eliminate common headaches and make rapid action possible, including a drop-leg and a hydraulically powered jack switch.

Buyers Products www.buyersproducts.com

AT COIVIC SPECIMEN TREES WE OFFER A WIDE VARIETY OF THE FINEST QUALITY PLANT MATERIAL. WE INVITE YOU TO VISIT OUR NURSERY AND SEE OUR HAND-SELECTED SPECIMEN PIECES.

T: (905) 878-9101

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Attachment kit

The new Automatixx attachment kits from SnowEx are available for a variety of OEM tractor models. Automatixx kits allow direct attachment of SnowEx heavy-duty straight blades, V-plows or winged plows to tractors.

SnowEx www.snowexproducts.com LT

AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

23

LEGALMATTERS

Contracts and Covid-19

BY ROBERT KENNALEY THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 on construction has been significant. Construction workplaces were shut down. There were (and will be) work slowdowns, work stoppages, unpaid accounts, insolvencies and claims. In addition, of course, it is not over. The risks associated with Covid-19 and similar viruses will be with us for years to come.

Going forward, the health and safety of workers must be safeguarded and the willingness of workers and sub-trades to attend sites may vary. There is also the potential for a second wave.

Existing standard contract forms have not addressed these risks.

Everyone involved in construction should consider contractual language to allocate the responsibilities and risks: who is responsible to do and pay for what, and who runs the risk (and financial impacts) of Covid-19-related delays. More particularly, assessing your risk and developing a plan going forward should involve an assessment of your contract or subcontract forms in relation to frustration, force majeure, claims, notice, schedule extensions, delay, suspension of work, termination of contract and dispute resolution. Below, we will briefly review the basic concepts of frustration as well as the common clauses included in Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC) standard form contracts.

In law, frustration takes place where an event which is neither addressed under the contract nor attributable to the fault of either party significantly alters the circumstances of performance beyond what either could reasonably have contemplated when they entered into the contract. In those circumstances, both parties are discharged from further meeting their contractual obligations. Whether or not frustration occurs will depend on the circumstances of each case. However, the doctrine will generally not apply where performance is simply more difficult, onerous or expensive than originally contemplated. For this reason, frustration has been thought to apply where it is impossible for the underlying contractual obligations to be met.

We will now briefly review some of the basic CCDC standard terms that might generally be applicable to the issues surrounding Covid-19.

To be clear, a CCDC form may not be used in your circumstance. You will need to review the terms of your particular contract or subcontract in each case. The following is generally consistent across CCDC forms, however, and are commonly used.

DELAY DUE TO FORCE MAJEURE Upon delays caused by circumstances beyond the contractor’s control (often referred to as a force majeure), such as labour disputes, strikes, lockouts, fire, adverse weather, etc., the contractor (or design-builder under CCDC-14) will be entitled to a schedule extension (only). It is most likely that Covid-19 and the associated predictable slowdowns meet the requirements of these clauses. The contractor will then be 24 | AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

entitled to a schedule extension for delays caused by Covid-19, so long as it meets its notice obligations under the Contract in that regard.

DELAY DUE TO A STOP WORK ORDER The Contracts generally provide that, upon delays attributable to a stop work order issued by a court or other public authority, the Contractor will be entitled to a schedule extension and additional compensation (so long as the Order is not attributable to the Contractor and the Contractor meets its notice obligations in that regard). These stop work order clauses can be particularly problematic in the Covid-19 context, and parties should be careful as to how they apply.

DELAY AND TERMINATION FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY REASONS The Contractor will generally be responsible for occupational health and safety on site. This includes an obligation to stop work if health and safety are at risk. Employees of the contractor and subcontractors will also generally have the right to stop work and leave the area of the work if they believe their health and safety are at risk. Accordingly, contractual language aside, construction projects will to a great extent be at the mercy of workers who may simply decline to attend on site.

Parties need to assess and allocate who bears the risk if workers and trades refused to attend a site.

SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT

Under CCDC language, both parties generally have the right to suspend or terminate on five days’ Notice if the other fails to comply with the requirements of the Contract to a substantial degree and then fails to either correct the default or come up with a reasonable plan to do so within that notice period. The Owner will generally be able to take over the work and on-site equipment and be entitled to back charge the Contractor for the full cost of completing the work.

CLAIMS FOR ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION Notice is generally required in relation to extension requests and in relation to claims for additional compensation. Backup to any claim for compensation is also required to be submitted. In each case, the notices or provision of backup are required within a “reasonable time,” however these timeframes are often particularized by way of a more robust Supplementary Condition, requiring Notice within specified timeframes, the provision of backup within specific timeframes and a waiver of claims if notice is not provided. Canadian Courts have been somewhat diligent in enforcing such clauses, so parties are well advised to understand the notice requirements, and abide by them.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION CCDC documents include dispute resolution clauses which (depending on the form) mandate stepped processes involving negotiation and potential mediation or arbitration. Notices and responses are generally required throughout the process, from the time a claim is made or the consultant makes a decision. Timeframes are generally set out in the clauses, and/or in Supplementary Conditions. Again, our Courts have been somewhat diligent in enforcing such clauses, and parties should accordingly do everything they can to ensure that the notices are given and timeframes are met.

There are two additional points we would like to make. First, given the likelihood of Covid-19-related insolvencies, it is important that liens, insurance and bond claims be preserved and commenced in a timely fashion. Second, many jurisdictions are following Ontario’s lead

and imposing prompt payment and adjudication on the construction industry. Once implemented, such legislation will impose risks that are (similarly) not addressed in contracts and subcontracts. As we have written elsewhere, they should be. LT

Robert Kennaley is with Kennaley Construction Law, a construction law firm with offices in Simcoe, Toronto and Barrie, Ont. He speaks and writes regularly on construction law and contract issues. For comment, or for more information, please see the firm’s website and blog, at kennaley.ca. This material is for information purposes and is not intended to provide legal advice in relation to any particular fact situation. Readers who have concerns about any particular circumstance are encouraged to seek independent legal advice in that regard.

AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

25

MANAGEMENTSOLUTIONS

Start change before you need it

BY MARK BRADLEY

LEADERSHIP HAS MANY MEANINGS and leaders have many roles. One of the most important roles of a leader is to influence others to behave in a way consistent with the goals of the group or, in this case, the organization. Some leaders do this with fear and force.

Others inspire and empower. We can discuss and copy the habits of the most effective leaders, but one thing is for certain. To successfully implement change when it is most convenient for the organization, you need to start the change before you need it.

When it comes to the snow business, there may be no other rule that rings more true. We can’t be sure when snow is going to start. We simply can’t control every truck, site or piece of equipment. We probably can’t even control who’s going to be working for us this winter.

So, if you want to make improvements this winter, start now. If you wait, you’re going to have to manage change, plus all those other variables — all at once. Act now, or the change just won’t stick. Not like it could have.

THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT Having the right equipment isn’t just about having something that can do the job. It’s about having a piece of equipment that can make you the most productive, and likely, the most profitable snow and ice contractor.

Take a step back and look at your equipment — and your job sites — more holistically. ● With larger, more productive equipment, you can do more area with fewer people. In today’s labour market, it is very difficult to put a price on just how valuable that is. ● Despite the more expensive equipment costs, equipment is almost always cheaper than the labour required to do the job by hand — so you can do the same work (or more) for less cost and more profit. ● Equipment can help you sell. I don’t mean by impressing your customer with the latest toys. I mean by making you more efficient. If you park a larger piece of equipment on a site, you can bid or solicit neighbouring sites with a significant productivity advantage. For example: A truck, plow and operator has an average cost of about $55 per hour including wages, fuel, wear-andtear, etc. A loader or tractor and an operator might cost upwards of $75 - $80 per hour. But if you can plow 2.5 times faster, you can likely beat your competitor’s price on neighboring sites, get the job done faster (and thus, create happier customers), make more profit and reduce the number of people you need to hire to ensure your snow operations run smoothly. Those are some powerful advantages.

26 | AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

THE RIGHT SYSTEMS Everything didn’t go right last year. So, what were your biggest challenges? Before you answer that question, take a good, hard look at your challenges from last season. Each problem is likely a symptom of something else. Ask yourself why it happened. And then ask why that happened. And again, ask why that reason happened.

Using the Five Whys Technique, you can take a long list of 50 problems and likely boil them down to three-to-five specific problems. That’s what you need to focus on.

By fixing the three-to-five specific problems that are the root (or true cause) of most of the problems you had last year, you can eliminate far more problems than you ever thought possible — without trying to tackle 40 problems at once! It’s a highly effective way to improve your company, and for all entrepreneurs out there, to improve your quality of life.

Better yet, you don’t need to do all of this yourself! Put your team to work for you! They don’t want to face these problems any more than you do this winter. Nobody wants long shifts, ranting customers, broken equipment, and no sleep. It’s no fun for anyone.

Organize a company meeting and let the problems fly. Write them down as fast as they come — don’t start talking about solutions yet. Just get the problems out. Then, add a few columns after each problem. Why did that happen? And if you answer that question easily, then ask why that reason happened. Keep going until you don’t have a good reason. You will find many of your problems boil down to just a few systems. Or lack thereof.

Next up: empower your staff to implement solutions to those big problems. Share ideas, assign someone accountable and assign a deadline. Don’t try it to do it alone. Supervise to ensure it’s done the way you would like, but you don’t have to do everything. In fact, you will find people are more willing to embrace and adopt change when they are part of the process.

THE RIGHT INFORMATION I don’t believe there is anything more important than ensuring companies and their decision makers have the right information at their fingertips. It needs to be timely and accurate. After all, everything depends on information. Your billing, your payroll, your job-costing, your estimating, staff productivity — your company’s profitability depends on accurate information.

You and your staff depend on timely, accurate information to know: ● When to go out ● Which properties to service ● What to do on those properties ● What to track on those properties ● How to bill those properties ● How to estimate those properties ● How to drive from property to property ● Your equipment’s maintenance status ● That your customers are being serviced to the correct standards And on and on. All these mission-critical functions depend on the accurate and timely flow of information.

To get the right information into the hands of the right people should not be taken for granted. It’s not as simple as it sounds. You need to prep all the information necessary for field operations to execute, operations needs to execute and report back (in a timely, accurate manner) and then you need to act on that return information — fixing problems, billing customers and identifying successes and failures.

If you are a snow contractor still using paperwork to track your crews, you have likely got a paperwork/information problem that is eating up tens of thousands in wages, mistakes and lost productivity each winter.

And it’s almost impossible to improve or manage your company better because the results are just too slow coming in.

This winter, get ahead of the game.

Start planning your equipment now. Give your staff the opportunity to help identify problems, as well as the time to plan and implement solutions. And start planning and training your staff now to help information flow effortlessly and instantly from one department to another. If you don’t do it now, this will just be another year lost because we waited too long. LT

Mark Bradley is CEO of LMN and the former CEO of TBG Environmental, both based in Ontario.

AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

27

ROADTOSUCCESS

May you live in interesting times

BY ROD McDONALD

INTERESTING TIMES: A blessing, that you have the excitement of an ever changing landscape, or a curse, that you no longer experience stability?

This past spring season has been the most unpredictable in recent memory. We did not know if we would even have a season as Easter approached, and very little could be sold. National news showed a greenhouse in Ontario that gave away its Easter crop to local residents, rather than throw it out. Smart move. They not only received publicity that reached all the way across the country, but they built up good will with their customer base. No doubt, while that operator appreciated the platitudes, he or she would have preferred an actual cash crop. Hard cash is always preferable to compliments, especially when dealing with your line of credit. Interesting times, all right.

It was late March and the Covid-19 pandemic was emerging as our version of the Spanish Flu. Where would the pandemic go, how long it would last, and how much would it damage our businesses? We were sailing in uncharted waters. Interesting times can be scary times.

I received a phone call in late March from a greenhouse owner whom I mentor. He wanted to know if he should cancel his orders and shut his greenhouse down. Why should he keep going when the fu-

ture was so uncertain? He was not alone in his concerns. My long-time friend, Hans de Jongh of Paridon Horticultural in Delta, B.C., had prairie customers cancelling orders in April as they, too, were fearful.

I know, full well, the highs and the lows we can experience. We worry about thrips in our roses. We worry about sales when it rains.

We worry about not enough staff when it is sunny. We worry and then we worry some more. My wife, who has never been a part of this trade, pointed out to a group of us greenhouse lads having coffee in the kitchen, “You guys complain when you are slow and you complain when you are busy. Pick one.”

On other occasions, I have written I have no crystal ball to see the future. If I did, I would be at the racetrack, betting on the sure winners, not writing. What I do have is a history with the trade, and I have seen the highs and the lows. I told my mentee when The Great Depression was in full swing during the 1930s, greenhouse sales actually increased. There was no money for treats, holidays or new clothes.

However, there was money to buy plants and seeds, especially plants and seeds that produced fruit and vegetables. There was an upsurge in gardening during the Depression.

I sensed a lot of cabin fever with the self-isolation. Kids were home

Photo by: Sarbast.T.Hameed

“Even before you ask the question, the answer is no.

Everyone is sold out.”

28 | AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

from school, many people were either not working or working from home and there was an itch to do something. Prior to the start of the greenhouse season, I noticed bicycle sales were climbing. People were wanting something to do as a family. Trips to Mexico had been cancelled. Trips to visit the grandparents had to be postponed. Meals in restaurants were no longer allowed, or movies and concerts. Something had to take the place of those activities. Cycling showed increased popularity, so why not gardening?

At the same time, lumber yards selling home renovation supplies saw an increase as the DIY market jumped. People had the time to get around to long neglected projects.

With those observations, I told my greenhouse friend there was an itch this year, unlike any other year, and that itch would need scratching. No crystal ball, just an observation. I told him to carry on and prepare for a good year. I had absolutely no idea it would be a banner year.

When the season opened up in Saskatchewan, the online and phone orders with curbside pickup were proof the itch was being scratched. When customers were allowed into the greenhouses, even with many restrictions and limitations, there were lineups — long line ups. Sales boomed in spite of the difficulty with access.

Soon, there were gaps on the benches.

First, impatiens disappeared, and none could be found. One of my friends commented, tongue-in-cheek, you could sell a 4.5-inch pot on the black market for $20. That showed how desperate people were for impatiens.

Even with all of my contacts, I was left out this year. My garden is a shade garden, and impatiens are my colour anchor. With none to be found, I filled my spots with begonias. This year, impatiens were to greenhouses what toilet paper had been to Costco.

We have a local Plant Junkies web page in Regina. I joined so I could monitor what people were saying about plants, local greenhouses and garden centres. By the middle of May, many posts asked, “Have you seen this plant?” The other side of the coin was, “Tom’s Greenhouse just got in a fresh shipment of geraniums.” Soon, people flocked to that business and all of the geraniums would sell within hours. One local box store sold 800 Majesty palms in six hours, once the news hit

social media. There was a demand for plants none of us had ever seen.. May you live in interesting times.

As plants sold out, greenhouse operators attempted to purchase what they were missing from others. Brad from Cedar Creek called his sales rep from Ball Superior, hoping to find something … anything. The voice on the other end of the phone said, “Even before you ask the question, the answer is no.

Everyone is sold out.”

I have done business with Burnaby Lake Greenhouses in Surrey, B.C., since 1990; I still order a few cases from time to time. Their avail sheet, that comes out every Friday for Monday shipping, was the smallest I had ever seen. I asked my sales rep why so few plants were on the list. She told me retailers were purchasing everything Burnaby had, often before it made it to the sheet. The same thing was happening over at West Coast Floral: The avail sheet was useless. By the time it was published, product was already taken. Never have I seen that prior to this May. Of course, in other years, there were gaps where a variety or two was missing, or a colour was not available — but entire lists wiped out?

THERE WERE NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE to pick plants and load trucks at Jeffries Nurseries in Portage la Prairie, Man., or at Byland’s in Kelowna, B.C. Staff were missing-in-action due to quarantines. Chaos was the order of the day in companies that have always been organized.

Those growers who had cancelled their orders with Hans at Paridon were now asking for orders to be reinstated — a request that could not be met, as he had sold out.

A season that began filled with fear, finished with exhaustion and empty benches.

May you live in interesting times. And always, stay on the road to success. LT

Rod McDonald owned and operated Lakeview Gardens, a successful garden centre/landscape firm in Regina, Sask., for 28 years. He now works full-time in the world of fine arts, writing, acting and producing in film, television and stage.

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BRANDT ACQUIRES GEOSHACK AND SAKKIA The Brandt Group of Companies announced they have reached an agreement with U.S.based Ultara Holdings to acquire the assets of GeoShack Canada Company and the Canadian assets of Inteq Distributors, subject to due diligence. The company also announced they reached an agreement with Topcon Positioning Systems to acquire the assets of Ontariobased Sokkia Canada. The announcement is the latest in a series of acquisitions and dealer agreements by the Regina, Sask.based company since its purchase of Ontario/ Quebec/Newfoundland and Labrador John Deere Construction & Forestry dealer Nortrax in late 2019. The Brandt Group of Companies is comprised of Brandt Agricultural Products, Brandt Engineered Products, Brandt Equipment Solutions, Brandt Road Rail, Brandt Positioning Technology, Brandt Truck Rigging & Trailers, Brandt Finance, Brandt Developments, Brandt Road Technology, Brandt Mineral Technology, and Brandt Tractor. Brandt has over 100 locations in Canada and the U.S., and employs over 3,400 people.

SALEMI JOINS LANDSCAPE ONTARIO Joe Salemi has taken a newly created position at Landscape Ontario, Deputy Executive Director. He is already well known among landscape professionals, having served for 10 years with the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association,

and eight years in a leadership role with Dynascape Software.

He completed a communications and business degree at Brock University and earned a post graduate diploma in Joe Salemi Human Resources Management at Mohawk College. Salemi and his wife Dawn are the parents of four-year-old Matthew.

Executive Director Tony DiGiovanni said, “I love how Joe interacts with customers. His integrity, trustworthiness and values are right for LO.” Salemi says, “Small business is the cornerstone of our economy. Whenever we focus on business development, it has to be small business; I love helping businesses work toward success.”

Covid-19, and we have been preparing for the possibility that large events would not be able to be held in the near future,” SIMA said in a media release. “As such, we’d like to introduce you to SIMA’s 23rd Annual Snow and Ice Symposium - Virtual Experience! While we can’t duplicate the in-person event, our focus will be to deliver all of the things the Best Show in Snow is known for in a new format: Live and on-demand role-focused education that will be accessible through 2020 and beyond; Small-group, peer-to-peer topical discussions and role-specific meet-ups that will allow you to engage with other snow and ice professionals on a fun virtual platform, maintaining and growing close professional relationships; and a virtual trade show where attendees can meet with exhibitors and learn about the latest in snow and ice equipment and services.” Visit sima.org/show/home for more details.

SIMA SHOW GOES VIRTUAL

Syngenta Flowers announces Michael Kester will retire at the end of 2020 after 42 years at the company. Mark Schermer is appointed as his successor as global head of Syngenta Flowers, effective Sept. 1, 2020.

Kester has held senior roles in the Crop Protection business in Africa, Germany, Argentina and Japan. He then led the Vegetable Seeds business in Europe, Africa and Middle East, and subsequently the Syngenta organization

The Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA) is shifting its Snow and Ice Symposium from a live show and conference to a digital format, August 25-28, 2020.

The decision was made after its host facility, the Connecticut Convention Center, determined it would not be able to open this August to host events. “These are challenging times dealing with the health and safety impact of

SYNGENTA FLOWERS NAMES GLOBAL HEAD

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Michael Kester and Mark Schermer.

in Benelux. “In the last three years as head of Syngenta Flowers, he has built a strong foundation for the future growth of Syngenta’s Flowers business,” the company said in a media release.

Mark Schermer joined Syngenta in January 2018 as Head Flowers Marketing for Europe, and then was appointed Head of Flowers Europe in May 2019. Schermer “has successfully led the transformation of the Flowers marketing and commercial organizations in the region and brings significant leadership experience in the flowers industry to his new role,” Syngenta said. He will be based at Syngenta’s global Seeds office in Downers Grove, Ill.

YANMAR APPOINTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Yanmar Holdings approved a new Board of Directors as part of the company’s business reorganization. “In this term of personnel changes, Yanmar Holdings is rejuvenating the

board with a range of strategic appointments,” the company said in a media release. “Under the leadership of the new management, Yanmar Holdings will promote management reforms faster than ever before and respond to changes in the market in order to realize further sustainable growth of the Yanmar Group.”

Based in Osaka, Japan, Yanmar manufactures industrial equipment, from small and large engines, agricultural machinery and facilities, construction equipment, energy systems, marine, to machine tools, and components.

BOBCAT PARTNERS WITH RADAR COMPANY Doosan Bobcat North America announced it has partnered with. Ainstein, a radar technologies company headquartered in Lawrence, Kan., to develop next-generation radar sensor systems for Bobcat equipment. “Through this partnership, Ainstein and Doosan Bobcat North America will collaborate to create radarbased sensing solutions to detect objects on jobsites,” the company said. “The radar system developed by Ainstein collects object position data like range, azimuth, elevation and doppler information to provide real-time alerts to operators by incorporating a combination of mmWave radar, sensor fusion and artificial intelligence. This technology will enable obstacle avoidance solutions and future technologies that support autonomous operations.”

SUNNYBROOK HOSPITAL PROMOTES POLLINATORS Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital Bayview campus recently became the first Canadian hospital to have an urban apiary on its grounds. Hives hosting 30,000 bees are located about one kilometre away from the main hospital buildings.

Once the hives are established, the hospital hopes to sell honey in its gift shop. “Sunnybrook wanted to support the bee population and also provide opportunities for staff and visitors to learn more about bees. Our large campus and plenty of green space is an added bonus,” said the hospital’s energy and climate action manager Michael Lithgow. Sunnybrook has a reputation for progressive support of green spaces; volunteer Rohan Harrison says, “Sunnybrook loves firsts.”

AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

31

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Business solutions brought to you by suppliers.

AIPH LAUNCHES VIRTUAL EXPO AND CONFERENCE

KERBS Since their debut Banas Stones Kerbs have continually gained in popularity due to their versatility. They act as a step filler there by reducing cost for projects with steps. They can also double as a curb or used to build planter boxes. Available in both 6” and 7” heights and in all your favourite Banas Stones colours Kerbs are the perfect product for your landscaping project.

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SKID STEER LASER GRADER Available with an 84” working edge, this grader features a pivoting front axle with extension to lengthen the wheelbase improving grade control. All cutting edges are reversible and replaceable. Heavy duty tie rods keep the blade straight while allowing it to pivot. The oscillation pivot utilizes removeable shims to maintain accuracy over time. Equipped with a universal mast mount for easy adaptation of laser grading systems (laser systems not supplied).

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The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) announced a Virtual International Expo Conference for Sept. 15, 2020 called Recovery from crisis – the future for ornamentals.

“The coronavirus has made it impossible to host a physical congress this year,” AIPH explained. “Still, we are delighted to have identified an online solution that will enable us to continue to run a major international conference that will make it easy to attend for everyone, wherever they are in the world.”

AIPH will host a 3D virtual event over two days, using 3D software and real-time technology. Both events will host participants from around the world, including: Key international speakers; AIPH member associations and affiliated members; Growers, traders and experts from around the world; and supporters, sponsors and expo organisers. For more information, visit aiph.org.

LANDSCAPING AND GOLF JOB SEARCHES SKYROCKET

SOLINO WALL

STANDING STRONG.

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The Ditch Witch SK3000 delivers best-in-class power with 59 horsepower and a 3,100 lb. lift capacity that allows you to muscle your way through a wider range of jobs. In fact, this workhorse has the strength to take on tough tasks normally reserved for full-sized skid steers or compact track loaders. And, its stand-on lightweight design makes it easier to transport and maneuver than those larger machines, giving you the

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32 | AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

The number of job searchers looking for landscape and horticulture positions spiked this spring, Brendon Bernard, an economist at Indeed told Yahoo finance.

“Standing out at the top of the list are job searches including ‘golf’, which have more than doubled as a share of Canadian job searches since early April. ‘Garden’ and ‘landscaping’ related job searches have also jumped as a share of activity, as have searches for ‘fruit picking’, which could potentially provide some relief for agricultural producers reporting difficulty finding workers,” said Bernard.

“Not only is relative search interest in these roles up since April, reflecting general seasonality, but it’s also higher than it was last May, when a wider range of job opportunities were available.” LT

News Release

The Covid-19 pandemic is disrupting normal life for people and businesses around the world. The recent weeks have been a particularly challenging time for many of us; slowly, our communities have been harmed by the health, economic and social costs of the pandemic.

Amidst the pandemic and the social distancing measures in place to flatten the curve across Canada, we want to acknowledge the healing power of living environments. We also want to reaffirm the Green Cities Foundation’s mission to connect plants with people for a greener and healthier urban climate across Canadian cities.

Urban green spaces are increasingly important due to the rapid, worldwide urbanization. Over half of the world population lives in urban areas; in Canada, this is already around 80 per cent of the population.

Green spaces are open spaces partially or completely covered by natural living elements, vegetation, and include urban parks, gardens, woodlots, wetlands and open grass areas. These environments assist millions of people in cities not just to stay physically healthy but also sane while limited in our activities amid the coronavirus pandemic. During these anxiety-inducing times, gardening, or even a walk through a green space, park or garden, has become an essential de-stresser.

This is not new news for us because over the years, scientific studies have shown that exposure to nature is indispensable for human wellbeing. Humans have an intrinsic urge to connect with nature and other forms of vegetation. Contact with nature may help reduce feelings of stress, restore the ability to concentrate, and improve the emotional state. Experimental studies have observed that study participants had an improved mood, more self-esteem, and a lower level of stress when they were exposed to these living environments.

Epidemiological studies show increased long-term exposure to green spaces is associated with improved mental health. In these studies, long-term exposure to green space was assessed as, for instance, the amount of vegetation surrounding the home, the percentage of land in the residential neighbourhood dedicated to green space, or the distance from the home to the nearest green space. These exposures were associated with improved mental health outcomes in numerous observational studies, including large, population-based studies and longitudinal studies.

A reduced percentage of tree canopy cover in urban communities exacerbates environmental issues such as air pollution, floodings and the heat island. During the summer months, increased daytime temperatures, reduced night-time cooling, and higher air pollution levels

associated with urban heat islands affects human health. As summer temperatures increase, the body consumes added energy to keep cool.

At the same time, the pollution sources clustered in neighbourhoods affects our health, it has an impact on respiratory diseases, underlying health conditions that increase the severity of Covid-19. Also, impermeable surfaces and a lack of green space make our neighbourhoods more vulnerable to flooding.

More green spaces are beneficial to our health and well-being, and the Green Cities Foundation is committed to restoring, protecting and increasing the amount of public green space in Canadian cities, while at the same time encouraging individuals to do the same. We are committed to connecting communities across Canada with these important living environments, especially important for the world’s increasingly urbanized population.

As stated before, there are a number of reasons why increasing the urban green spaces is highly desirable. These benefits include reducing the mental health impacts of the pandemic, the overall health benefits of access to green space and the environmental benefits of green spaces. LT The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association is the federation of Canada’s provincial horticultural trade associations. Visit www.cnla-acpp.ca for more information. See more on its Green Cities Foundation at gcfoundation.ca.

Your one stop shop for all your artificial turf and sports court flooring supplies located in Durham Region.

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durhamartificialgrass.ca AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

33

Tool box cooler combo

Dewalt introduces the TSTAK Mobile Cooler, which features an organizer lid with fixed dividers for organizing drill bits and accessories and a large body that can store hand tools or power tools. Made from heavy-duty plastic, this tool box has an ice retention capability of three days.

Dewalt www.dewalt.ca

Battery powered blower

Crawler skid-excavators

Mecalac introduces the newly updated MCR Series of crawler skid-excavators. Comprised of three models, the 6MCR, 8MCR and the 10MCR machines provide the swiftness of a skid steer with the 360-degree rotation of an excavator for versatility and travel speeds two times faster than any small excavator, Mecalac says.

Mecalac www.mecalac.com

Spring 34 | AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

Summer

Stihl recently announced the release of the BGA 200 battery blower. The new blower is low-noise, provides 21 Newtons of blowing force and weighs just over seven pounds.

Stihl www.stihl.ca

Autumn

Lightweight chainsaw

Echo announces the launch of the CS-3510, the industry’s lightest and highest powerto-weight-ratio chainsaw in its class, according to the company. The 16-in. bar chainsaw has the power and speed to cut through trees and branches quickly and easily.

Trencher attachments

John Deere introduces two new trencher models to its family of attachments. The TC36 and TC48, trenchers are designed for lighter-duty tasks and are compatible on John Deere skid steers and compact track loader models, as well as most competitive models.

John Deere www.deere.ca

Echo www.echo.ca

Compact hydraulic excavator Takeuchi-US has launched the TB225 compact hydraulic excavator.

The unit features all-steel construction, and provides the operator with best-in-class engine output that provides more power to increase productivity, Teuchi-US says.

Takeuchi-US www.takeuchi-us.com

Unmatched Versatility, Year-Round Productivity With the changing of seasons, thick growing grass slows in drier conditions, then gives way to autumn debris, finally shifting to winter snow conditions, and landscape professionals along with property owners are often faced with a wide variety of maintenance needs. Walker’s interchangeable decks can be adapted in just minutes to multiple grounds maintenance uses. This coupled with a variety of interchangeable seasonal add-ons such as a dethatcher, snowblowers, and dozer blades empower you to continue getting work done through summer, autumn, winter, and spring. Call to schedule a demo today!

Winter

1-800-361-0907 www.propowercanada.ca info@propowercanada.ca AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

35

Mulching head attachment

ASV partners with Loftness Specialty Equipment to design a specialized Loftness S-Series Battle Ax mulching head for ASV machines. The skid steer and compact track loader attachment is designed to produce a finer mulch with fewer passes.

ASV www.asvi.com

Cutting system for compact chain saws

Oregon releases the SpeedCut Nano cutting system, “the first ever .325-in. Low Profile cutting system designed to increase cutting speed and extend runtimes on battery-powered and compact light-weight gas chainsaws,� the company says. The cutting system features a new saw chain, guide bar and sprocket to optimize the performance of chainsaws in the 1-3 horsepower range.

Oregon www.oregonproducts.com

Irrigation controller kits

Hunter introduces two new kits designed to expand the capabilities of its Pro-C Controller. The kits allow users to easily expand station counts and bring the power of two-wire technology to residential or small commercial projects.

Hunter Industries www.hunterindustries.com

Material collection system

John Deere launches the Dump-from-Seat Material Collection System, compatible with all John Deere gas-powered Z900 ZTRak zero-turn mowers. The new design of the MCS moves the fulcrum of the dump lever closer to the operator for easier operation. With the new design, operators can be more efficient when dumping materials, John Deere says.

John Deere www.deere.ca 36 | AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

Let's talk about fall marketing

ADVERTISERS COMPANY

PAGE WEBSITE

Banas Stones Inc

13

www.banasstones.com

Beaver Valley Stone Ltd

30

www.beavervalleystone.com

Bobcat Company

7

www.bobcat.com

Boss Snowplow

19

www.bossplow.com

Brouwer Sod Farms Ltd

31

www.brouwersod.com

Coivic Specimen Trees

23

www.coivic.com

Draglam Salt

11

www.draglamsalt.com

Durham Artificial Grass

33

www.durhamartificialgrass.ca

Impacto Protective Products Inc

25

www.impacto.ca

John Deere Limited

15, 39

www.deere.com

Kubota Canada Ltd

5

www.kubota.ca

L&R Shelters Inc

29

www.lrshelters.ca

Miska Trailers

40

www.miskatrailers.com

Muskoka Auto Parts Limited

2, 3

www.muskokaauto.com

PRO Landscape by Drafix Software

14

www.prolandscape.com

Pro-Power Canada Inc

34, 35

www.propowercanada.ca

The Salt Depot

23

www.saltdepot.ca

WPE Equipment (Windmill)

21

www.wpeequipment.ca

Windy Ridge Corporation

27

www.stonehook.com

One thing is certain:

Your brand will need visibility.

GIVE US A CALL! Greg Sumsion

647-722-6977 gsumsion@landscapeontario.com

landscapetrades.com/advertise

Behind every great Green Professional is LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

CONGRESS TRADE SHOW AND CONFERENCE EST. 1973

Save the dates!

Jan. 12,13,14, 2021 LOCONGRESS.COM AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

37

MENTORMOMENT

This is a great business INTERVIEW BY ROD McDONALD

KELVIN VANDERVEEN, owner of

that my customers always want something new and something different. If you don’t change with your customer’s needs, your future is not bright.

Vanderveen’s Greenhouses in Carman, Man., is known for his humility, integrity and his devout beliefs. Vanderveen’s got its start as a market Q. You have moved away from natugarden in 1970, selling leftover vegetable seedlings ral gas as your heating source to flax to the local people. From that humble beginning shives. Why? 50 years ago, it has grown to more than 20 acres of A. It costs me roughly half the price to heat with greenhouses. It now sells plants by the semi-load in flax shives and they are readily available in the Manitoba, Saskatchewan and northern Ontario.

Carman area. Add in the carbon tax and I am doI have walked through Kelvin’s greenhouses when ing much better not using natural gas. he put on the brakes to remove a broken branch KELVIN VANDERVEEN from a poinsettia three benches over. That was Q. What is your philosophy regarding one branch from hundreds of thousands of poincustomer service? settias. He pays attention to details. Kelvin and I have had a business A. My customers are my boss. Without my customers I would not have relationship for 30 years, and I learned I could always count on him. a business. I try to accommodate my customers, to get them what Here are his answers to my questions. they want, delivered on time.

When did you start working in the family business?

There was never a time when I was not a part of this business. I enjoyed it so much that I quit school in grade eleven to work full-time with my father. School was just not the right fit for me. The greenhouse was not a great success at first, and when I was 18, I was paid only 35 cents an hour. I took over from my dad in my mid-20s, and he was okay with me stepping into the leadership role along with my brother Les.

Q. What is your philosophy regarding employees?

Did you ever imagine one day you would reach the size and success you are at now?

Never! I had no dream. I just kept adding a bit more square footage until I reached the point I am at today.

A. I have never had a year where demand was so strong. I did sell out.

Having said that, when Covid-19 became a pandemic in March, I was not sure if we would even have a season. I did not fill up my greenhouses. I cut back.

To what do you attribute your success?

Q. Final thoughts?

God’s blessing to work hard with my brother, Les. I bought Les out seven years ago. He still works in the greenhouse during the busy times.

Q. Over the last 40 years, many greenhouses and flower shops have gone under. Why?

A. There was the intense pressure from the box stores, no doubt about that being a factor. Also, many of the older operators refused to adapt. Times change and you have to change with them. I learned

38 | AUGUST 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

A. I have a good crew. I look first for a strong work ethic. Someone with the proper attitude can be trained. They can be taught skills. I also look for staff who understand the nature of the business, including long hours during shipping season. They need to give their all during the busy times.

Q. Was this best spring ever?

A. This is a great busines to be in. I can call any greenhouse and we can share our experiences. Also, when I meet with my independent customers, I am always struck with how incredibly nice most greenhouse people really are. It a blessing to be a part of this trade. LT

If you have a mentor to recommend or a question to suggest, please write to comments@landscapetrades.com.

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