Landscape Ontario - December 2016

December 2016 horttrades.com

L O A L U RT N O N A EP R

ALL HANDS

ON DECK

London Chapter’s Kevin Marshall and Paul Snyders help to beautify a lasting tribute to Canada’s Navy Page 4 PM 40013519

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ON LOGO

By Paul Brydges LO President

T

December, 2016 • Volume 34, No. 11 horttrades.com Landscape Ontario’s mandate is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable environment for the advancement of the horticultural industry in Ontario.

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Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department Landscape Ontario 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 Canada Phone: 905-875-1805

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he 2017 Congress Guide just arrived in my mailbox. It is amazing how this winter’s agenda is filling up so quickly with many great opportunities to interact with members as well as to improve our business skills and knowledge base. I know there aren’t any members who could not benefit from the vast number of continuing education programs that are out there for all of us to take in. It is also inspiring to see how many members freely give their knowledge so other members can improve their business skills; and also professional balance.

I have written throughout the year on how busy the season has appeared to be for all LO members. It does not seem to be any different as this season comes to a close. The calendar says the year is almost over, but so far, the weather has not given us any indication that the

construction season is at an end. Snow CONGRESS contracts are already GUIDE ’17 set for winter, but thankfully, have not been acted upon yet. + 600 I know many of our exhibits + 60 construction sector session hours members round out 105 event hours their year with snow removal, but I suspect they won’t mind waiting a bit longer to attach plows to the front of their trucks or having to kiss their family good night before heading out for the night shift.

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

Full steam ahead until the end

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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with more than 12,000 Green Industry Professionals

9/22/2016 2:42:17 PM

Reaching the next generation

Jeff Hicks, LO’s Director of Education and Labour Development, who started with the association back in July, is quickly settling into his new role at home office and is adding valuable insight into so many of our diverse initiatives. I have spoken with Jeff several times, and I am extremely grateful to see someone with such energy as part of our association. With so many opportunities to speak to students — both at the secondary and post secondary level — Jeff will bring our message to our future workforce and leaders.

Editor Robert Ellidge rellidge@landscapeontario.com, 647-722-5645 Assistant editor Scott Barber sbarber@landscapeontario.com, 647-478-3171 Graphic designer Mike Wasilewski mikew@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5343 Sales manager Steve Moyer stevemoyer@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-0708 Integrated solutions representative Greg Sumsion gsumsion@landscapeontario.com, 647-722-6977 Communications coordinator Angela Lindsay alindsay@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5305 Accountant Joe Sabatino jsabatino@landscapeontario.com, 647-724-8585 Publisher Lee Ann Knudsen CLM lak@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-7557 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO STAFF Darryl Bond, Amy Buchanan, Kim Burton, Myscha Burton, Rachel Cerelli,Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Denis Flanagan CLD, J. Alex Gibson, Jeff Hicks, Heather MacRae, Kristen McIntyre CHT CEM, Kathy McLean, Linda Nodello, Kathleen Pugliese, Ian Service, Tom Somerville, Martha Walsh, Cassandra Wiesner

Views expressed are those of the writer concerned. Landscape Ontario assumes no responsibility for the validity or correctness of any opinions or references made by the author. Copyright 2016, reproduction or the use of whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Published 11x per year. Rates and deadlines are available on request. Subscription price: $43.51 per year (HST included).

For subscription and address changes, please e-mail subscriptions@landscapeontario.com

As I see more members reaching out to schools directly, it is very important that we all speak the same language. I welcome any suggestions about what our priorities should be when speaking to students. Your input is always greatly appreciated.

The revitalized LO Branding Committee (dubbed Branding 2.0), has been discussing strategies to put in place to reach out and connect with this new generation most of us really don’t even understand.

The Millennials, we have been told, have a different value system than many of us who are now managers and business owners. I think we have a great opportunity to learn from them about a better work life balance and valuing some things that are more intrinsic than monetarilybased.

A shift is occurring in our client’s requests for some more environmentally-friendly solutions to their landscape designs; both in residential and commercial applications. The Fusion landscape initiative, in conjunction with several municipalities and conservation authorities, is an opportunity for our professions to showcase responsible design applications in many different aspects of our landscapes.

As we reach the end of another busy and successful season, I wish you all the best and hope you get time to relax, reflect and enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Paul Brydges may be reached at paulbrydges.la@sympatico.ca.

LO ANNUAL REPORT

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FEATURES LONDON CHAPTER PROJECT CONGRESS EVENTS INTEGRA LIGHTING

ASSOCIATION NEWS SCHOLARSHIP PROFILE NEW MEMBERS EVENTS INDUSTRY NEWS COLUMNS AD INDEX

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Some of the planting crew in action at HMCS Prevost in London, Ont.

A lasting tribute in London A hillside memorial for fallen soldiers of the Canadian Navy is now a tranquil and accessible place for friends, families and veterans to sit back and reflect — thanks to the leadership and participation of Landscape Ontario’s London Chapter.

Located at the forks of the Thames River in London, Ont., the Battle of the Atlantic Memorial at HMCS Prevost features a series of 25 granite stones dispersed along a hillside, each with the name, image, hull number and date the ship was lost in the battle.

London Chapter president Peter Vanderley says the Navy approached them about two year ago with the idea of renovating the space and asked the chapter for advice and referrals.

“The very reason the Navy wanted to have this put in place was because it was really bland. We had monuments on a hillside and it wasn’t aesthetically pleasing,” Vanderley said. “It was also virtually impossible for older people to access the site.”

The chapter connected the Navy with Ron Koudys Landscape Architects and just over a year later, with a final design in hand, the Navy returned for advice on hiring contractors and putting some elements out to tender.

Vanderley says, “everything happened rather quickly this past spring.”

Navy contractors were busy into the summer installing hardscape, which included a massive staircase to address the issue of poor access to the memorial.

With plant material such a huge portion of the chapter commitment, London Chapter board member Cindy Buelow got the word out to and solicited donations and discounted plant material from many sources, including Baseline Nurseries, Canadale

4 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO DECEMBER 2016

Nurseries and a few other companies who wish to remain anonymous.

Vanderley says Buelow did a tremendous amount of work securing the plant material and fellow chapter board member Kevin Marshall of Turf Pro Landscaping really took the lead on the project for the chapter portions.

A huge planting effort

With hardscape in place, a massive planting effort by over 50 volunteers was held on Oct. 4 involving hundreds of plants and two dozen large trees.

Derek Geddes, owner of Coldstream Land Escape Company, an LO member since 1982, brought five employees for the day and helped to plant the large trees.

Geddes believes the project will create a better awareness for the memorial and feels it just “needed to be done” for the few veterans that are left, but also for their loved ones who come from all over Canada to remember them.

Vanderley says a maintenance plan is in the works for the project. “As Chapter President, I strongly suggested we have a

five-year commitment to this and use some of the proceeds from our golf tournament to help them. Our goal is to come in a couple of times per year to do maintenance and to train Navy personnel volunteers with the ongoing maintenance. That way, they are not relying on us to do it all.”

In addition, the Navy is setting up their own fund for plant replacement and mulch as time goes on.

In mid-November, LO members Blue Jay Irrigation, Rain Bird International and Site One Landscape Supply donated labour and products to install an irrigation system and landscape lighting at the site.

The completed project will be a lasting tribute made possible by a combination of chapter volunteers and suppliers, private contractors and navy personnel all working together to achive a common goal.

“I think the volunteer spirit we have in this chapter is great,” says Vanderley. “We have been involved in many projects and what is interesting is that we have some people who have been involved with previous projects and some on this who are new.”

The London Chapter would like to recognize the following companies and individuals who contributed to this project: Bobcat of London; Cindy Buelow, Baseline Nurseries; Coldstream Land Escape Company; Comfort Landscaping & Design; Fisher’s Landscape Depot; Grand River Brick & Stone (London); Kaizen Lawn & Landscape; Matt Hart, MPH Hardscapes; Olympic Tree Care; Permacon; PGS Landscape; Wendy Harry, Riverbend Golf Coummunity (Sifton Properties); Rural Roots Landscaping; Stone in Style, Darcy DeCaluwe; Top Notch Tree Care, Kevin Marshall, Turf Pro Landscaping; Peter Vanderley, Vanderley Landscaping.

In addition, London Chapter donated $20,000 towards the project and will be applying for promotional funding.

There will be an official open house in the spring which could include several dignitaries in attendance.

London Chapter volunteers take time out for a group photo.

Congress ’17 continues to attract landscape professionals from across North America.

Reasons to register for Congress ’17 With a sold-out show floor featuring over 600 exhibitors, a dynamic lineup of speakers, can’t-miss social events and networking opportunities, Landscape Ontario Congress ’17 is the perfect place to find new products, ideas, equipment, tools, services and connections to make your business grow and prosper. Canada’s premier green industry trade show and conference runs Jan. 10-12 at the Toronto Congress Centre and the International Plaza Hotel.

What’s new

The Congress app is set to launch in early December, 2016, and aims to make the visitor experience even better. Smart phone users will be able to download the app before or during the show to ensure they make the best use of their time. For those who prefer a hard copy, the January issue of Landscape Trades feature a seven-page Congress Planner. The printed official Congress Show Guide, distributed at the show, will contain complete exhibitor listings and a detailed floor plan.

Learning about new equipment and services has been a major draw for Congress since the show launched 43 years ago. The New Product Showcase on the trade show floor provides a convenient way to check out innovative tools and technology that can help your business profits to soar.

Another new element for this year’s show will be live Ministry of Transportation (MTO) circle check demonstrations. MTO representatives will be on the show floor

each day, providing answers and feedback; it’s another great reason to bring key staff members to Congress.

HardscapeLIVE! returns to the Congress show floor (each day at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.) and will include the new Rock Hard Café, a first-class bar and rest stop that will be a popular place to relax your tired feet and mingle with industry colleagues. Speaker’s Corner is also back in 2017 with a new look and new location to educate contractors on their responsibilities when excavating around underground infrastructure.

Awards of Excellence ceremony

Join your peers for the ‘Oscars’ of the green profession. Enjoy some refreshments at the LO President’s Reception before the entertaining show that will announce winners for this year’s categories. See these incredible projects by LO members from the construction, maintenance and design sectors on Jan. 10 from 5-8:30 p.m. in the Plaza Ballroom at the International Plaza Hotel.

Tailgate Party

The ultimate appreciation event provides green professionals a chance to relax, network and enjoy over dinner and musical entertainment. The social event of the year will take place in the Plaza Ballroom at the International Plaza Hotel on Jan. 11 from 5 to 11 p.m. Enjoy free admission with your trade show badge.

For LO members

Landscape Ontario extends an open invitation to all members, young and old, to drop the the Sutherland Room on Jan. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to network in the Legacy Room. Hear stories and share ideas with pioneers of the association. On Jan. 11, LO holds their Annual General Meeting in the International Ballroom of the International Plaza Hotel with breakfast at 7 a.m., followed by the meeting at 8 a.m. Please RSVP to kathleen@landscapeontario.com.

Conferences and symposiums

A full conference schedule runs for the three days of the trade show, but begins Jan. 9 with Warm-Up Monday. At the International Plaza Hotel, the Landscape Designer Conference runs in the International Plaza Ballroom from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. and the Peer to Peer Workshop runs 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the New York Room. Over at the Toronto Congress Centre, the 52nd annual IPM Symposium runs 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Cohen Ballroom. The Garden Centre Symposium is held at Congress this year on Jan. 11, from 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. followed by the Irrigation Conference on Jan. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., both in the Sutherland. Room.

Attendance to the Congress ’17 trade show and Tailgate Party is included with registration to any of the Warm-Up Monday sessions or symposiums held during the show.

Registration for the trade show, conferences, symposiums and awards ceremony is available online at LOcongress.com.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 5

The new company, Island Villa Lighting, provides indoor and outdoor lighting design, specification, procurement and project management. It’s different than the business in Muskoka, in that the business model is distribution, rather than contracting, Solecki explains.

And so far, business is booming.

Great climate for lighting

Costal vacation properties, called “villas,” comprise the majority of James Solecki’s clientele in the Turks and Caicos islands.

Lighting up Turks and Caicos Many Canadians dream of casting winter aside to start anew in a tropical locale full of white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.

For Landscape Ontario member James Solecki, president of Muskoka-based Integra Bespoke Lighting Systems, this popular fantasy is becoming his reality. Over the year, the indoor and outdoor lighting design and installation expert has established a booming business in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).

With some 30 projects on the books, his time spent on the beautiful Caribbean island has been filled less with afternoon cocktails and naps under shady palm trees, than hard work trying to meet the seemingly endless demand for quality lighting systems.

“It got started when I was invited down by a client of ours who happened to be the chair of a condo board in TCI, and he wanted to upgrade the lighting to LED to achieve electrical savings for the condo owners,” Solecki explained. “He arranged for my wife and I to head down last November, and at the time we were just thinking that it would be a nice trip, and that we would essentially be figuring out how many light bulbs the place needed, possibly selling them the light bulbs, and then heading back home.”

But once they arrived, he quickly real-

6 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO DECEMBER 2016

ized how many of his Muskoka clients also owned vacation properties in the TCI. He also learned that the development market is very strong on the islands.

Starting a foreign business is not easy

“We got very excited about the opportunities, because there is a real shortage of lighting expertise there,” he said. However, starting a business in TCI as a foreigner requires a great deal of work and money.

“There are all sorts of criteria you need to meet in order to attain legal status as an expat on the island operating a business,” he said. “Fortunately, we were able to hire excellent lawyers who did all the ground work, and we did whatever it took to get the documentation where it needed to be, including literally flying it down, rather than using a courier in order to fast track the process.”

There were also significant costs involved, and a great deal of stress over whether or not things would go through.

He added, “We started the process on December 2, 2015, and by February 18, 2016, we were ready-to-go. That is an insanely fast period of time, but we did it.

We became fully licensed, permitted and insured and ready. It was really just one of those times in life when everything just seems to click into place.”

Solecki says the TCI is ideal for highend lighting work for several reasons: the abundance of wealthy vacation home owners; the warm climate; and its geographically located close to the equator which means the sun sets in the early evening year-round.

Outdoor space is seen as a continuation of the home, he adds, making lighting a necessity rather than a luxury.

In addition to a pair of luxury resorts as clientele, Solecki’s rapidly expanding business down south is working on numerous vacation properties, known as “villas.”

Solecki has also been managing his business in Muskoka and juggling the two has been a major challenge. It has gone smoothly thanks to the hard work his team has put in, Solecki says.

“We were really lucky this year to have some incredibly large projects,” Solecki said. “Last year I was named the lighting designer for the Niagara Parks Commission, and it was a really big thing for our reputation. And so this year we landed some large scale jobs, which made things a lot easier than having to scramble for say, 25 smaller installations that we need each year to survive.”

His whole team at Integra has also really stepped up this year, especially during the weeks when he was down in TCI. “Our project manager, who has been with us for eight or nine years has been huge this year,” Solecki said. “When I am home, we spend the whole time running around to the next slate of jobs doing walkthroughs and communicating about what needs to be done while I’m gone.”

Meanwhile in the TCI, the market for quality lighting seems limitless, Solecki says. “The pace of development is incredible.” Labour is relatively inexpensive, and the demand for luxury homes and hotels from wealthy business people based all over the world has skyrocketed.

Over the coming months and years, Solecki plans on training local talent in lighting installation, so that he can focus more on the design and distribution rather than installation. Already having secured exclusive distributor rights to many leadingedge lighting product lines in the TCI, the future looks bright.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

St. Clair College students worked with chapter member volunteers to build a legacy garden in Windsor.

A lasting legacy in Windsor Landscape Ontario’s Windsor Chapter (LOWC) now has a legacy garden to recognize pioneers, leaders, and those who have been instrumental in promoting the values of the association.

Construction of the garden, at St. Clair College’s South Campus in Windsor, Ont., was largely carried out by students from the college’s Horticulture Technician program. The students did a great job and were guided by college staff and LO volunteers.

A concentrated effort on construction was made in late October, with final touches completed in mid-November.

The project was made possible through a combination of financial sponsors, volunteers and funding from Landscape Ontario.

Windsor Chapter would like to recognize the following donors and contributors who assisted with this project: A’Burg

Lawn Sprinkler, Angelstar Digital, Bellaire Landscape, Chris Power, Donald Tellier, Garlatti Landscaping, Landscape Effects Group, Lakeshore Landscaping, Maidstone Tree Farm, Munger Lawnscape, Renew Home Solutions, Ruthven Nursery & Garden Center, Santerra Stonecraft, Top Grade Landscape & Garden Solutions, SiteOne Landscape Supply, St. Clair College Horticulture Technician program, Williams Nurseries.

An official dedication of the garden will be held in the spring of 2017.

OTTAWA CHAPTER PREPARES BEECHWOOD FOR REMEMBRANCE DAY

Now in its second decade, the 11th annual Ottawa Chapter Day of Tribute for the Canadian Military and their families, took place at the National Military Cemetery at Beechwood, on Nov. 4, 2016. The event

features members of Landscape Ontario working together with members of the Canadian Armed Forces to prepare the grounds for annual Remembrance Day proceedings.

Sponsored by Geosynthetic Systems, event chair, Pete Campbell, retired Chief Warrant Officer, and committee members: Chris Urquhart CLP, Green Unlimited; Andrew Burgess, Natural Impressions Landscaping; and Tyler Owen, Thunderbolt Landscaping; all worked together to create an inclusive maintenance plan for the day. Sunny skies prevailed, although cold weather was a factor.

The day began with registration, coffee and muffins sponsored by Jerome Landscaping. Greetings this year included: Deputy Mayor, Bob Monette; Roger Boult, Beechwood Cemetery; Chief Warrant Officer David Snyder, Canadian Armed Forces; Captain Joe Sipos, Canadian War Graves Commission; Sundaura AlfordPurvis, Ottawa Chapter president; Event Chair and Retired Chief Warrant Officer, Pete Campbell, Geosynthetic Systems.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

Over 30 individuals attended this year’s event to perform the maintenance of the cemetery.

Through the support of Geosynthetic Systems, the committee gave all participants and sponsors a red zippered hoodie, with the Day of Tribute and Landscape Ontario logo printed on the back, as a thank you for their commitment to the event. Poppies were worn by all participants to mark Remembrance Day. Organizers and LO’s Ottawa Chapter would like to thank the following sponsors, members and participants, without whom the day would not be possible: Geosynthetic Systems (title sponsor); Jerome Landscaping (muffins and coffee); Bradley’s Commercial Insurance (lunch), Manderley Turf Products (grass seed); Nutri-Lawn Ottawa and Plant Products (fertilizer); and SIPAN tires ($300 gift certificate for participants); Julie Archambault, Canadian Forces DND; Clintar Landscape Management Ottawa; Green Unlimited; Lafleur de La Capitale; Mark Nesbitt Consulting; Permacon; Peter Smit and Sons; Thunderbolt Contracting; WeedmanOttawa; Welwyn Wong Landscape Design; and Mr. T. Contracting.

Ottawa Chapter volunteers worked with members of the Canadian Armed Forces at Canada’s National Military Cemetery.

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IN MEMORIAM — HANK DEENEN

Hendricus Martinus Deenen, founder of Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited, recently passed away peacefully at the age of 91.

Hank was a strong believer in Landscape Ontario.

He fondly recalled meetings in the basement of his home of the Ontario Garden Maintenance and Landscape Association (OGMLA) and was a member of Ontario Landscape Contractors Association (OLCA). These were two of the three associations that came together with the Ontario Nurseryman’s Association (ONA) to form Landscape Ontario in 1973. Both Hank and his son Harold attended the unity meetings.

Hank emigrated from Holland in 1952 with $17 in his pocket. Like most immigrants, he and his wife Maria found work wherever it could be found. Having grown up on a farm, his natural talent in landscaping became apparent when he began maintaining the property of the fac-

e

tory where he worked. The neighbouring properties began to notice and wanted the same service. Hank Deenen Landscaping was born and in 1954 became a full-time venture.

Hank embodied the principles of honesty, integrity and the importance of kindness to all. These principles extended to his business and every person that worked there. One acquaintance simply said that Hank was the definition of a gentleman. He loved to walk, and had a smile for everybody he met. Although he was born in Holland, he was a staunch Canadian, raising the flag every Friday at his cottage.

A funeral service was held at Highland Funeral Home in Scarborough, Ont., on Nov. 15. The family would greatly appreciate any donations to Scarborough General Hospital at tshfoundation.ca.

STUDENTS PLANT BULBS

Students from St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School in Mississauga, Ont. got an outdoor education in horticulture on Nov. 7 at Landscape Ontario’s home office property in Milton.

Organized by LO property manager David Turnbull and Roy Gucciardi,

Department of Technological Studies Green Industries at St. Joan of Arc, the 42 students were divided into groups and planted 6,600 spring flowering bulbs around the site.

Genevieve Wong, a guidance counselor at the school says the day created a “huge awareness of the outdoors” and a great opportunity for a number of grade 10 and 11 students who are already planning a career in landscape architecture or design.

“I think a lot of the kids like the outdoors aspect,” Wong says, “as well as it’s very hands-on for the non-academic learner. Once they actually do this, they realize it’s not just gardening.”

Turnbull says the idea for the project came about while he was outside planning where to plant the bulbs and Gucciardi was visiting LO for a meeting. “Roy is always looking for ways to get his students involved,” says Turnbull and their collective needs were a perfect fit.

Wong confirms Gucciardi’s horticulture class is the most popular elective at the school. She says a lot of parents were very interested in the details of the program at a recent open house and they wanted to ensure their kids were enrolled in it.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

Students from St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School plant over 6,000 bulbs around the LO site.

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The bulbs were donated by Mark Cullen, Vanhof & Blokker, and Tradewinds International Sales.

Turnbull and Gucciardi are planning for the students to return for a planting project in spring — at just the right time to witness the rainbow of colour around the LO site they helped to produce.

MEMBER HELPS TO RESTORE WAR MEMORIAL

Thornbusch Landscaping owner Paul Doornbos was recognized for his volunteer efforts in helping to revitalize the War Memorial in Gananoque’s Town Park earlier this year.

In recognition of his contribution and dedication to the project, the Legion presented Doornbos with the first poppy of the year.

The memorial, dedicated in 1920, was showing its age and members of the local Royal Canadian Legion made plans to restore it for Remembrance Day in 2016, to mark the 100th anniversary of the costliest period for local soldiers during the First World War. In addition, the area around the memorial needed work, as it was not built in a very accessible location.

Thornbusch Landscaping was hired to do some of the work, including a small interlocking stone apron around the memorial. Doornbos then pointed out some other

changes that could have a much larger impact. “What has always bugged me about the location is the memorial sits in the middle of nowhere,” Doornbos explained. “The area is not connected to the street and is not approachable at all. The vets are advanced in years and there is no easy way for them to get to the memorial.”

To remedy the situation, Doornbos told his client he would make it right — at no additional cost. So Doornbos used his expertise and designed an expanded interlocking stone area around the entire memorial that met accessibility regulations. It resulted in his crew having to remove a lot more material and build a wall that was not in the original quote, but the $6,000 worth of labour Thornbusch Landscaping donated made sure the project was done right.

Started in late September with sod laid down Oct. 11, Doornbos said his “goal was to have the job done far enough in advance of Remembrance Day for the sod to take.”

“Being a first generation Canadian, Remembrance Day has always been a big deal for me,” Doornbos said, citing his main reason for getting involved was to honour his parents who immigrated to Canada from the Netherlands after it was liberated

by Canadian soldiers at the end of the Second World War. “Canada opened their arms to the Dutch right after the war,” Doornbos said. “This country gave my grandparents and parents many opportunities, and I have the luxury of significant opportunities as a result. It’s just a great way to give back.”

One of the project organizers, Bill Beswetherick, historian for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 92, says the project would not have happened without the involvement and expertise from Doornbos and his team.

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FIRE UP YOUR STAFF ON APPRENTICESHIP

A flyer promoting apprenticeship mailed with this issue; please post the flyer where your staff will see it. LO’s labour force manager Jeff Hicks says, “To make apprenticeship succeed, we must motivate staff members. When they are excited about the program and decide to participate, they win — and so does their company, the profession and the community.” Most members agree that apprenticeship is our profession’s biggest, most underused gift.

Contact Jeff at jhicks@landscapeontario. com if you need print or digital copies of the flyer.

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Want to become industry recognized?

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What is Apprenticeship?

5 Reasons to be an Apprentice

1) $4,000 in grants throughout your apprenticeship. Access to Apprenticeship loans!

2) Gain a Red Seal Designation (recognized across Canada)

3) Little to no student debt (Ontario ministry subsides inclass training, and you can collect EI while in-class) 4) Earn your regular wage, as you learn the skills of the profession, while on the job

5) Registration is easy, and Landscape Ontario will help you throughout the process

Apprenticeship is a form of post-secondary education like university or college that provides hands-on trade specific knowledge. But there is a big difference between this program and conventional schooling, apprentices not only learn skills in the classroom but receive paid, on-the-job training with their employer/sponsor. Approximately 80% of the training happens on-the-job with your employer while the other 20% is completed in school over two 12-week winter semesters.

What Does an Apprentice Do?

 Works their regular job every day, earning their regular wages  While on-the-job, they complete a competencies log book of training skills (turf, hard scape, soft scape, etc.)  Works approximately 5,400 on the job hours (hours previous to registration can be counted)  Completes two 12-week winter in-class training sessions (offered at Algonquin, Fanshawe, Humber, Loyalist, Mohawk College)

To Qualify?

 High school diploma or Equivalent

 Be employed by an Ontario Company

Website: www.horticulturetechnician.ca Phone: 1 (613) 809 5093 Email: jagibson@landscapeontario.com

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ASSOCIATION NEWS More green at LO home office The entrance to the trial gardens at Landscape Ontario’s home office in Milton, Ont., is now a finished, aestheticallypleasing area to welcome visitors thanks to a donation of 12,240 sq. ft. of sod by LO member, Zander Sod. The area had previously been unfinished and was plagued by poor drainage. LO property manager David Turnbull graded the area around LO’s 25th anniversary commemorative stone that also acts as a focal point for visitors approaching the site.

A Growing Tradition

Visitors to the LO home office in Milton are now welcomed by a new green area thanks to a donation from Zander Sod.

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Bill Beamish (left) and LO’s London Chapter congratulated Bob Allen on his retirement from the landscape profession at the chapter’s fall meeting on Nov. 22.

Allen, the owner of RW Allen Horticultural Services of St. Thomas, Ont., was presented with a plaque to recognize his many years of contribution to the association and industry.

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SCHOLARSHIP PROFILE Scott Pollock On a sunny September afternoon at the beautiful A.M. Mac Cuddy Gardens in Strathroy Ont., Fanshawe College horticulture technician program coordinator Michael Pascoe gathered some 70 first and second year students in a shady area to announce the school’s recipients of the annual Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation (OHTF) scholarships.

With OHTF donors Bob and Ruby Allen watching, Pascoe described a hard working student who would become the first person to achieve the scholarship — designed to support a mature student in Fanshawe’s horticulture program — in their name.

“Scott Pollock is in tune with our profession and cognizant of what it is and what

it means,” said Pascoe. “He is also one of those people who just gets along with everybody. He has a personality that allows him to work and interact with everybody at all levels, from faculty and staff to his peers and industry professionals. And finally, he’s an incredibly good worker, and in fact he has worked here at Fanshawe in the gardens during the summer and has really been looked on as a team leader.”

Pollock, humble and grateful, was elated.

“I was really in disbelief because there are a lot of people in the program who have worked their tails off,” he said. “I felt a little bad about that, because there are other people who really deserve that kind of thing. But at the same time, I tried to look at it from the perspective that there

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are people here at Fanshawe who believe in me, and I’m going to use that as motivation to try my best.”

A second year student at Fanshawe, Pollock says he was inspired to pursue a career in the green professions by his grandfather, who worked in the industry in the Windsor area for many years.

“He had a real strong passion for horticulture and that kind of inspired me to look deeper into it and to learn about the impact this industry can make on people’s lives.”

As he prepares to graduate in the spring, Pollock’s excitement is palpable.

And for now, he’s keeping his options open, because “there are so many different paths you can take in this profession.

“I’m certainly interested in the path of sustainability, where there is such a need to develop ways to produce more plants on less land. There’s also the route of general landscaping where you get to work hard every day, which is great because it feels good to work your eight to five, so that by the end of the day, you feel like you’ve earned your supper. And there’s also the greenhouse side of things; I’m really interested in the science behind horticulture, down to the molecular level. The possibilities are so vast.”

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Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association

2016

Annual Report

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM  15

President’s Message

Success comes from supporting each other I am truly shocked how fast my first year as president has passed. Through the flurry of spring and the busiest summer our firm and many of our contractors have seen in our history, the biggest challenge all members have is finding additional staff to fill the needs of added workloads.

It doesn’t matter if we all have the best equipment for the job, what we need are the best people. More focus has been put on training staff from within to keep dedicated employees in place, which has seen some very good results. A new approach by Landscape Ontario and many members is to reach out to students in high school to show them how many diverse professions we have within LO and our many associates.

The more time I spend speaking to members and LO staff, the more opportunities I see for aligning agendas for education, government advocacy and promotion of all aspects of our combined professions.

As all members are aware by now, Sally Harvey has officially moved on from home office to be the Executive Director of Landscape Nova Scotia and Landscape Newfoundland. Her years of boundless energy and enthusiasm will be missed, but by the same token, she has implemented many valuable programs and her legacy will continue to enhance all our lives. Already, she is looking for ways to help the east coast prosper through her knowledge gained here in Ontario.

Jeff Hicks has taken over Sally’s role and brings his own unique insight and experience to the table. It has been a pleasure seeing him step in to make the role his own and add new perspectives to initiatives already underway.

Other staff changes within the halls have seen Allan Dennis retire to the life of an active photographer. His years at LO also will be fondly remembered.

Sarah Willis moving on has created additional changes within the office as well. We wish Sarah all the best in her new position.

It seems as though change is all around us. Although this does present challenges, we should all look at the opportunities change can make. Fresh eyes on an issue can often bring new solutions.

The ongoing challenge of branding our members to the public has come forward once again. The Branding committee started the ‘Green for Life’ brand back in 2009 and are at it again. Affectionately called Branding 2.0, their goal is to bring LO to the public and make the association more relevant. As simple as this sounds, it covers the entire association and every marketing initiative and strategy that we have in play. There could not really be a more complex or relevant question to try to answer than the why of LO. Since the sale of a portion of the LO home office property, there have been a multitude of opportunities LO has been asked to participate in. With good stewardship and guidance from our executive and provincial board, I feel the membership is well represented in these different opportunities and that funds and effort are well allocated as required.

The ongoing support and enthusiasm I see and hear from members is inspiring. Each day brings phone calls and emails with requests to attend meetings or add comments to a conversation. I am humbled by our members’ commitment and the level of professionalism and knowledge they bring to our collective table at every meeting. No wonder our profession is becoming so relevant — you are all pushing us to the forefront of innumerable conversations.

Thanks to all your combined efforts, LO has never been more relevant and energized.

Respectfully submitted, Paul Brydges President 2016

Treasurer’s Report

Financially responsible budgets keep us strong In my first year as treasurer, it is a pleasure to report that Landscape Ontario continues to prosper and provide services and benefits of value to its membership. We have strong chapters, sector groups and committees that guide the organization via the Provincial Board of Directors.

The 2015-2016 fiscal year ending Aug. 31, 2016 realized a net income of $143,297 which is an increase of $57,021 over the previous fiscal year. The Board of Directors has allocated this surplus to the following funds: • Horticulture Industry Development Fund: $103,000 • Technology Fund: $20,000 • Promotional Fund: $20,000 Membership continues to increase and saw an additional 407 new members over last fiscal year. This is the largest increase in new members in the last 10 years. This speaks highly of the Membership

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Services team and our membership.

Last year, $7.8 million from the sale of the land was invested in mutual funds with Nexus and TD Wealth. As of this fiscal year end, the fair market value is $8.2 million. A special thank you goes to the investment committee for their research and hard work.

Congress continues to grow and prosper, attracting an international audience. It is one of the best shows in North America and maintains a steady growth of its revenue stream. After much consideration, Garden Expo has ended, but its many unique features and events now have a home at Congress where they will receive special attention with a day dedicated to the new Garden Centre Symposium.

As we are all financially responsible in our own businesses, so too, are we with the budgets of Landscape Ontario. For a detailed report, please see the Audited Financial Statements.

Respectfully submitted, Lindsay Drake Nightingale Treasurer 2016

2016 ANNUAL REPORT Membership and Public Relations Report

Spreading our message to all audiences Once again, this past year has shown the strong correlation between public awareness and increased membership in Landscape Ontario. Smart companies know in order to have a strong presence in today’s competitive marketplace, not only do they need to have great products and talented staff, but they also need to demonstrate they care about social and community issues. These strong touch points were demonstrated throughout a great year for the association and its members.

Great products

The year kicked-off with a dynamite Congress trade show, jampacked with innovative products and ideas. Our chapters and members also used the venue as a great place to network. Smart companies know that staying on the leading edge regarding products and plants keeps you one step ahead of the gardening public. Congress was followed in March by our Golden Horseshoe Chapter’s Gear up for Spring event and several other educational/demonstration events organized by Associate members throughout the province.

In 2016, membership in LO offered more opportunities to educate the industry and the public about the green industry than I have seen before.

Talented members

Once again this year, LO members were able to strut their stuff through the LO Awards of Excellence program, Canada Blooms and many home and garden shows throughout the spring. These events gave us lots of material to create press releases that attracted media attention to our professions. Our media agency, Enterprise, supplied us with a comprehensive, 24-page report of our media activity, reach and the value of that exposure. To summarize, through uptake of 156

media hits, LO enjoyed almost 47 million media impressions. Of the media hits, 85 were online, six were via radio and TV stations and the remaining 65 appeared in various print publications.

Community events

A string of events were supported by our members throughout the year and across the province including: Seedy Saturday, Aylmer Fair, OHA Convention, Earth Day at Toronto Zoo, Compost Council community gardens, Camp Kivita, Toronto Botanical Garden garden tour, Garden Days events, Canadian Navy memorial garden, Highway of Heroes Living Tribute, Hearts and Flowers campaign, Ottawa Day of Tribute, Master Gardeners events, and many, many more. At all of these events, our popular Garden Inspiration magazine was distributed to promote the work of our members.

Membership growth

2016 saw a steady increase in new member applications, which I am confident is a result of the efforts by your home office staff, hard working chapter boards, and a combination of the many events and activities that demonstrate what a professional, caring group of companies belong to LO — which, through osmosis, attracts new companies who want to join our winning team.

Respectfully submitted, Denis Flanagan CLD Manager of Membership and Public Relations

Long-time LO members were recognzied this year with a special plaque.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016

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Landscape Ontario and its members continue to support students at all levels of education.

Executive Director’s Report

A profession drawn together for mutual benefit At the beginning of each year, Landscape Ontario sets goals. They are based on listening to members, external circumstances (economic environment, consumer trends, demographics, etc.) and previous strategic plans. Ultimately, the goals and activities strive to achieve our vision of a prosperous, professional, ethical, recognized and valued profession. Our president also develops a theme that provides guidance and inspiration as we perform our collective work. Paul Brydges’ theme, “Drawn Together,” is a simple and powerful concept that we are a profession, not an industry, and that we come together for mutual benefit and for the advancement of the green professions.

We are excited about collectively making a positive difference in the lives of our members, employees and the public. Here is a brief report of our many initiatives and results for 2016.

Grow membership

This year, we set the goal to increase the number of members by 10 per cent. I am happy to report we achieved a 14 per cent increase, based on a coordinated effort by staff, chapters and members.

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Improve access to qualified labour

With the goal of also helping members with recruitment and retention challenges, we completed and prioritized the aligned HR/Professional Development plan with emphasis on recruitment, retention and apprenticeship.

The plan is multi-dimensional with both long- and short-term goals. We hired a full-time staff person to assist members with enrolling their employees in the Apprenticeship Program. Two new Apprenticeship Programs were started at Algonquin College and Loyalist College. A new website to source labour was created at landscape.jobs. A career website was developed at greencareerscanada.ca. The Landscape Ontario gardens at Canada Blooms and the Ottawa Home and Garden Show focused on career promotion with the theme “Choose your Path,” illustrating the many professions and educational opportunities available in the collective green professions.

We continue to provide support to encourage the success of the Specialist High School Major Program (SHSM) program, including the offering of scholarships. In 2017, we will work to expand the program in Eastern Ontario.

We support Skills Ontario and Skills Canada initiatives. The HR Toolkit was promoted. We created a new resource for members called Effective Leadership at ELpathway.ca. We helped to form the

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

In partnership with the University of Guelph, the trial gardens at Landscape Ontario were expanded again this year and saw record attendance at the annual open house.

Horticultural Educators Association (HEA). We are involved with the Come Alive Outside Design Challenge, aimed at engaging young people in our profession. We provided guidance to universities which train tech teachers at the secondary level. The labour issue will continue to dominate 2017.

Public relations and branding

The LO Branding/Public Relations Committee became active again to review and evaluate our current branding efforts to align with our president’s theme. Affectionately dubbed Branding 2.0 by co-chairs Alan White and Paul Doornbos, the committee received proposals on how to raise awareness for the profession and professional LO members in our digital age. The focus will be on enhancing our web presence in two main areas. We will be posting leading-edge, usercentric content on all topics relating to the landscape professions.

This will attract organic Google searches. Once on the site, we will be able to connect visitors to members through a matchmaking process that will include customer reviews. The feature will be a combination of Homestars, Trip Advisor and Houzz. Once we have worked through the process, it is envisioned we would invite all associations across North America, in a grand effort to become the go-to site for anything related to landscaping and gardening.

We continue the development of the Green for Life brand through the Branding Committee’s original efforts. Many members came together to build an amazing “Choose Your Path” garden at Canada Blooms that realized the Green for Life brand.

We continue to improve relevance of landscapeontario.com as the source for all horticultural information, as well as the main source

for accessing professional products and services. Web traffic is approximately 20,000 unique visitors a month, and peaks at 60,000 during the spring season. Our new approach of enhancing the content and developing a better match-making model should significantly improve traffic. However, year over year, web traffic to the site has declined.

Promotion of the association and its members through public relations continued in 2016. Chapter community activities continue to gain significant exposure and generate goodwill. We engage the services of Enterprise Communications to track our results. From January to November, we got a total of 156 media hits with 46,738,625 estimated media impressions with a value of $10,334,468.

Canada Blooms continues to be our most important public event attracting over 100,000 people to experience the joys and benefits of our members’ creativity, products and services. In 2016, we distributed 50,000 copies of our Garden Inspiration magazine.

We encourage and support chapter community outreach programs and projects and leaving behind a GFL rock on each project generates a lifetime of impressions.

LO is a founding member of the Green Infrastructure Coalition Plan — an alliance formed to promote living green infrastructure as a societal solution to clean air, CO2 capture, storm water management, energy conservation and healthy living. We were a main sponsor and participant at the Grey to Green Conference.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016

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LO continues to offer top-notch education through its annual Professional Development series.

Focus on business competency

We continue to deliver and reinforce a common business language for members using the five-pillar approach (Leadership, Sales, Finances, Operations, Customer Relations) of the Prosperity Partners program. All of our professional development programs use this framework.

The Peer-to-Peer Network has been successful with over 100 members now enrolled. The initiative ensures the professional development programs of the association offer content on business development using the Prosperity Partners pillar model. It was recently approved for another year and events are very-well attended by members. The new model balances face-to-face meetings with online sharing of information throughout the year.

Our Professional Development Programs continue to attract thousands of members each year. Attendance continues to grow, with new programs, instructors and locations added each year.

Developing online capabilities for all of our educational offerings remains a goal for 2017. We offered a number of webinars this year with poor uptake. Members still prefer face-to-face education.

We continue to work towards becoming the leading professional development provider in North America, emulating the American Hort Management Clinic and Ohio Short Course to continually improve our offerings. Our symposiums, Congress conferences, seminars and workshops continue to excel. We offer more programs than any landscape association in the world. We created an online template and content management system that has vastly improved the look and effectiveness of our education marketing. This year, we achieved our goal of increasing attendance to all education programs by five per cent over last year.

Various committees and sector groups are continually reviewing the programs and responding to opportunities and challenges. In general, we find members respond well to our education programs,

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but do not necessarily value certifications as much as the content.

We will continue to evaluate and improve delivery mechanisms so we can achieve greater success with certifications. In summary, our education programs are very popular and our certification programs struggle.

Develop a renovation plan for LO headquarters

We are excited about the progress on developing your home office site. With Building Committee oversight (chaired by Karl Stensson), the building is now serviced with town water and wastewater infrastructure. An architect and landscape architect have been engaged and we are now going through the process of obtaining site-plan approval to develop the site and building. The Board has approved a budget of $5 million for the renovation.

Focus on human resource development

Although we believe the On-the-Job (OJT) training programs fit the profile of our industry and will assist in elevating member companies, we are not experiencing any progress in uptake by the profession. We will continue to evaluate the program and make it a priority in 2017.

We continue to promote Red Seal Apprenticeship.

We have been working with the Ministry of Advanced Learning and Skills Development to promote and expand apprenticeship across Ontario and have dedicated significant resources to achieve this goal. An extensive marketing program was developed, including two excellent videos. We succeeded in Upper Canada, made gains in London and struggle in Ottawa. Mohawk College and Humber College have waiting lists for their programs. Based on our extensive efforts, we will be in a great position to evaluate different approaches in 2017. We continue to believe that apprenticeship is a gift to our profession.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

The Canada Blooms Board and LO executive opened the Toronto Stock Exchange on Mar. 16, 2016.

We have been working with the Ontario College of Trades to determine if we want to make horticulture a compulsory and licensed trade in Ontario. After an initial investigation we are at an impasse.

The membership is split on whether it is a good idea to license the trade. Investigation will remain on the strategic plan for 2017.

We also worked on developing Linkedin or Facebook communities for all horticultural students across Ontario, offering free membership to all horticultural students. We have yet to create the online community to engage and connect with them. This remains a goal for 2017.

Both the greencareerscanada.ca website and “Choose Your Path” messaging appeared in gardens at both Canada Blooms and the Ottawa Home and Garden Show.

Our efforts to support the work of the Environment Committee Strategic Plan

Improve Chapter/local relevance

Execute public relations strategy with building owners, architects and property managers

We hired Alexandra Wennberg as LO’s Regional Manager for Eastern Ontario. A detailed Operational Plan has been developed and the information we gain will guide us on how to grow the association in the future. In addition to the pilot, we are investigating the idea of creating regional offices both in eastern and western Ontario.

Chapters are also being provided with additional budget and staff resources to help them develop vibrant, effective, interesting and beneficial meetings and activities. It is important to note most other associations are centralizing their activities. LO continues to believe a balanced regional/central model is the best approach to stimulate engagement and relevance.

The Environment Committee developed a plan focused on “greening the green” industry. The first priority is emissions reduction, the second is water stewardship. Significant gains have been realized through the promotion of electric power equipment together with the Fusion Garden promotion, Water Smart Irrigation Professional (WSIP) program and Smart About Salt initiatives.

We continue to support the important work of Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. Our most important project is Greening Highways. A protocol for tree planting in harsh conditions has been completed and is currently being tested on the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute plantings. We are also involved in an advisory capacity.

We have begun work with property owners and managers primarily by engagement around common goals such as environmental sustainability, choosing a landscape professional and shared risk due to slip and fall claims.

Align and stimulate connections between sector groups and chapters and CNLA

This year, we achieved the objective of prioritizing strategic plans for each sector group using the Objectives and Key Results model and will continue the execution of those plans for each group.

In an effort to develop a communication process that would link sectors in all areas of Ontario, we introduced Google Hangouts and conference calls in order to engage remote volunteers in leadership and governance activities. The Garden Centre group meets mostly through Google Hangouts. The Contractors group are now using a mix of face-to-face and conference call meetings. We still have not LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016

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Both LO and local community members have helped to plant over 3,000 trees in the first year of the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute campaign.

piloted the idea of sector groups in each chapter. This will be considered in 2017.

We continue to align priorities with CNLA and the other provinces to stimulate results by working more broadly with others who share the same issues. The best example is the alignment of HR priorities and activities with CNLA. Harold Deenen is the chair of both LO and CNLA Human Resource committees.

Implement garden centre employee training modules

Promote the acceptance of new low risk products through targeted government relations

This project is ongoing. We are participating in a broader alliance called the Labour Issues Coordinating Committee.

Although we continue to search for low risk and effective pest control products, the challenge remains. We will continue to focus on this priority in 2017.

Develop a strategic plan and sales plan for Congress

With the assistance of Nathan Helder, we completed a SWOT analysis of Congress in order to proactively deal with structural change in the business environment. A sales plan has been implemented as a start and a full strategic plan will be done in 2017.

This year, we explored various options to revitalize our Garden Expo trade show. We are still investigating co-location options and the show has currently merged with Congress 2017 to provide a single gathering place for the entire landscape profession.

Expand LO’s Awards of Excellence program

We have “greened” the awards program to encourage the use of more plants. We also introduced a new Instagram promotion program for award winners.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016

We worked with Greenius to develop employee training modules.

We continue to promote uptake.

Participate in government review of Employment Standards Act and Labour Relations Act

Proposed leaf blower ban in Oakville

I am happy to announce a ban was averted. We have agreed to educate members on the proper use of leaf blowers.

Fusion Garden certification program

We started the process to develop a certification process that will engage landscape professionals to enhance their knowledge of fusion gardens. Our partners are Peel and York Regions. Fusion Gardens focus on environmental responsibility, especially with respect to water stewardship.

Highway of Heroes Living Tribute

This year, Trees for Life morphed into the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute — an initiative of Mark Cullen’s that the association is a big supporter of. The goal is to plant 117,000 trees along the Highway of Heroes (from Toronto to Trenton) to honour fallen Canadian soldiers.

LO is a founding member and provides significant support to the program. Our membership has been stellar in their support, supplying trees, labour and equipment. Please see hohtribute.ca for more information. This project is a highlight of the year. We continue to offer support for 2017 and beyond. Much progress has been made with over $600,000 raised to date and over 3,000 trees planted.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Congress continues to be the meeting place for anyone and everyone related to the landscape professions.

Investigate an Accredited Company program

Smart About Salt

Investigate Name Act for landscape designers

University of Waterloo salt standard research project

We worked with the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) in the U.S. and with the CNLA, to develop a company accreditation process. The program will be piloted in the U.S. in 2017.

We have made significant progress in working with OALA on this aligned and important activity. The goal is a Practice Act for Landscape Architects and Name Act for landscape designers.

National Botanical Garden

We attempted to promote the idea of a 2017 garden at the Experimental Farm as a catalyst for a National Botanical Garden in Ottawa. Unfortunately, we were not successful, however there was significant industry awareness value in the attempt.

Online nursery directory

We were unable to complete this project in 2016 and it had been moved to our goals for 2017.

Partnerships

LO is an active supporter of Communities in Bloom, Canadian Garden Council, Tourism and Gardens Conference, horticultural societies, Master Gardeners, Compost Council and all other organizations that align with our vision, providing time, representation, financial, media, trade show and consulting support. We sit on committees of the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) and Toronto Botanical Gardens (TBG).

We continue to support the Smart About Salt (SAS) program and the Smart About Salt Council. There is enhanced interest from the property management and insurance sectors. Their motivation is environmental stewardship.

We are into year five of a pioneering research project that will become a standard for how much salt is required for snow and ice operations. This research will form the basis of a risk management program that will reduce liability in the snow and ice sector. We are partnering with the Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA) on this project.

Water Smart Irrigation Professional (WSIP) program

We partnered with York, Peel and Halton Regions in developing a Water Smart Irrigation Professional program. Last year 25 contractors were certified. The program will continue in 2017 and the City of Hamilton is now on board.

Garden TV

In 2017, we will continue to explore the idea of a Garden TV channel on cable.

Respectfully submitted, Tony DiGiovanni Executive Director 2016

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016 

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2016 Chapter reports The regional needs of the members are served through a network of nine chapters. Through monthly meetings and promotional activities, the chapters represent an ideal way for member companies to keep abreast of local industry concerns. The two most sought after membership benefits — education and networking opportunities — are provided through the association’s regional chapter structure.

Durham

President: Greg Scarlett Provincial board representative: Brian Baun Treasurer and Secretary: Carol Fulford Vice president: Norm Mills Past president: Brian Marsh Directors: Edward Hewis, Mark Humphries, Christopher Muller, Mike Pennington (social media), April Scarlett (Christmas parade), Brian Shelfoon (meeting sponsorship), Janice Shingler, Alex Zalewski The Durham Chapter held meetings on the first Tuesday night of each month, typically at the Quality Suites in Oshawa.

October 2015: Our meeting featured a presentation from the Durham Chapter’s own Alex Zalewski of Parklane Nurseries who discussed Parklane’s efforts in sustainability with rain gardens.

November 2015: Our annual beer and wings night featured a presentation from Fred Young of Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS). Fred provided all attendees with the requirements for employers and employees to be compliant with current safety regulations. This meeting also showcased the projects and staff of LO Durham Chapter members.

February 2016: Social media took over our February meeting.

Guest speaker Perry Monaco shared his passion for social media to demonstrate the value and return on investment that is possible when being engaged with social media. Our second guest speaker, Tracy Hanes, discussed the key strategies with social media that can be used to promote your business. Tracy also offered valuable tips on building a portfolio as well as tips on photography.

March 2016: To prepare for the coming season, the March chapter meeting featured presentations from the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and WSPS. This was a great opportunity for attendees to get the latest updates and to ensure their vehicles, policies, procedures and staff are in compliance with regulations for the new season. In addition, a pickup truck and enclosed trailer were used for a sample road-side inspection which included many great questions from the crowd. Elections were held for the Chapter’s Executive Board and we are excited to welcome some new faces for 2016.

It has been another successful year and I would like to take the opportunity to thank all board members for their continued support.

Thank you to all of the companies who donated door prizes items for our meetings. Thank you to Carol Fulford who always goes beyond the call of duty as secretary and treasurer and keeps all of our meetings running smoothly; and the additional time spent organizing events for the Chapter. As president of the Durham Chapter, I have

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enjoyed another year of being a part of our board.

Respectfully submitted, Greg Scarlett CLT President, 2015-2016

Georgian Lakelands

President: Lexi Dearborn CLD Vice President: Georgie Hamilton Past President: Jeff Lee Treasurer: Laurie-Ann Stuart Secretary: Lynne Barnes Provincial Rep: Margot Byers Directors: Andrew Beattie CIT, Jen Cuddie, Michael Di Nunzio, Jeff Eichenberger, Brenda Maitland, Teresa Matamoros, Debbie Wood Happy 20th anniversary Georgian Lakelands Chapter.

We’re on the move! Chapter meetings were held in five major regions of our chapter this year: Collingwood, Huntsville, Wasaga Beach, Barrie and Owen Sound. We are always working to meet members where they live. The meeting format of three topics, three speakers, and three times the fun was very successful. Each meeting had a morning speaker or panel followed by a group lunch and then an afternoon speaker. Meeting attendees were able to select all, or part, of a meeting, allowing them to choose speakers and topics relevant to their businesses. All chapter meetings were promoted on the Georgian Lakelands Facebook page, Twitter, LinkedIn, and supported with a weekly eblast. We have had great success this year with our Facebook page. It has become the go-to place for all chapter information. It has also become a great way to communicate information for the mutual benefit of our members.

Chapter meetings

Our January chapter meeting featured the ‘Battle of the Bugs,’ ‘Photography for Landscapers’ and ‘Perennials for English Cottage Gardens — The Canadian Approach.’ Held in Barrie, the meeting was well-attended by over 60 members and staff.

For the meeting in Huntsville in February, we chose to contact members using a voice messaging service. The message was prerecorded by one of our board members and the messaging service took care of the rest. It was very simple and a great way to get the word out to our members. We were Busting at the Seams in February for our Huntsville chapter meeting. The morning session, ‘Growing your Business Profitably’ was followed by a great lunch and time to chat about ‘What I Wish I knew THEN….” The afternoon session ‘Landscape Lighting’ was very illuminating. The topics were geared towards helping members to build their businesses.

The LO Designers sector group held their ‘New Product Showcase’ in early March. Products and services where presented by Clearview Nursery, Muskoka Rock, Lynx Outdoor Kitchens, and Ikes

2016 ANNUAL REPORT Turf. With 25 designers attending the morning session, they gained relevant information about what is trending in new products and how to sell to prospective clients.

Our March meeting was held in Collingwood. The morning session, ‘Getting a Building Permit’ featured a panel of experts from building departments and conservation authorities. There were lots of questions from members as well and we ran out of time. The lunch session was an update for the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA) while the afternoon session, ‘MTO Annual Spring Tune-Up,’ was a great success and an essential topic for members to consider before the start of the season. With close to 60 members and staff in attendance, Officer Hank Dubee was entertaining and educational. The meeting was designed to help members and their staff take a proactive approach to safety compliance, both on the roads and during construction.

In March, we took an inspiring field trip to Sheridan Nurseries. It was great to get a look at new and popular plants for the upcoming season. The morning nursery production tour was amazing and gave members an opportunity to learn about how plants are grown. In the afternoon, industry experts talked about the latest trends in the nursery industry.

Our final chapter meeting of the season was held in Owen Sound in early April and featured a lunch and learn about ‘Programs and Grants for Employers.’ The early afternoon session dealt with Rainscapes, Low Impact Development and profits.

Socials, fundraising and the LO community

Fore! The second annual Cascades Putting Challenge was held at Blue Mountain Village in Collingwood on a t-shirt-weather-day on Sept. 18. Over 50 golfers attended. It was a wonderful opportunity for employers and their staff to team-up against each other, and against other member companies. Proceeds from the event will be used for community projects.

And the winner is… Georgian Lakelands Chapter Awards of Distinction was held Nov. 26 in Orillia. Our first awards night was a huge success! We thanked those who go the extra mile to make a difference by encouraging online nominations for various categories, including: Best Hardscaping Material Supplier 2015, Best Plant Material Supplier 2015, Best Supplier to the Landscape Trades 2015, Best Salesperson of the Year 2015, Best Boss of the Year 2015, and the Georgian Lakelands Chapter Volunteer of the Year 2015. Congratulations to all our 2015 winners.

Show us your LO pride

We started a campaign where we asked members to share their LO pride with the world in a post to the GL Facebook page or on Twitter.

We saw pictures of trucks and trailers sporting the LO decal, great ways to use the LO logo, and loads of requests for the LO and CNLA logos. Our members got very creative with their pride.

Winter activities

The annual ‘I Survived Ski and Spa Day’ was held at Osler Bluffs and Scandinave Spa in Collingwood on Feb. 25, with 50 LO members, staff, and family taking to the slopes and the water. Skiers participated in a ‘Poker Run’ where participants collected clues for making a poker hand. The annual ‘Fun Race’ down the hill awarded prizes for the Fastest and Most Cautious skiers. Spa goers were transported to Scandinave Spa for an amazing, relaxing, cold day. A little snow created a winter wonderland setting. Everyone met back at Osler for après ski and some great networking. Money raised at the event provides funding for chapter community projects.

Easter egg weekend

Each year on the Saturday of Easter weekend, our Thornbury chapter members set-up at the Beaver Valley Outreach’s Eggstravaganza, held at the Beaver Valley Arena. This spring, our ‘Fill the Landscape Trailer’ food drive collected food for the local food bank.

The Easter food drive has become tradition at the Eggstravaganza and within our chapter. Members definitely like to help in their local communities.

At end the summer, Clearview Nursery hosted our annual August BBQ. Tours of the nursery and the opportunity to network with fellow industry professionals was a great break after such a long summer.

With over 50 people in attendance, members had lots of questions for our guest speaker about ‘Submitting your winning Awards of Excellence entry.’

Respectfully submitted, Lexi Dearborn CLD President 2015-2016

Golden Horseshoe

President: Jeff Smith Provincial Board Rep: Tim Cruickshanks Treasurer: Andrew Barz 1st Vice President: Fran MacKenzie 2nd Vice President and Gear Up for Spring Chair: Tim Rivard Past President and Chicken Roast Chair: Fiore Zenone Directors: John Bos, Chris Church, Allard DeVries, Scott Duff, Christopher Utter (golf chair) What a busy year it’s been!

In September 2015, the Golden Horseshoe Chapter partnered with Landscape Ontario’s Thrive event to host the annual Chicken Roast at the Ancaster Fairgrounds. The event was a great success — complete with pony rides, face painting, bouncy castles and planting activities. Partnering with Thrive was a new experience for us and brought a lot of new faces to the event. Chief Chicken Chef Paul DeGroot and his crew of volunteers perfectly cooked 300 lbs. of chicken on a 930 ft. charcoal barbecue.

The Chapter continued our February tradition of hosting a familyfriendly event and combined Family Day and Valentine’s Day to host a family bowling day at Splitsville Entertainment in Hamilton. The day was a complete success and a great way for members to network and have fun with other members and their families.

In preparation for the upcoming season, the Chapter hosted our annual Gear Up for Spring trade show at the Ancaster Fairgrounds.

This event continues to grow each year and we had a record turnout of over 300 visitors, and sold out of exhibitor booth space. The event also featured presentations from the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and the Halton Police Commercial Vehicle Inspection Unit, who performed a vehicle walk-around inspection, as well as seminars on safety from Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS).

None of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication of the MTO committee meeting chair, Tim Rivard and chapter coordinator Lee Rozon. We’re looking forward to an even bigger event in 2017.

Continuing with our theme of growth this year, our annual golf tournament also had a record turnout, and very generous support from sponsors. We hosted this year’s tournament again at Willow Valley Golf Course in Hamilton. The golf tournament also hosted representatives from Be A Donor and the MS Society of Canada. The LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016

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MS Society said our event was the most successful fundraising golf tournament of the season for them. Hats off to the golfers for being so generous. It was a gorgeous day and a great time was had by all.

Thank you to all Chapter members, the Chapter board, and all those who have attended events and supported the Golden Horsehoe Chapter.

Respectfully submitted, Jeff Smith President 2015-2016

London

President: Peter Vanderley CLM Provincial board representative: Michael Pascoe CLT Vice President : Matt Hart Secretary: Kevin Marshall CLT Treasurer: Bill Beamish Directors: Cindy Buelow (member recruitment/retention), Bill Degraaf (golf), Derek Geddes (membership recruitment/retention), Nicole Kamp (education), Michael Martins, Tyler Rancourt (meetings), Paul Snyders (social and trade events), Jarrett Woodard (social and trade events) London Chapter Events Coordinator: Wendy Harry CLT September 2015 marked the 10th anniversary of the chapter’s annual golf tournament — our main fundraiser for the year. Thanks in large part to our wonderful sponsors, the tournament raised $12,000 for community gardens and chapter initiatives. We enjoyed a beautiful sunny day with 124 golfers in attendance. It is a great networking and near-end of season event for members. We also raffled off about $3,000 worth of prizes donated from sponsors.

At our chapter meeting in October, Adam Carter from KPMG taught us how to value our business when the time comes for us to sell and retire.

In November, Nathan Helder talked about ways to enhance and grow a business. Nathan shared his experiences which have helped him transition into taking over the family business as well as how growth has been team driven by the senior staff of Gelderman Landscaping.

In January 2016, the chapter board sent an official letter to the Veterans Memorial Parkway Board stating that after participating in the Veterans Memorial Parkway (VMP) for the past five years, our commitment was completed and we resigned from any further commitment.

Our March meeting featured a presentation and Q and A session with the Ministry of Labour (MOL). The MOL representative provided a very comprehensive overview of our legal obligations as employers. There was a great deal of interaction between members and MOL about a variety of labour issues. It was a very worthwhile event for all attendees. We also got information on the new unlimited telephone legal advice hotline available to members from DAS Canada.

Attendees enjoyed a free lunch sponsored by Unilock.

Also in March, chapter members took a bus trip to Sheridan Nurseries in Georgetown for nursery tour, lunch and a mini-speaker series. The 30 attendees were greeted by Sheridan staff and joined by a second group of members from the Georgian Lakelands Chapter. Members got a tour of the production facilities at Sheridan, including the Glen Williams container farm and Norval perennial and propagation operation. After a delicious lunch at a nearby golf course, members heard from several speakers:

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• S pring Meadows Nursery showed us “New Proven Winners plants for 2016 and Beyond” • Presented by Sheridan Nurseries presented “New and Innovative Perennials” • Plant Breeder Martin Quinn spoke about “Ornamental Grasses, How and Where to Use Them” • Tim Miotto of Devron Sales discussed “Green Living Fences (indoors and out)” Many thanks to our bus sponsor Permacon. We got to enjoy a comfy coach bus!

Navy memorial garden

During the summer months, the Chapter board began corresponding with personnel from the Battle of the Atlantic Memorial at HMCS Prevost in London. The site, located near the forks of the Thames by Blackfriar bridge on Becher St., pays tribute to the ships and men of the Royal Canadian Navy who were lost during the Second World War. After several meetings, the board voted to get involved with the installation and landscaping of the site as their main community project for 2016 with plans to install the garden in October.

Members, sponsors and suppliers were sent information on the project and how they could be involved. The Navy also received grants which enabled them to have hardscaping already put in place that allowed for easier access to the site. This included an extensive stone staircase that allows visitors to easily access the bottom of the hill to best view the gardens and memorial headstones.

There will be a grand opening in the spring of 2017.

Respectfully submitted, Pete Vanderley CLM President 2015-2016

Ottawa

President: Sundaura Alford-Purvis CLD Vice President: Chris Urquhart CLM Treasurer: Steve Neumann Past President and Provincial board representative: Ed Hansen GreenTrade Expo Chair: Bruce Morton CLM CIT Directors: Ashely Cochrane, Michael Fulcher, Tyler Owen Chapter Coordinator: Martha Walsh Eastern Ontario Regional Manager: Theresa Whalen For the Ottawa Chapter, 2016 was a year of continued success — with membership growing by 17 per cent from Sept. 1, 2015 to Sept.

1, 2016.

The Eastern Ontario Regional Manager pilot project was initiated, with financial support from both the Ottawa Chapter and LO home office in Milton. This three-year pilot project is intended to help continue the expansion of membership, increasing government relations, and broadening chapter initiatives such as GreenTrade Expo and Living Landscapes in support of Eastern Ontario membership and LO brand recognition.

In January, members celebrated at the AGM with new LO president Paul Brydges, whose mandate is to promote the professionalism of the industry.

In February, the 23rd edition of GreenTrade Expo, Eastern Ontario’s Green Industry Buying Show, continued to grow with over 115 exhibitors and over 1,400 attendees. Combined with the second annual Ottawa Awards of Distinction suppliers gala, GreenTrade con-

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

GreenTrade Expo in Ottawa is attracting more and more professionals each year.

tinues to be the highlight of the winter season for the Ottawa Chapter.

March was a busy month for the chapter with many new initiatives and events. Our March chapter meeting helped prepare members for Ministry of Labour inspections by outlining how the process works and what they need to know ahead of time. The Eastern Ontario apprenticeship initiative launched with the new LO Eastern Ontario Apprenticeship Program Coordinator, J. Alex Gibson. March also included the launch of a partnership between the Ottawa Chapter and the Ottawa Home and Garden Show in the form of Living Landscapes, an early spring garden and landscape event which featured 10 full-sized landscapes packed with blooming plants and great ideas for homeowners — all created by LO member companies and volunteers. Living Landscape will be returning in 2017, highlighting the local landscape and horticultural industry in the nation’s capital where we celebrate 150 years of Canada. Members have already begun preparing for the event.

In July, we held a member appreciation barbecue at Geosynthetic Systems. Over 50 members gathered to network over a free lunch.

In August, the annual Ottawa Chapter Charity Golf Tournament raised $6,700 for the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) foundation. The Ottawa Chapter, thanks to the participation and donations of members and suppliers, has now donated over $25,000 to CHEO over the last five years.

The fall meeting season resumed in October with an “All you need to know about utilities” panel, made up of representatives from Enbridge Gas Distribution Systems, Ottawa Hydro and the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance. Members were able to ask many questions, and get many answers related to locates and their businesses. Over 60 Ottawa chapter members attended this meeting.

The 11th annual Day of Tribute took place at National Military Cemetery at Beechwood on Nov. 4 with 34 members and individuals from the Canadian Armed Forces participating. Volunteers received official greetings from Ottawa Deputy Mayor Bob Monette, Chief Warrant Officer David Snyder, Captain Joe Sipos, Canadian War Graves Commission, and event chair Retired Master Chief Warrant Officer Pete Campbell of Geosynthetic Systems.

Respectfully submitted, Sundaura Alford Purvis CLD President 2015-2016

Toronto

President: Ryan Heath Treasurer: Sabrina Goettler Vice President: Jonas Spring Secretary: Janet Mott (golf and holiday social) Directors: Gus Amro, John Bouwmeister, Chris Clayton (Toronto Island tour), Paulo Domingues, Lindsay Drake Nightingale, Jon Durzi (baseball), Shawn Foley, Steve Hary (Toronto Island tour), Chaz Morenz, George Schellingerhoud In 2015, the chapter partnered with James Robinson Public School in Markham to create an accessible outdoor learning space for students and members of the community with unique physical and developmental needs. This is the first universally accessible schoolyard in York Region. Chapter members came together to donate time, supplies and equipment to make this special project happen. The park LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016

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has been designed to meet the needs of people living with low vision, mobility issues, physical disabilities and sensory needs. The generous donations from members allowed the school to raise funds for an accessible play structure. This project has been recognized for a 2014 Character Award, the Premier’s Award for 2015, and was nominated for the David Onley Award.

Our chapter meetings began in November with guest speaker Nathan Helder of Gelderman Landscape Services, who led an engaging presentation on building a successful team. The chapter partnered with Humber College and had a great turnout with a mixture of business owners and future professionals.

The end of the season went out with a bang and we certainly celebrated in high-style at our annual Holiday Social, hosted at Against the Grain Urban Tavern.

Meetings returned in January at Ryerson University with a panel discussion featuring Jay Smith and Sabrina Goettler dissecting the horticulture industry and professional practice. Sabrina and Jay provided an inside look at how to manage a successful project, handle different types of clients and deal with mistakes onsite.

It was a full house at the chapter’s full-day February meeting.

Attendees joined in a health and safety boot camp with Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) representative Janet Bewers. In addition, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) provided and update that included a sample vehicle inspection.

The meeting season concluded with another installment of our popular ‘What’s up with that?’ lecture series with a panel discussion titled, ‘What’s up with wet cast?’ We look forward to continuing the ‘What’s up with that?’ series in the future.

It wouldn’t be summer without our annual golf and baseball tournaments. We returned to the beautiful Nobleton Lakes Golf Club with over 120 golfers and shared a gorgeous day of golf; despite some rather warm temperatures, we had incredible food and prizes galore.

Richmond Greens hosted six teams for the 2016 baseball tournament in memory of long-time supporter, Hank De Jong of Sheridan Nurseries, who passed away suddenly in June. Thank you everyone who took time out of their extremely busy schedules to attend these events.

Thank you to the Toronto Chapter board members for their hard work in organizing our many events and taking care of all the behindthe-scenes work. Thank you to our members, our generous sponsors, volunteers and everyone else who continues to support our events and help to make them so successful.

We look forward to seeing you in the New Year as we continue to bring you learning opportunities to foster the growth and strength of the Toronto Chapter.

Respectfully submitted, Ryan Heath President 2015-2016

Upper Canada

President: Sian Pritchard Past president /Provincial board representative: Terry Childs Vice president and Seminar Coordinator: Andre Ypma Treasurer: Judy deBoer-Bell Secretary: Paul Doornbos CLT CLM Fundraising Chair: Pamela McCormick CLM Directors: Neil Bouma, Diana Cassidy-Bush CLM CLT, David Gunn, Jesse Perrin CLT The Upper Canada Chapter hosted two special events this year. Our 4th annual squash tournament was held in Trenton in February and our annual golf tournament was held at Trillium Woods Golf Club in August. The golf tournament continues to grow each year and proves to be a fantastic day thanks to our generous sponsors.

In October 2015, our meeting season began with a round table discussion hosted in Belleville. The November chapter meeting featured a presentation from Scott Wentworth about the Come Alive Outside Design Challenge for students to work with landscape professionals to design and build outdoor learning environments.

In January, the calendar year began wth a presentation from Lexi Dearborn that focussed on design, from concept to completion.

In February, a round table meeting allowed all participants to discuss business challenges amongst their peers and fellow professionals.

The March meeting featured our AGM and annual elections, as well as presentations from MTO and WSPS to ensure all members were up-to-date on safety policies, procedures and regulations.

This spring, the Upper Canada Chapter hosted a two-day International Concrete Paver Institute (ICPI) concrete paver installer course in Brockville. Many LO members took advantage of this opportunity to work towards their Concrete Paver Installer Certification.

The Chapter also partnered with the Upper Canada Stone Company to present a two-day, hands-on dry stone introductory course, presented by Dean McLellan and other professional dry stone wallers in Madoc.

Upper Canada Chapter was also well-represented this year on the Congress Show Committee, as well as on many other provincial committees.

Respectfully submitted, Paul Doornbos Secretary 2015-2016

Waterloo

President: Jeff Thompson Provincial Board Representative: Thomas Blatter Treasurer: Scott Durst Vice President: Richard Burch Past President: Randy Adams Secretary: Blake Sicard Directors: Ryan Chuchmach, Jason Dietrich, Trevor Garner, Eric Horst, Alphonse Murray, Mike Silva, Robert Tester The Waterloo Chapter had an exciting and eventful year with chapter meetings and social events which continue to grow each year.

While the fall is still a busy time of year in the landscaping world, our September meeting continues to have a great turnout. Andrew Wall from Sandler training shared an engaging presentation on sales

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2016 ANNUAL REPORT strategies and customer engagement to turn leads into clients.

The annual School Yard Greening Project took place at Sir Isaac Brock Public School in Guelph. This event was attended by local politicians, media, and senior school board staff. In addition, it was celebrated by the students and staff at Sir Isaac Brock. The students and faculty arranged a wonderful ceremony including poetry, songs and a butterfly release from the new outdoor classroom. Our members donated their time, equipment and materials to enrich the school with shade trees, shrubs and an outdoor classroom, complete with stone seating.

October featured a safety update from Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS). This meeting was beneficial to both employers and employees to ensure everyone understood their role and responsibilities for maintaining workplace safety.

It wouldn’t be November in the Waterloo Chapter without our annual snow and ice meeting. With an extensive background in the snow and ice management field, guest speaker Jim Hornung Jr. shared a best practices checklist to help companies in all areas of snow management. The meeting also included a panel discussion on the dos and don’ts for snow maintenance.

November also included the annual Fall Freeze-up Dinner and Dance. Over 150 members and guests enjoyed dinner, live music, dancing, and raffles. The event was a great way for members, their staff and families to end the season.

2015 ended with a ‘Whine and Cheese’ roundtable discussion to address business challenges and find solutions to various topics facing the landscape profession including: staffing, financing, sales, customer service, and new technologies.

The 2016 chapter meeting season began in February with a presentation from Sally Harvey on leveraging Landscape Ontario resources to support the development of businesses and staff, including the many education and professional development opportunities offered by LO. Spring was a busy time for the chapter. Each spring, we sponsor the Kitchener-Waterloo Home and Garden Show. Our booth saw over 2,500 attendees — each taking home a pine or spruce seedling for their yard. Our March meeting saw the continuation of December’s round table discussion to address business challenges as the new season got underway.

Before everyone was out working in full force again, the chapter hosted the annual Ministry of Transportation (MTO) meeting in April to ensure member companies and staff were educated on all regulations and requirements for vehicles.

While this summer was a busy season for all, members, their families and staff joined us in July for the second annual Family Day at Bingemanns. The day included full access to the water park, lunch, face painting, a bouncy castle, mini golf, volleyball and a wonderful raffle for the kids, thanks to our generous sponsors. We’re looking forward to holding the event again in 2017.

We are looking forward to another eventful season of strengthening the Landscape Ontario brand while supporting each of our members in developing their businesses. Thanks to our wonderful members who plan and participate each of these events and our numerous social activities. It is great to be a member of the Waterloo Chapter.

Windsor

President/Treasurer/Provincial Board Representative: Donald Tellier Vice President/St. Clair College Liaison: Jay Terryberry Secretary/LOWC Assistant: Jay Rivait Directors: Jessica Aytoun (Meetings), Sal Costante, Dan Garlatti, Joe Santarosa, Jr Members of Landscape Ontario Windsor Chapter (LOWC) have been very active in the community, working on a number of different projects this year.

Our new season of chapter meetings kicked off in October 2015, with Michael Tirado, CEA for the Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA) talking to us about best management practices for snow and ice.

In November, Rob Naraj from Sheridan Nurseries spoke about New Plants and Proven Winners for 2016, including some awardwinning plants.

In January 2016, Scott Sim presented How to SucSEED in Growing Turf: A discussion on proper seeding practices, dispelling seed myths and choosing quality seed.

In February, members had a great discussion on how to use social media as a tool for promoting their business, led by LO member, Mike Pennington from Lakeridge Landscaping.

The March meeting was an information session from the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) on the latest rules of the road along with a practical overview of on-site equipment.

In late March, LOWC member volunteers and horticulture students from St. Clair College teamed up to build a large feature garden at the 2016 Windsor Home Garden Show. In addition to the large display, LOWC presented the speaker series, utilizing LO members for the shows educational component.

In April, we held a tree dedication ceremony at Lakeside Park in Kingsville, Ont., to honour industry pioneer Fred Evers, one of the founding members of Landscape Ontario, who passed away in 2014.

In August, LOWC members spent two days at the Children’s Safety Village to install a new garden and patio and do some overall site clean-up that included pruning and mulching. A special thank you goes to the many companies and individuals who donated materials or volunteered their time.

LOWC will be very busy this fall on a number of local initiatives. In addition to our annual golf tournament this September and fall clean ups of both Children’s Safety Village and the Hospice of Windsor, a major project will take place on the grounds of St. Clair College in October. Chapter members and St. Clair College students will construct a large Legacy Garden at the college. Utilizing funds from LO home office, LOWC promotional funds and generous donors, the garden aims to recognize the efforts of some of the original members of LOWC and provide space to also recognize individuals in the future.

Respectfully submitted, Donald Tellier President 2015-2016

Respectfully submitted, Jeff Thompson President 2015-2016

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016

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2016 Sector reports The scope and mandate — and therefore the needs — of the various industry sectors served by Landscape Ontario are distinctly different.

The specific requirements of each of these groups are facilitated by the association’s sector group structure. The objective of each sector group is to respond to current concerns resulting from marketplace pressures and government legislation.

Garden Centre

Chair/Provincial board representative: Michael Van Dongen CHT Members: Perry Grobe, Diane Hutchinson, Kevin Jack, Kennedy Johnston CLT, Kristin Ego MacPail, Frans J.R. Peters, Art Vanden Enden CHT With the support of the Landscape Ontario team, the Garden Centre group has once again put tremendous effort into the 2015-2016 year.

Our focus this year was on the events that bring the garden centre sector together. With rapid changes in the garden centre industry, such as purchasing behaviours, and the desire to bring the industry together in a suitable location, the group revisited its fall trade show, Garden Expo. The result was a merger of several popular fall activities including the Golden Horseshoe Chapter Chicken Roast, Growers’ Industry Auction, Growers Awards of Excellence Program and Garden Expo under the canopy of new event, called Thrive ’15. At the event, Judy Sharpton once again captivated the group with a fresh look at the new consumer and shared many of her garden centre insights. However, with location and timing challenges, a beautiful fall season (which kept garden centres very busy), and an everchanging pattern in fall purchasing behaviours, the show’s attendance was average despite the efforts to lower the cost and attract more participants.

Overall participation with garden centre programs has been well received. The online training program for new staff continues to grow, as garden centres see the incredible value in being able to train staff online prior to the start of a busy spring season at a very marginal cost. We continue to offer the industry knowledge and customer service products, along with the safety components. This year, we were able to work with LS Training to include enhanced products on new workplace accommodation procedures.

CNLA and Garden Centres Canada, under the leadership of Anthony O’Neill, have also had a productive year. The focus this year has revolved around many projects, however the most closely related one is that of the International Garden Centre Association (IGCA) coming to Ontario in 2017. This year, the national and provincial groups worked together to formulate what looks to be one of the most exciting tours to date. A committee of garden centre owners has come together to highlight what this region has to offer, and have already extended themselves to ensure we have strong representation on the world stage for garden centres. I am very proud to announce that the world has responded and shown they too want to visit Ontario. At the 2016 IGCA Conference in Switzerland, CNLA set a record for pre-registered international delegates. However, shad-

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owing this is the calibre of leadership that has stepped up to volunteer their time to help plan and coordinate the 2017 tour. I personally feel I couldn’t be in better company, and take these moments to be proud of our sector.

Our group has much to look forward to this coming year. We will once again be looking at Garden Expo, and have worked hard at consolidating it with Congress. Bringing vendors and garden centres owners together to discuss orders will remain a focus for this group, however, we are looking forward to seeing the other benefits to Expo uniting with Congress. Garden Centres and vendors can finally connect at a time of year that allows for many more staff to attend and where they will also have the opportunity to speak with vendors and discuss new products and effective sales techniques.

As always, we welcome garden centre owners and operators to join our group. We now host many meetings online which makes contributing to the sector easier than ever.

Respectfully submitted, Michael Van Dongen Chair 2015-2016

Grounds Management

Chair: Brad Paton Provincial board representative: Brian Marsh Members: Kevin Almeida, Sarah Beckon, Carmine Filice CLM, Anthony Kampen, Jeff Lowartz CLT, Jeff McMann CLT, Rodger Tschanz, Jay VanGelder The grounds management symposium has been a main focus for our group over the past year. It was decided to make this a joint effort with the successful contractor lecture series, held at the Mississauga Grand Banquet and Convention Centre on Feb. 24. Speakers for the grounds management sector were up first, with keynote speaker, Eric Miltner PhD, a turfgrass and ornamental agronomist who talked on “Effective Nutrient Management and the Science of Fertilizer.” Rodger Tschanz from the University of Guelph talked on “Bullet Proof Plants,” followed by dinner and the contractor portion of the event.

Rodger Tschanz had another successful season with the trial gardens at the LO home office in Milton — even with such a dry summer. The rose trial gardens were removed last fall and replanted this spring in the existing beds and in a new, more sheltered bed that includes hybrid tea and climbing cultivars. A new hydrangea trial was also added to the trial garden. The expropriation of about an acre of property along the Highway 401 border (for widening of the highway) prompted some changes to the configuration of the trial gardens.

Plans are being made to add shrubs and ornamental grasses in the future.

An open house was held on Aug. 18 with over 110 people in attendance for the presentations and tour.

Group member Jeff McMann of Mount Pleasant Cemetery hosted a tour of the cemetery which has some rare and unusual trees. It was

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

The annual growers auction continues to raise thousands of dollars each year for industry research and scholarships.

a great opportunity to view the grounds and listen to Jeff’s knowledge and awareness of the many trees on the acres of property.

Respectfully submitted, Brad Paton Chair 2016

Growers

Chair: Jeff Gregg Board Rep: Gerwin Bouman CNLA Representative: Mark Ostrowski Members: Jamie Aalbers, Rob Albrecht, Dave Braun, Harry de Vries, Serge Leclair, Jennifer Llewellyn, Glen Lumis, John Mantel, John Moons, Rob Naraj, Paul-Britman Rapai CHT, Joel Schraven, Fred Somerville, Mark Verbinnen, Shane Way, Rita Weerdenburg, Jeanine West, Youbin Zheng The Nursery Growers Sector Group continued to work on its strategic priorities throughout the year. As well, the growers research sub-committee continues to identify projects that align with our key research and development priorities.

In 2015, the group held another successful Industry Auction at the Ancaster Fairgrounds on Sept. 17. Held in conjunction with Thrive ’15, the event raised $16,500 for industry scholarships and research.

The day included live judging and awards for LO’s Awards of Excellence Growers program, with a certificate presented to each of the 12 winners. Special thanks to the dedicated group who judged the awards and continue to run the operations of the auction.

The annual Growers Fall Dinner meeting was held Nov. 18, 2015 at the Teatro Conference Centre in Milton with over 70 growers in attendance. Guest speakers included: • Sam Zhand, AgCredit Corp, spoke about recent changes and improvements to the Advance Payments Program.

• P atricia McAllister, Manager of Horticulture Section for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) spoke on modernization initiatives by CFIA. • Chris Clayton and Chris Mace from the LO Designers Sector Group provided thoughts from a design perspective and ideas on the future demand for landscape plants.

The Growers Short Course was held Feb. 9, 2016 at the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) in Burlington. Keynote speaker, Dr. Heinrich Losing, a seasoned nursery consultant from Germany, presented novel methods of IPM with a focus on weed management and production efficiency. Dr. Losing also provided insights into the many trends and challenges faced by both nursery growers and plant retailers in Canada and Europe. Attendees also received updates on continuing and concluded research projects from OMAFRA’s Jen Llewellyn, PhytoServ’s Dr. Jeanine West., University of Guelph’s Dr. Youbin Zheng and many others.

This spring, under the nursery scout program, a new management tool was released to assist growers in planning Integrated Pest Management (IPM) activities at their nursery. The “GDD app” is now online and uses the current growing degree days to determine what pests growers should be scouting for and what stage they’re at. Susceptibility timing for treatment or action is also included for common nursery pests. The program was developed through a Growing Forward 2 grant awarded to Landscape Ontario with the collaboration of PhytoServ, OMAFRA, Uxbridge Nurseries and the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority. To access the online tool, visit gdd.nvca. on.ca and contact Dr. Jeanine West at jwest@phytoserv.com to get a farm code and copy of the user guide. PhytoServ will then track the use of the tool to collect confidential date for long-term support and maintenance of the tool.

A database of plant phenology criteria integrated with an application that includes an inventory of pests makes great sense for growers. This spring, under the nursery scout program, the “Bug Finder” LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016

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app was released to assist growers in this area.

I would again like to thank the directors, volunteers, staff and many sponsors who support the Nursery Growers Sector Group throughout the year.

Respectfully submitted, Jeff Gregg Chair 2015-2016

Hardscape

President and Chairman: Mike Riehm Vice President: John Sanchez Secretary and Treasurer: Shawn Giovanetti Directors: Bill Beldham, Andrew Colautti, Dave O’Malley (Social and fundraising), Joe Santarosa Jr., Collin Shotlander (education), Alan Van Haaster BLA, Jason Vettese (marketing), Mark Wilkie, Jarrett Woodard

LO Hardscape golf tournament

The 2016 golf tournament was a huge success for the committee.

With over 120 golfers and tons of on-course experiences, the committee saw attendance and customer feedback exceed expectations.

From food tastings, to hole-in-one contests for thousands of dollars, our tournament had it all — and the golfers agreed. All proceeds from the event go towards making HardscapeLIVE! a dynamic experience at Congress. We are very excited about adding even more excitement for our tournament in 2017.

HardscapeLIVE! at Congress 2016

Three years in the making, and a tireless effort by our volunteer committee, HardscapeLIVE! added both education and excitement to the show floor during the three days of Congress 2016. Our live demo endeavour saw over 100 attendees watching each of the six unique sessions. Crowds poured into the aisle ways to catch a view and host Pat McCrindle and his team were a hit. With education as the fabric of the experience, HardscapeLIVE! brought Congress to a whole new level. We are very excited to build upon this experience for 2017, with even more dynamic topics planned for attendees.

Respectfully submitted, Mike Riehm President and Chairman 2016

HardscapeLIVE!, presented by LO’s Hardscape Committee was a very popular event each day at Congress ’16.

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Interior Plantscapes

Chair: Stephen Schell CHTI Provincial Board Representative: Stephen Schell CHTI Members: Sue Blaney, Hella Keppo CHTI, Nanthankumar Paramanathan, Fred Prescod CHTI, Phil Van Alstyne CHTI During the fiscal year of 2015-2016, the group’s main concern was the lack of participation by those in the interiorscape sector. The group reviewed their strategic plan in order to find ways on how to promote to other industry sectors, as well as to promote the value and importance of living plants in office spaces, malls, etc. to consumers and property owners.

An email campaign was sent out to all Landscape Ontario members in the interiorscape field to solicit new members for the group.

Unfortunately, there was a lack of replies so it was decided to postpone meetings while a re-evaluation of the industry is carried out.

Respectfully submitted, Stephen Schell CHT Chair 2015-2016

Irrigation

Chair and Provincial Board Representative: Steve Macartney CIC, CLIA, CIT Members: Dean Armstrong, Paul Barker CIT, Steve Hernandez, John Lamberink CIC, Chris LeConte CIC, CLIA, Steve Marysiuk CIT, Roy Neves CLIA, CID, CIC, Paul Proulx, Matt Sandink, Tony Serwatuk, Natnael Taera I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the members of the Irrigation Sector Group for their hard work and dedication over the past year.

Wow, what a summer! This year’s warm and dry weather kept everyone busy with their shovels in the ground. The work carried into the fall and will continue until the ground freezes up. This weather has kept companies extremely busy, something we haven’t seen in many years.

Technology continues to play a big role in our sector with the introduction of smart controllers and remotely-controlled irrigation systems. I find customers are more aware of what is out there and are demanding better systems and better components for their systems.

In January 2016, the annual Irrigation Conference was held at Congress. The following speakers presented: • Ken Nentwig, Canadian Association for Rainwater Management, spoke about Rainwater for Landscape Irrigation.

• Eric Meliton, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, discussed Working Together to Reduce Risk Through Collaborative Green Infrastructure Projects.

• Jeremy Harris, Region of Peel, provided an update on the WSIP program.

We had a very successful second-year pilot for the Water Smart Irrigation Professional (WSIP) program. Expected training dates in 2017 will fall in late March to early April, so as not to conflict with any of LO’s professional development seminars.

I encourage all contractors to get involved in the WSIP program. Not only will this program help you in your business, it will also improve your client scheduling and systems as a whole. Other municipalities are watching this program closely. As water rates rise,

2016 ANNUAL REPORT building owners are looking for ways of saving water to improve their bottom line, while maintaining the same healthy appearance of their properties.

The sector group is currently working on the following projects: • Updating the content on the Irrigation sector web page • R eviewing the Labour Standards Act in regards to overtime • E mployment recruitment issues The future looks good for irrigation contractors who keep up with new technologies and training. The Irrigation Sector Group will continue to work with municipalities to be part of the solution.

Respectfully submitted, Steve Macartney Chair 2015-2016

Landscape Contractors

Chair/Provincial board representative: Peter Guinane Members: Ken Bekendam, Thomas Blatter CLM, Janet Ennamorato, Jason Gaw, Ryan Heath CLM CLT, Arvils Lukss, Brian Marsh, Joseph Morello This year we lost one of our sector group committee members, Arthur Skolnik. His enthusiasm and professionalism will be greatly missed.

The group hosted the annual Lecture Series on Feb. 24, at the Mississauga Grand Banquet and Convention Centre. New this year, a grounds management lecture program was held in the morning, with the contractor lecture held in the afternoon. Attendees had various options to attend either or both programs. Guest speakers included: Eric Miltner PhD, Rodger Tschanz, Brad Paton, Scott Torrance and Peter Guinane (a last minute replacement).

The Landscape Contractors Group also assists with the feature gardens at Canada Blooms, reviewing entries to ensure they meet industry standards and quality. The 2016 Canada Blooms Flower and Garden Festival was a great success and the group is continuing to assist with the feature gardens for the 2017 festival.

The group is working on the following initiatives: • A benchmarking study to assist contractors, with the support of Dynascape and Landscape Management Network (LMN).

• Municipalities – licensing of landscape contractors.

• Support for an accredited company designation to be available in 2017.

• Review of the Labour Rate Card.

To ensure the best participation by all members of the group, it was decided that every second meeting would be a conference call.

New members from each LO chapter are encouraged to participate in the group through our conference call meetings.

Respectfully submitted, Peter Guinane Chair 2015-2016

Landscape Designers

Chair/Provincial board representative: Chris Mace Vice chair: Chris Clayton OALA, CLD Treasurer: Sabrina Goettler CLD Members: Paul Brydges OALA CLD, Don Chase CLD, Jen Cuddie CLD, Brandon Gelderman,Kelly Keates, Mark Kimmerly, Fran Moore, Ron Koudys OALA CLD, Carolyne Planck, Fred Post CLD, Haig Seferian OALA CLD, Ron Swentiski CLD I would like to thank all the members of the committee for all their hard work, commitment and dedication that they contribute to the Landscape Designers Sector Group. They are an inspiring group of people to work with.

The group hosted the annual Landscape Designer Conference at Congress on Jan. 11. The full day event featured guest speakers Ron Koudys, Catherine Smart, Jim Brandle, Haig Seferian and keynote speaker Adam Bienenstock. Landscape Ontario’s very own Kristen McIntyre was the recipient of the annual Outstanding Service Award presented at the conference. Without Kristen’s tireless commitment and continued support, the conference would not be the success it is today.

We would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support.

Without them, the event would not be possible. Presenting Sponsor, Dynascape; Supporting Sponsors, Unilock, Select Stone, Connon NVK, and Ed’s Concrete Products. There was a networking reception after the conference where sponsors of the event were able to display their products and connect with participants.

It has been another busy and eventful 12 months for the sector group, and we have been working away on a number of projects including: • Successfully developing and launching a new CLD portfolio evaluation review process that reflects the CLD manual and new exam.

Paul Brydges and I conducted a webinar presentation in conjunction with CNLA to teach other provincial associations how to evaluate CLD portfolio submissions using the new review criteria.

• Continuing to work on a proposed Name Act for landscape designers in conjunction with the OALA as they pursue a Practice Act for landscape architects. This is a very important agenda item for the association as a whole. Ron Koudys and Paul Brydges have been busy working with both Landscape Ontario and OALA to push this agenda item.

• Continuing the new website to promote landscape designers and the CLD certification. The new website is up and running and can be found at certifiedlandscapedesigner.com.

• Planning for the upcoming Landscape Designer Conference in 2017, which will be presented in association with the OALA for the first time.

• Working with the Peel and York Region on a new program called Fusion to promote environmentally friendly and water-smart gardens.

Respectfully submitted, Chris Mace Chair 2012-2016

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016

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Lawn Care

Chair: Steve Tschanz Provincial board representative: Alan White Members: Gavin Dawson, Paul Gaspar, Paul Grotier, Rohan Harrison, John McIntosh, Don McQueen, Mike Miltenburg, Ken Pavely, Richard Reed, Bill Van Ryan, Tom Somerville, Kyle Tobin, Gary Van Haastrecht, Don Voorhees, Kerry Whale.

The Lawn Care Sector Group started the year with the annual IPM symposium at Congress on Jan. 11. This annual event is always the Monday preceding Congress and is a great day for LO members to stay up-to-date on new products, techniques, research and practices within the sector.

It goes without saying, government relations were a big part of the year. Communications with the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) on pesticide compliance was a focus as the consistency of enforcement seems to vary from one region to the next. Hopefully, with some new key changes within the MOECC, there will be some new insight on making the cosmetic pesticide ban work consistently.

The sector continued its involvement in Canada Blooms and promoted healthy turfgrass as the lungs of the urban environment.

Our relationship with the local residents and groups around St. James Park in Toronto continued with our annual spring clean-up, aeration and overseeding this year. I invite anyone from the other sectors to spend just a few short hours as a volunteer for this project.

The residents are very appreciative of our services, talent and expertise and many of the volunteers have formed strong friendships with the community. It makes for a very rewarding and special day.

Drought played havoc with out sector this year — making 2016 very challenging for everyone. The lack of water and extreme temperatures allowed weeds to germinate and grow nicely and the extreme temperatures then made it difficult to treat them. Developing a weed control in the future that will work in higher temperatures is definitely on the wish list for our sector.

Respectfully Submitted, Steve Tschanz Chair 2015-2016

Lighting

Chair: Carl Hastings Provincial board representative: Jamie Riddell Members: Terry Childs, Frank DiMarco, John Higo, Leon Hordyk, Ron Iserhot, Tim Kraemer, Cory MacCallum CIT, Ken Martin, Rob Redden, James Solecki The Lighting Sector Group had a busy year and continues its work in the areas of professional development, education, and eventually certification. The group is also working on initiatives that will help raise the awareness of professional outdoor lighting design and installation.

In January, a sub-committee of the group met with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) to clarify the standards for electrical permits within the industry. In April, the committee found five important issues to clarify and communicate with members who install outdoor lighting fixtures. The information was communicated in the June issue of LO magazine and has also been posted to the sector page on the trade website.

The 7th annual Landscape Lighting Conference was held on Feb. 8 at the Teatro Conference Centre in Milton. Guest speakers; Michael

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Deo offered his expertise on selling landscape lighting, Mark Carlson spoke about lighting design and Ken Martin shared award winning lighting projects from around the world. The event also hosted a supplier showcase that was well-attended between speakers.

The group also participated in judging of the LO Awards of Excellence program for the Landscape Lighting categories.

Priorities in the coming year include a valued and significant role to promote the professionalism of the lighting industry. The group is working on a video to be shown at the 2017 Lighting Symposium with the goal of demonstrating proper lighting with proper techniques.

For Canada Blooms, the group offered their services to feature garden builders and assisted with the planning of the 2016 event and will continue to support the 2017 event.

Respectfully submitted, Carl Hastings Chair 2015-2016

Snow and Ice Management Chair: William Jordan Provincial board representative: Mark Humphries Committee: Craig Armstrong, Michael Boffo, Robert Boffo, Gerald Boot CLM, Dan Booth CLT, John Fulford, Eric Gordon, Lee Gould, Jeff Lowartz CLT, Jim Melo, Brian Mettel, Jim Monk, Brian Perras, Fred Persia, Robert Roszell, Robert Tester, Dan Winstanley

Key objectives and results: Deal with slip and fall issues • Continue the Salt Standard work with University of Waterloo.

• Endorse contractor education through Smart About Salt.

• Continue promoting the use of the Standard Snow Contract developed by the group.

• H ost workshop on legal process • E ducate lawyers on snow issues Government Relations • Investigate the Ohio and New Hampshire legislative models for dealing with liability issues.

Environmental Stewardship • Investigate verification, technological, accountability and operational processes that would reduce our negative impact on the environment.

• Educate the public on the benefits of using LO contractors from the perspective of legal exposure and environmental stewardship.

• Outline equipment solutions related to environmental stewardship, ie: calibration and equipment choices.

Salt Study Update • University of Waterloo to continue to verify the application data which was collected over the past three years.

The annual Snowposium was held in conjunction with Thrive’15 at the Ancaster Fair Grounds in October 2015. Those who attended enjoyed the event but overall attendance was down. We had a great turnout with speakers from Canada and the United States. Due to the new timing, location and venue, it was decided not to hold a Snowposium in 2016. The 2017 event is being developed and will be held at LO home office in Milton sometime in September.

Respectfully submitted, William Jordan 2015-2016

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

2016 Committee reports Branding Committee

Co-Chairs: Paul Doornbos, Alan White Committee members: Paul Brydges, Terry Caddo, Tim Kraemer, Mark Ostrowski Staff: Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Robert Ellidge, Denis Flanagan CLD, Ian Service Started in 2007, LO’s Branding Committee was tasked with the responsibility of raising public recognition of the Landscape Ontario name and logo. The resulting effort was the launch of the ‘Green for Life’ brand demonstrating the many therapeutic, health, environmental and lifestyles benefits associated with hiring an LO member.

Together with the new logo, a consumer-targeted, state-of-the-art website at landscapeontario.com and a spectacular feature garden at Canada Blooms in 2008, the Green for Life brand was launched.

In 2016, the committee became active once again. Dubbed Branding 2.0, our latest effort is to revisit the LO brand and align it with current president Paul Brydges’ mandate of “increasing public awareness and understanding of our profession and the professionalism of our members.” With many years of rapid change in technology since our first effort and an ever-increasing reliance on digital communications by both the current and upcoming generations, the committee is also tasked with how to get our message across to those audiences in the digital age.

To achieve this, the committee explored a variety of tactics and had presentations by two separate, external organizations on how to reach the maximum number of people in an age of digital marketing and communications. In addition, we also looked inwards and asked LO’s communications staff to present an option for accomplishing this goal.

The result is a combination of the three proposals that will utilize our current communications department to engage in the development of a hybrid model of internal and external contractors to achieve our objective of increasing online traffic and raising consumer engagement.

One tactic everyone agreed upon was to utilize the current method of content marketing in order to “tell our story” to the general public. By utilizing the wealth of content from the LO Communications Department (ie: our publications), we can show our members as the true leaders in their respective professions who are passionate, knowledgeable, skilled and committed to making a difference in the lives of both their customers and their communities.

The second tactic we plan to employ is to upgrade the Find a Company component of the existing website to a model similar to both Houzz and Homestars — sites that are becoming popular for homeowners to connect with various contractors and professions.

There will also be a consumer rating component similar to the Trip Advisor model.

We believe these tactics will increase our audience and provide the proper platform to connect our members with the right audience and exclusive access to that audience will also be a deciding factor

to convert non-members.

Our long-term sights are set on creating a digital, one-stopshop for everything related to our collective professions, not only for Ontario or Canada, but for all of North America. The efforts put into this project so far and in the near future will provide the foundation for that end goal.

I would like to thank the members of the committee for their contributions of insight, opinions and expertise in helping to realize our goals.

Respectfully submitted, Paul Doornbos and Alan White Co-Chairs 2016

Building Committee

Chair: Karl Stensson Directors: Hank Gelderman CLT, Paul Olsen, Haig Seferian CLD, Marc Thiebaud, Rene Thiebaud, Bob Tubby CLM, David Turnbull, Neil Vanderkruk, Charlie Wilson Since the sale of half the LO property to Broccolini Construction, we have been very busy preparing for an addition and renovation to our existing structure. Our goal is to create an efficient and modern office space, as well as more and larger classrooms to accommodate our ever-expanding educational programs.

The board has approved an overall budget of $5 million to demolish the greenhouse, completely renovate the current space, add approximately 20,000 sq. ft. of new space, upgrade the office furnishings and parking lot, and add landscape features.

We have engaged an architect, landscape architect, planner and engineering firm to guide us through this process. As part of our agreement to sell the half of the property, the purchaser agreed to connect our building to town water and sanitary sewers. Both services have now been installed, providing much better and healthier services for our staff and guests.

In the next few months we are going through the site plan approval stage. Once this is complete, we will hire a contractor. So far, Maple Reinders have been contracted to provide key budgeting numbers. It is hoped the project can start sometime in 2017.

Respectfully submitted, Karl Stensson Chair 2016

Canada Blooms

Canada Blooms celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2016. It is hard to believe how this tremendous event has grown from a dream of Tony DiGiovanni and Cathy Dembroski to one of the largest horticultural events in the world.

Canada Blooms is an outstanding public outreach opportunity for Landscape Ontario. In 2015, Canada Blooms generated $3 milLANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016

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lion of positive public relations to trigger purchases. The festival also inspires and educates close to 200,000 visitors on the importance of the green industry professions. The Landscape Ontario feature garden and messaging aims to inspire young people to become landscape professionals.

One of the highlights of Canada Blooms this year was having our board and LO executive invited to open The Toronto Stock Exchange. The ability of Canada Blooms to have a voice beyond the 10 days of the festival is very important. The Blooms team had built a database of over 40,000 people who regularly receive newsletters promoting all sectors of the industry.

I am proud to announce that Canada Blooms has signed a fouryear extension with the National Home Show. This followed a complete business review and long-term strategy development.

On the financial side, Canada Blooms is on solid footing. We have completed our second year of exceeding budget and are looking forward to being able to make investments in community greening projects in the future.

I would like to thank the following individuals who had the foresight to create Canada Blooms and were original signatories on the founding documents: Tony DiGiovanni, Marc Thiebaud, J. Peter Bride, S. Heinonen, Phil Charal, Bill Hewick, Chris Clayton, Terry McGlade, Hank Deenen, George Urvari, Ron Dubyk, Dan Passmore, Ian Gray, Syd Queripel, Don Salivan, Dorothy Shand, Arthur Skolnik, Robert Tubby and Robert Smith.

LO members who served with me on the Board of Canada Blooms for 2015-2016 included Janet Ennamorato, Greg Salivan and Denis Flanagan. Jeff Winkelmolen will be joining us for 2016-2017.

Respectfully submitted, Ryan Heath Co-Chair 2015-2016

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

Landscape Ontario members represented on the CNLA Board of Directors: President (2015-2016): Rene Thiebaud Provincial Representative: Alan White Member Services and Insurance Chair: Gerald Boot CLM Human Resources Chair: Harold Deenen CLM The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) is a national not-for-profit federation of nine provincial landscape and horticulture trades associations, which represent over 3,800 member companies in the landscape, retail garden centre, and nursery sectors. Once approved, all Landscape Ontario members automatically become members of CNLA. CNLA administers national Member Savings programs, and acts as a national face for the industry in terms of government relations, industry human resources, certification, apprenticeship, etc. CNLA’s mission is to undertake initiatives and form alliances in order to achieve sustainable prosperity for members and stakeholders. Just like LO, CNLA is an association working hard for its members. Below is a summary of some the activities that CNLA participated in this past year.

Commodity activities

CNLA has three commodity committees representing the three core sectors: Landscapers, Garden Retailers, and Nursery Growers. Gar-

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den Centres Canada has launched a garden centres benchmarking program that is available for free to members with the goal of collecting valuable data about customer purchasing trends and regional sales figures. In September 2017, CNLA will also host the International Garden Centre Association Congress in Niagara Falls, Ont. Over 200 delegates are expected to attend from around the world.

Landscape Canada held a summit in March 2016, helping to set the priorities for the sector across Canada, including the desire to create a social shift and affect policy on climate adaptation using the landscape industry’s products and services. Growers Canada held a strategic session this August, identifying seven focus areas: government, environment, labour/human resources, awareness and promotion, attracting new/young growers/business owners to participate in the provincial associations, marketing/communications, research/development.

Climate adaptation

The CNLA Board of Directors has approved the creation of a Climate Change Adaptation Committee that will work with all of CNLA’s existing committees to ensure they include climate adaptation in their goals and priorities. The newly-elected Liberal government places a high emphasis on the environment and is committed to making serious inroads in terms of climate change and existing environmental policies. CNLA sees a huge opportunity to engage with the government and leverage the green industry in Canada as a solution to climate change challenges.

National standards

This spring, the first edition of the Canadian Landscape Standard was launched. Based on the British Columbia Landscape Standard, this is the single authoritative resource for landscape construction projects across Canada. It is the first national guideline to set the standard for landscape work in every province across the country.

Next January, the newly revised 9th edition of the Canadian Nursery Stock Standard will be launched. This document establishes a minimum standard of quality for the production of woody ornamentals and herbaceous perennials.

Member savings programs

CNLA is the administrator of an extensive list of affinity programs available to members. Huge savings are available from suppliers such as: GMC, Caterpillar, Kubota, HortProtect, Chrysler, etc. Simply taking advantage of just some of the savings programs can easily cover the cost of membership dues at the provincial level many times over. A detailed list of money saving programs is available on both the LO and CNLA websites.

Government relations

CNLA is involved with many federal government agencies, such as Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Pesticide Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), Service Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada and Agriculture Canada. Most of the advocacy is performed by the Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance (COHO), which also includes Flowers Canada and our Quebec counterpart, Fédération interdisciplinaire de l’horticulture ornementale du Québec (FIHOQ). The government relations work is detailed and complex, but is always related to achieving our collective vision of a prosperous, professional, ethical, recognized and valued industry.

Human resources

The committee has continued to participate in numerous meetings

2016 ANNUAL REPORT and conference calls in regards to the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC), EI Forum, Agricultural Forum, Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, Canadian Federation of Independent Business and lastly a strong focus on the Skills Canada National Competition. The Effective Leadership toolkit is available at elpathway.ca for all provinces to use and distribute.

Roses and research

The transition of the rose program (breeding and commercialization) to Vineland is almost complete. The Oscar Peterson rose, launched this year, was the last of the Canadian Artists series. The Canadian Shield rose will be the first of Vineland’s 49th Parallel collection. Currently nine projects on behalf of the ornamental sector are funded through the COHA-ACHO science cluster. Most are scheduled for completion in early 2018.

Professional development

This year, we solidified the policy for recertification. As always, individuals holding a CNLA certification must recertify by earning 24 continuing education credits (CEUs) every two years. If 24 CEUs are not obtained, a six-month grace period now exists. The grace period can then be extended up to one year, for an extension fee of $50. After one year of not qualifying for recertification, the individual must then start over in the process. An apprenticeship subcommittee has been created, with goals including: gaining more statistics on apprenticeship enrollment, graduation rate; and determining long-term apprenticeship goals for the industry.

Respectfully submitted, Alan White CNLA Representative

Communications Committee

Chair: Hank Gelderman CLT Members: Gerald Boot CLM, Laura Catalano, Mark Fisher, Marty Lamers, Bob Tubby CLM, Nick Winkelmolen, David Wright In my many years serving on the Communications Committee, I have always been impressed with how our team consistently delivers great service to LO members. We have seen changing conditions due to the economy, trade show strategies and personnel transitions. Through it all, the team consistently delivers excellent products, always on time.

We are pleased with this year’s financials, showing an overall 23 per cent increase in net proceeds. Landscape Trades’ sales are up nicely, and costs are under careful control. While Landscape Ontario magazine looks to be down in this year’s financials, the overall trend is upward; we simply had an outstanding year for sales in fiscal year 2014/2015.

Our weekly enews continues to serve an important role in keeping members updated and driving participation in events. Your communications team is currently busy with an ambitious web renewal program; watch for a launch announcement soon.

While it is not always apparent to members, the Communications team is highly-effective at promoting horticulture and LO members. Our website for homeowners, landscapeontario.com, attracts as many as 35,000 unique visitors monthly. It offers great horticulture information, and connects potential customers with members through

the Find a Company interface — our contractor members agree that leads from our website are well above-average. Last spring’s Garden Inspiration magazine was once again a success, and plans are underway for the 2017 edition.

I would like to extend special thanks to our relatively new committee members: Mark Fisher, Nick Winkelmolen and Dave Wright. Their fresh perspectives have added valuable insights. Please contact me if you are interested in serving on this committee. We meet three times each year, and our members feel like they make important contributions to LO’s success.

Respectfully submitted, Hank Gelderman Chair 2015-2016

Congress Trade Show and Conference

Chair: Michael LaPorte CHT Vice chair: Nathan Helder Past chair: Terry Childs Provincial Board liaison: Dave Braun Members: Brian Cocks CLT, Douglas Coote, Lexi Dearborn, Paul DeGroot, Barry Dickson, Beth Edney CLD, Kim Iceton, Mike Riehm, Klaas Sikkema, Peter Vanderley, Monica van Maris, Jason Vettese The Show Committee hosts Landscape Ontario’s Show Congress event each January, which serves the dual purposes of meeting members’ needs for product sourcing and professional development.

Congress includes exhibitors, education, social events, as well as many special events and features.

Congress 2016

Canada’s premier green industry trade show and conference ran Jan. 12-14, 2016, with a Warm-Up Monday on Jan. 11 at the Toronto Congress Centre and the International Plaza Hotel in Toronto. Canada’s top green industry event generated a lot of energy among its exhibitors and industry professionals.

For 2016, both exhibit sales and attendance (close to 12,000 delegates) were consistent with previous years. Show partner, the Canadian Fence Industry Association (CFIA), and key sponsors: Banas Stones, Global Arch/Stone Arch, Landscape Trades, LO’s Hardscape Committee, Permacon, G&L Group, Connon Nurseries/ CBV Holdings and Landscape Management Network (LMN) were all a very integral part of Congress’ success.

The New Product Showcase was well-represented with innovative products and plants which were displayed in an over 2,000 sq. ft. area. New show features included: Speakers Corner — a platform for Dig Safe experts to share their stories and help those in attendance learn how to operate more safely; and Hardscape LIVE!, a live build on the show floor, led by the LO Hardscape Committee. The build covered all steps of a hardscape installation from start to finish. This new feature proved to be a great success and plans are underway to build upon that success for future shows.

Skilled trades are the backbone of the landscaping profession, and attracting young labour is a top priority. We have partnered with several post-secondary horticulture programs and presented a revitalized ‘Education Hub.’ Students from Humber College, Fanshawe College, Niagara College and the University of Guelph (Ridgetown LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016

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Campus) benefited from the hands-on experience of building student gardens at Congress.

Several sector-focused events ran on Warm-Up Monday (pretrade show) at the Plaza Hotel and Toronto Congress Centre, as well as during the trade show. The IPM Symposium and Landscape Designer Conference continue to be must-attend events for their respective sectors. The Irrigation Conference and the Peer to Peer Workshop were also well attended.

The Conference program running concurrent with the trade show was formatted to optimize scheduling and deliver maximum value.

Each day featured an opening keynote, followed by a wealth of sessions to choose from throughout the day and an energizing lunch.

The conference brought together powerhouse industry experts and top-notch panels, to teach delegates how to balance work and play, while improving and growing their business. The program is designed to improve professional development and reduce business expenses.

Delegates responded with positive feedback, specifically on the quality of the topics, programming and great lunches.

The Awards of Excellence ceremony, our Oscars of the green professions, continues to be a Congress favourite. Hosted by Frank Ferragine of Breakfast Television and CityTV, more than 650 professionals were in attendance to see who won and take in the stunning visual showcase of winning projects.

The following morning, a large showing of LO members attended LO’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) breakfast. The Provincial Board of Directors highlighted the years’ accomplishments and future goals of the association.

No Congress report would be complete without a mention of the infamous Tailgate Party. In 2016, the event fed more than 750 guests, with several hours dedicated for socializing. Once again, the DJ and dance floor were popular at the end of the party, and a good time was had by all.

Finally, it is my pleasure to thank the many volunteers and committee members for their guidance, insights and assistance. Our success stems from the personal touch our volunteers add to our events.

The Events and Trade Show department has proved to be a strong team of leaders who are willing to take risks and try new things, while they continue to grow our association.

Respectfully submitted, Michael LaPorte Chair 2016

Human Resource Development

Chair: Harold Deenen CLM CNLA observer: Stacey Porter Members: Jacki Hart CLM, Michael Pascoe CLT, Richard Rogers CLT, John Soychak, Donald Tellier CLT, Alan White The Human Resource committee has celebrated another active year in terms of connecting dots, developing partnerships, advancing government relations, lobbying to secure a healthy business environment for our members and developing and delivering relevant professional development opportunities to ensure that we continue to develop a skilled workforce to support the needs of our member firms today and for the long term.

The HR committee works diligently on your behalf to ensure that we are maximizing resources that promote and foster a favourable

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climate for our industry, producing results that advance recognition of a professional and ethical industry that designs, installs and maintains the green infrastructure that provides a safe and healthy environment that supports the health and wellness of every community.

This committee oversees the activity of LO’s Education and Labour Development department.

We are pleased to announce the launch of two new, career focused websites this year, the culmination of efforts by many key players in the industry and across the country.

Green Careers Canada

In partnership with CNLA, a new careers website was launched at Congress. Located at greencareerscanada.ca the site is designed to connect educators, industry, guidance counsellors, students and parents. In addition to listing the many resources and opportunities available in the green professions, it utilizes video testimonials from students, young workers, key industry members and educators on how their career started and progressed into their current work environment and what their ultimate career goals are.

The site has a secure portal for educators to share best practices and resources. Overall, the site is a one-stop shop aimed at connecting the various audiences to share and utilize information and further the messaging of the vital role and opportunities the green professions play in helping to make positive change in our environment and providing solutions to common problems.

There has been a lot of traffic on the website and it has been a tremendous opportunity for the Educators Discussion Group. Educators across Ontario and the country can use this application to discuss programs, classes and lesson plans as well as share files and resources in a private section of the website. See greencareerscanada.ca/educators.

The website launch was supported by the association with editorial coverage in the February issue of LO magazine and in LO’s weekly e-news.

Effective Leadership website

The Effective Leadership pathway website, ELpathway.ca was also launched in 2016 as a foundational pillar where business and its people are enabled to reach their full potential. Developed in partnership with CNLA, the website offers many resources for business owners and managers to develop a clear mission statement and develop plans and strategies to implementing processes to reach full potential. The site includes tools for analysis and implementation of developed plans and strategies, and utilizes the success stories of key industry leaders to educate and inspire others.

The ELPathway website evolved from the five main pillars of LO’s Prosperity Partners Program and the Growing People Resource Toolkit (formerly, the HR Toolkit).

Mentorship for women

Continuing our partnerships with Microskills via funding from the Status of Women Canada, a special event was held at Congress 2016.

Keynote speaker Elizabeth Mills, President and CEO of Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS), spoke about Strengthening Women in Horticulture. The event aligns with the goal of this ongoing project to: inspire and encourage women to achieve their highest potential within their careers in the horticultural sector by developing and maintaining a custom mentorship program that will remain with LO and can expand to serve all members.

A website for the initiative is at womenmentoringwomen.ca. In the first half of 2016, the program was able to make 40 mentor matches.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT In partnership with CNLA and the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, a webinar is now available to encourage women to consider a career in horticulture. The presentation includes information about the industry, career opportunities, how candidates should prepare in terms of education and work experience and how to approach obtaining a job.

A feature article on the program also appeared in LO magazine in April.

Apprenticeship

In response to declining employer and employee participation in the Apprenticeship training program, LO and its various partners have been working for a number of years to reverse the trend. Results are starting to be achieved in 2016. Loyalist College in Belleville, Ont. received approval to offer the Horticulture Technician Apprenticeship Program alongside industry partner Connon Nurseries, starting in January 2017.

A second new program will see another 20 spaces available for the Apprenticeship Program at Algonquin College in the Ottawa region begin at the same time.

Preceding this success, LO was able to add a new position to support members in the complex registration process and to provide ongoing support throughout the Apprenticeship program. J. Alex Gibson joined the team as LO Eastern Ontario Apprenticeship Program Development Coordinator.

Gibson has been working one-on-one to assist and educate both employers and applicants on their requirements and expectations of the program, as well as promoting the benefits and need for more participation. Gibson has been writing monthly columns in LO magazine to dispel misconceptions about the program and share how employers and employees are improved as a result of their participation.

As a result, all of the new spaces created in the colleges have been filled. Gibson has not limited his role to Eastern Ontario and has been active across the province.

In addition, we launched a specific website for the Apprenticeship Program at horticulturetechnician.ca. The site is a resource for both employers and apprentices and aligns with the Green Careers Canada website.

LO will continue to work diligently in promoting and utilizing the training program to further this committee’s mandate.

Skills competitions

We continued our support of Skills Ontario at the 27th annual Ontario Technological Skills Competition (OTSC) at RIM Park in Waterloo on May 2-4. The two-day, post secondary landscape competition had six colleges competing this year, with Durham College as the winner. A total of 11 secondary school districts competed with Bluewater District School earning the highest score. The landscape design competition was won by Humber College and secondary school design was won by Niagara Catholic District School Board.

The Skills Canada National Competition was hosted in Moncton, N.B. from June 5-8. Jim Landry of Landscape N.B. and P.E.I. and Joe Bidermann of Biddermann’s Landscape Design were instrumental in making the event a huge success. With seven teams participating, the team from Quebec took home the gold medal in the Landscape Gardening category.

In 2017, the Ontario competition will be held at the Toronto Congress Centre and the nationals will be in Winnipeg, Man.

Secondary and post-secondary

We continue to support the Specialist High Skills Major program in Horticulture and Landscape with 25 programs across the province.

We also supported the Come Alive Outside Design Challenge that connects and engages secondary and post-secondary programs in design vignettes that result in outdoor landscapes built for youth.

Landscape Industry Certification

This year, we hosted four tests at two different locations (Milton and Fanshawe College). We continue to work with Fanshawe on integrating the certification program into their second year curriculum so students can graduate with diplomas, a Landscape Industry Certification and other certificates. Although still in the early stages of development, program coordinators have expressed interest in making this happen sooner, rather than later.

The new website, landscapeindustrycertifiedtechnician.ca is functioning as one central location specifically for the technician designation, and landscapeindustrycertifiedmanager.ca is designed to work in the same way for the CLM designation.

Safety Groups

The Safety Group Program did not take place in 2015-2016. It was felt the time and energy invested outweighed the interest for Landscape Ontario to continue offering it. Any interested firms can contact WSPS since they offer the same program.

Water Smart Irrigation Professional training and certification program

Now in its third pilot year in partnership with the Region of Peel and York Region, the program now includes the City of Hamilton. A new online resource at watersmartirrigationprofessional.ca was launched to educate property owners about direct cost-savings that can result from using a WSIP certified contractor. Jeremy Harris from the Region of Peel will be providing an update on the program at the Irrigation Conference at Congress 2017.

Other initiatives

• J oint Health and Safety Certification training became a five-day seminar for Level 1 and 2 in March.

• Horticulture Educators Association: Hosted a very successful Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE), pilot in May in partnership with Halton Industry Education Council (HIEC), Ministry of Education and Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) – Horticulture and Landscape • Awaiting an update on proposed changes to the Labour Standards Act which may impact special overtime exemptions for the Landscape Gardener category.

• Continue Integrated Agriculture & Horticulture Strategy for Ontario in tandem with WSPS. • WSIB Rate Modernization. Had a productive meeting in April with WSPS and key people from WSIB. Letter of submission requested by WSIB in progress.

• An update of the HR Toolkit for 2016 was delayed until a more effective communication and engagement strategy has been developed. If the information is not updated, it should be removed as we then run the risk of providing outdated information that is no longer compliant.

• We are awaiting response on a grant application submitted in April that bundles On-the-Job Training (OJT), HR Toolkit and Effective Leadership Training for member firms.

• Supported members by participating in career awareness and promotion opportunities aimed at both secondary and post-secLANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016

39

ondary students.

• O ngoing projects with CNLA, including: Compulsory Trade/Licensing Research, Industry Accreditation Pilot Framework, Labour Market Information project (CNLA and CAHRC), Wage Survey.

Respectfully submitted, Harold Deenen CLM Chair

IPM Symposium

Chair: Steve Tschanz Committee members: Michael Brownbridge PhD, Gavin Dawson, Paul Gaspar, Rohan Harrison, Martin Horsman, John Mcintosh, Don McQueen CIT, Ken Pavely, Lee Ratcliffe, Richard Reed, Tom Somerville, Tim Tripp MSc, Kyle Tobin, Louis Van Haastrecht, Bill Van Ryn Jr, Don Voorhees, Kerry Whale, Alan White The 51st annual Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Symposium was held in conjunction with the 2016 Congress trade show and conference on Jan.11 in the Cohen Ballroom of the Toronto Congress Centre.

The full day event featured many technical sessions, focusing on solutions to common problems regarding IPM strategies. The focus of the education was to help provide a sense of community for lawn care operators to learn from each other’s successes. The technical sessions capped off with Dr. Eric Lyons highlighting the lessons learned from growing turf indoors for a popular Toronto sports team.

The event qualifies attendees for IPM Council of Canada CEC’s.

Lunch was included as well as a networking reception at the end of the day. John Wright was recognized posthumously for his outstanding contributions to the lawn care industry and this event over the years.

A special note of appreciation to all of the sponsors; we could not achieve the high level of experience to our guests without their contributions. Also appreciated are the returned attendee surveys; the time is appreciated and the comments will help build and shape future events.

We strive to continue to be regarded as professionals in our field of turf and landscape management. For all who attended, I wish to express my sincere thanks.

Respectfully submitted, Steve Tschanz Chair 2015-2016

Pesticide Industry Council Chair: Steve Tschanz Secretary: Tony DiGiovanni Manager PIC: Tom Somerville

In 2000, the Ontario Ministry of Environment (MOE) implemented new requirements under the Pesticide Act (originally Ontario Regulation 914). Under the new requirements, anyone who applied pesticides had to be either licensed or have Technician Status. The new regulation required that all unlicensed assistants, working with licensed exterminators, must complete a basic pesticide safety course to acquire the Technician Status in order to legally apply pesticides.

The Pesticide Technician Program (PTP) was then established

40

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016

as the basic pesticide safety course to acquire Technician Status and meet the new requirements. The PTP is a two-part basic pesticide safety program that incorporates both a practical component and an academic exam in the training requirements.

The Pesticide Industry Council (PIC) was formed on behalf of the pesticide industry and has worked with MOE since 2000 to meet the requirements and administer the Pesticide Technician Program.

Landscape Ontario agreed to be the administrator of the Pesticide Technician Program on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Environment under the guidance of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

PIC is a council that has representation from Hydro One, Canadian Golf Superintendents Association, Ontario Golf Superintendents Association, Professional Lawn Care Association of Ontario, Urban Pest Management Council, Crop Protection Institute, International Society of Arboriculture, Ontario Parks Association, Ontario Vegetation Management Association, Structural Pest Management Association and Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association.

This is the 16th year we have worked with the Pesticide Technician Program and the 8th year working within the Cosmetic Pesticides Ban Act, 2009.

In 2015-2016, 695 technicians enrolled in the PTP program.

Respectfully submitted, Tom Somerville Manager PIC

2016 Volunteers Every year Landscape Ontario benefits from amazing contributions through the volunteer efforts of members, who serve their association throughout the year in a wide variety of duties.

From sitting on committees, to deciding the future of the industry and the association, or helping at special events, LO proudly points to hundreds of members who care. Committees include, Accreditation, Awards of Excellence, Board of Directors, Branding, Building, Chapter Boards (Durham, Georgian Lakelands, Golden Horseshoe, London, Ottawa, Toronto, Upper Canada, Waterloo and Windsor), Communication, Executive/Finance, Environmental Stewardship, Foundation, Sector Groups (Garden Centres, Grounds Management, Growers, Hardscape, Interior Plantscapes, Irrigation, Landscape Designers, Landscape Contractors, Lighting, Lawn Care and Snow and Ice Management), IPM Symposium, Past Presidents, Pesticide Industry Council, Congress Trade Show and more.

The following members have freely offered their time, energy and expertise to help keep Landscape Ontario a valuable and strong association.

Jamie Aalbers Northern Mini Roses Randy Adams RM Adams Trucking Ltd Robert Adams Adams Landscaping and Property Maintenance Rob Albrecht John’s Nursery

Sundaura Alford-Purvis A Cultivated Art Inc Bob Allen RW Allen Horticultural Services Inc Gus Amro So Green Canada (Landscape Design Build)

2016 ANNUAL REPORT Daniel Anisz Clintar Landscape Management Head Office Craig Armstrong International Landscaping Inc. Dean Armstrong Vanden Bussche Irrigation Milton Jessica Aytoun Sutton Creek Golf Club Andrew Barbour Connon Nurseries/ NVK Holdings Inc Paul Barker Automatic Rain Lynne Barnes Heartwood Landscapes Andrew Barz Meadowbrook Landscape Contracting Inc Brian Baun B.K. Baun Landscape Ltd Bill Beamish Beamish Landscape Services Andrew Beattie CIT Ideal Landscape Services Sarah Beckon Allweather Landscape Co Ltd Barry Benjamin Barry Benjamin & Associates Thomas Blatter CLP Dreamestate Landscaping Inc Michael Boffo Boffo Landscaping Inc Robert Boffo Boffo Landscaping Inc Gerald Boot Boot’s Landscaping & Maintenance Ltd Dan Booth B.P. Landscaping & Snow Removal John Bos Bos Landscaping Neil Bouma Picture Perfect Landscaping Quinte Ltd Gerwin Bouman Stam Nurseries Inc John Bouwmeister Bouwmeister Inc Dave Braun Braun Nursery Limited Michael Brownbridge PhD Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Paul Brydges Brydges Landscape Architecture Inc Cindy Buelow Baseline Nurseries & Garden Centre Richard Burch CLT CLP CIT Burch Landscape Services Limited Margot Byers Ladybird Garden Design Diana Cassidy-Bush Fresh Landscape & Garden Solutions

Laura Catalano Nisco National Leasing Phil Charal Allweather Landscape Co Ltd Terry Childs Nature’s Way Landscaping Ryan Chuchmach FlightLine Golf Inc Chris Church B.R. Dickson Equipment Inc Chris Clayton Christopher Clayton Landscape Architect Ashley Cochrane The Cutting Edge Landscaping Brian Cocks Douglas Coote DG Coote Enterprises Sal Costante Cedar Springs Decks and Fences Tim Cruickshanks Cruickshanks Property Services Inc Jen Cuddie Tyler Speirs Design Build Gavin Dawson TRUGREEN Ltd Paul DeGroot Connon Nurseries/ NVK Holdings Inc Allard DeVries DeVries Landscaping & Maintenance Inc Lexi Dearborn Dearborn Designs & Associates Judy deBoer-Bell Treefrog Design Harold Deenen CLP Hank Deenen Landscaping Ltd Bill Degraaf Permacon Harry de Vries Michael Di Nunzio Vanden Bussche Irrigation & Equipment Frank DiMarco DiMarco Landscape Lighting Barry Dickson B.R. Dickson Equipment Inc Jason Dietrich Ace Lawn Care Inc Paulo Domingues CIT Aquaman Irrigation Paul Doornbos CLT CLP Thornbusch Landscaping Company Inc Lindsay Drake Nightingale Yorkshire Garden Services Inc Scott Duff Aura Landscaping Scott Durst Orchid Gardenscapes Jon Durzi Miller Compost - The Miller Group Jeff Eichenberger Ikes Turf

Janet Ennamorato Creative Garden Designs Carmine Filice CLP Greentario Landscaping (2006) Inc Mark Fisher The Escarpment Company Shawn Foley The Waterboys Contracting Inc Mike Fulcher Permacon Ottawa Carol Fulford Gerrits Property Services Inc John Fulford Gerrits Property Services Inc Dan Garlatti Garlatti Landscaping Inc Trevor Garner LP Landscape Plus Inc Paul Gaspar Weed Man - Toronto Jason Gaw Sycamore Landscape Derek Geddes Coldstream Land Escape Company Brandon Gelderman Gelderlands Inc Hank Gelderman Gelderman Landscape Services Sabrina Goettler Oriole Landscaping Ltd Eric Gordon Gordon Landscape Company Lee Gould Smart About Salt Council Jeff Gregg V Kraus Nurseries Limited Perry Grobe Grobe Nursery & Garden Centre Peter Guinane Oriole Landscaping Ltd David Gunn Gunn-Duncan Landscaping Ltd Georgie Hamilton Cut Above Natural Stone Ltd Ed Hansen Hansen Lawn & Gardens Ltd Rohan Harrison Premier Turf Inc Matt Hart MPH Hardscapes Steve Hary The Landscape Company Inc Carl Hastings Arbordale Landscaping Ryan Heath CLT CLP Kreative Woodworking Nathan Helder Gelderman Landscape Services Steve Hernandez Turf Care Products Canada Ltd Edward Hewis All Ontario Hydroseeding & Erosion Control John Hewson Greenscape Lawn Maintenance John Higo Illumicare Group Limited

Martin Horsman Gelderman Landscape Services Eric Horst Alltask Property Improvement Inc Mark Humphries Humphries Landscape Services Kim Iceton Somerville Nurseries Inc Tom Intven Canadale Nurseries Ltd Ron Iserhot Vanden Bussche Irrigation - Milton Joan Johnston Peter Knippel Nursery Inc Kennedy Johnston Peter Knippel Nursery Inc William Jordan Urban Meadows Nicola Kamp Nicola’s Garden Art Inc Tim Kearney CLP Garden Creations of Ottawa Ltd Kelly Keates Ginkgo Design Mark Kimmerly Allweather Landscape Co Ltd Ben Kobes Kobes Nurseries Inc Ron Koudys BLA MED OALA CSLA ASLA RLA MI CLD Ron Koudys Landscape Architects Inc Tim Kraemer Future Lawn Inc Michael LaPorte CLT Clearview Nursery Ltd John Lamberink Aquality Irrigation and Illumination Marty Lamers Oaks Concrete Products

by Brampton Brick Chris Le Conte CIC CLIA Smart Watering Systems Serge Leclair Kam’s Growers Supply Inc. Jeffrey Lee Lee’s Landscaping Jennifer Llewellyn BSc MSc Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Jeff Lowartz CLT CSL Group Arvils Lukss Landscapes By Lucin Glen Lumis University of Guelph Cory MacCallum Greenscape Watering Systems Ltd Fran MacKenzie South Oakville Chrysler Fiat Steve Macartney Raintree Irrigation & Outdoor Systems Chris Mace BA Gelderman Landscape Services Brenda Maitland Second Nature Gardening

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016

41

John Mantel AVK Nursery Holdings Inc Brian Marsh Earth Art Landscapes Inc Kevin Marshall CLT Turf Pro Landscaping Ken Martin Ken Martin Landscape Lighting and Design Michael Martins Kimmick Landscaping Inc. Steve Marysiuk CIT CIC CLIA Rain Bird International Teresa Matamoros Garden Holistics Inc. Pamela McCormick Simply Landscaping & Garden Designs Jim McCracken Hugh McCracken Limited o/a McCracken Landscape Design Jeff McMann NPD ISA CHT TRAQ Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries Don McQueen CIT Nutri-Lawn - Burlington John Mcintosh Enviromasters Lawn Care Jim Melo Melo Landscaping Ltd Brian Mettel B&L Mettel Limited Norm Mills The Gardenin’ Guy Jim Monk Markham Property Services John Moons Joseph Morello Premier Landscaping & Design Ltd Chaz Morenz Gardens in the City Inc Bruce Morton Greenscape Watering Systems Ltd Janet Mott Christine’s Touch Gardening Ltd. Christopher Muller O.J. Muller Landscape Contractor Ltd Alphonse Murray Murray Enterprises Rob Naraj CHT Sheridan Nurseries Steve Neumann Algonquin College Roy Neves DJ Rain & Co Ltd Paul Olsen Brookdale Treeland Nurseries Ltd Mark Ostrowski Laurel Forest Farms Tyler Owen Thunderbolt Contracting Inc Audrey Partridge Juergen Partridge Ltd Michael Pascoe NPD ODH CLT MSc Fanshawe College

42

Brad Paton CLT Shades of Summer Landscaping & Maintenance Warren Patterson Barrie Garden Centre Ken Pavely Lawn Life Natural Turf Products John Peets John Peets Landscaping Mike Pennington Lakeridge Contracting Ltd Brian Perras B.P. Landscaping & Snow Removal Jesse Perrin Green Things Landscaping 2010 (1893872 Ontario Ltd) Frans Peters Humber Nurseries Ltd JR Peters Humber Nurseries Ltd Carolyne Planck Unilock Limited Fred Post Your Designer Landscapes Inc Sian Pritchard The Cutting Garden Inc Paul Proulx Hunter Industries Inc Bill Putzer Putzer (M) Hornby Nursery Ltd Tyler Rancourt Tydan Landscape Design Inc Paul-Britman Rapai Fox Hollow Farms Lee Ratcliffe Dr Green Services Rob Redden In-Lite Design Corporation Richard Reed Lawn Life Natural Turf Products Jamie Riddell SiteOne Landscape Supply Mike Riehm Envirobond Products Jay Rivait Top Grade Landscape & Garden Solutions Tim Rivard Bobcat of Hamilton Ltd Robert Roszell Road Equipment Links Gregg Salivan Salivan Landscape Ltd Matt Sandink SiteOne Landscape Supply Joe Santarosa, Jr Santerra Stonecraft April Scarlett Urban Landscape Solutions Greg Scarlett CLT Urban Landscape Solutions Stephen Schell CLT The Plant Lady Inc George Schellingerhoud Bright Lawn and Gardens

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Joel Schraven Pickering Nurseries Haig Seferian OALA CSLA FASLA CLD LO Seferian Design Group Brian Shelfoon Permacon Janice Shingler Sheridan Nurseries (Whitby) Ltd Gord Shuttleworth Delaware Nursery Ltd Blake Sicard UPI Energy LP Klaas Sikkema Mike Silva Platinum Stone Design Inc Paul Snyders PGS Landscape James Solecki Integra Bespoke Lighting Systems Nick Solty Solty and Sons Ltd Fred Somerville Somerville Nurseries Inc Jonas Spring Ecoman Karl Stensson Sheridan Nurseries Laurie-Ann Stuart LA Gardens Ron Swentiski CLD Trillium Associates Natnael Taera CIC Landscape Irrigation Systems Inc. Donald Tellier ODH CLIA CIC CID CLT Deerbrook Landscaping And Nursery Jay Terryberry St Clair College Robert Tester TNT Property Maintenance Marc Thiebaud OGS Grounds Maintenance Specialists Rene Thiebaud OGS Landscape Services Michael Thomas The Investment Guild Jeff Thompson BES RHAP Native Plant Source Kyle Tobin LawnSavers Plant Health Care Tim Tripp MSc Neudorff North America Rodger Tschanz University of Guelph Steve Tschanz Turf Management Systems Inc/ Truly Nolen Blake Tubby Arbordale Landscaping Bob Tubby CLP Arbordale Landscaping

David Turnbull David Turnbull & Associates Chris Urquhart CLP Green Unlimited Christopher Utter Broadleaf Landscaping & Snow Removal Inc Michael Van Dongen Van Dongen’s Landscaping & Nurseries Ltd Bill Van Ryn Jr Jay VanGelder DenBok Landscaping & Design Ltd Art Vanden Enden CHT Sheridan Nurseries (Whitby) Ltd Neil Vanderkruk Connon Nurseries/ NVK Holdings Inc Peter Vanderley Vanderley Landscaping Monica van Maris Van Maris Holdings Mark Verbinnen Verbinnen’s Nursery Ltd Jason Vettese Best Way Stone Ltd Don Voorhees Noldus of Durham Shane Way Potters Road Nursery Inc Jeanine West PhytoServ Kerry Whale Allturf Ltd Alan White Turf Systems Inc Charles Wilson Bruce Wilson Landscaping Ltd Robert Wilton Boundless Productions Nick Winkelmolen Mohawk College Horticulture Technician Apprenticeship Program Dan Winstanley Marsh Canada Limited Debbie Wood CAST-n-STONE Inc. Jarrett Woodard Grand River Brick & Stone David Wright Wright Landscape Services Andre Ypma Modern Earthscapes Land Design Alex Zalewski Parklane Nurseries Limited Fiore Zenone Tumbleweed Landscape Contracting Youbin Zheng University of Guelph

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2016 BALANCE SHEET Assets Cash Investments Accrued Interest Accounts Receivable Prepaid Expenses Capital Assets Land/Building-Vineland Land/Building-Head Office Total Assets Liabilities and Surplus Accounts Payable Accounts Payable-Sector Groups Accounts Payable-Chapters Accounts Payable-Special Projects Deferred Revenue Hort. Centre Improvement Fund Hort. Industry Development Fund Technology Fund Promotion Fund Legacy Fund Surplus-Members Equity Net Income Total Liabilities and Surplus

2015 Audited Statements

2016 Audited Statements

347,479 10,439,164 91,606 2,310,036 625,198 14,962 57,645 598,194

814,939 10,326,808 127,900 2,603,985 636,810 7,481 57,645 572,380

14,484,285

15,147,948

545,604 68,560 491,120 18,703 3,105,998 3,557,645 1,540,022 39,058 11,066 5,020,232 0 86,276

570,655 45,817 533,894 10,723 3,179,589 3,998,290 1,405,114 9,973 11,066 5,239,530 0 143,297

14,484,285

15,147,948

FUND ALLOCATIONS

2015 Audited Statements

2016 Audited Statements

536,822 (72,748) 29,380 1,046,568 66,276 1,606,298

1,606,298 (226,734) 25,550 0 103,297 1,508,412

656,349 (43,369) 7,944,664 (5,000,000) 0 3,557,645

3,557,645 (92,878) 533,524 0 0 3,998,290

Technology Fund Opening Balance Expenditures Transfer from Net Income Closing Balance

47,259 (8,201) 0 39,058

39,058 (29,084) 20,000 29,973

Promotion Fund Opening Balance Expenditures Transfer from Net Income Closing Balance

22,416 (11,350) 20,000 31,066

31,066 (20,000) 20,000 31,066

0 0 20,232 5,000,000 0 5,020,232

5,020,232 0 219,297 0 0 5,239,530

Horticultural Industry Development Fund Opening Balance Expenditures Revenues-Funding/Misc.

Transfer from (to) other Funds Transfer from Net Income Closing Balance Horticultural Centre Improvement Fund Opening Balance Expenditures Revenues-Funding/Misc.

Transfer from (to) other Funds Transfer from Net Income Closing Balance

Legacy Fund Opening Balance Expenditures Revenues-Funding/Misc.

Transfer from (to) other Funds Transfer from Net Income Closing Balance

MEMBERSHIP BREAKDOWN 2016

ACTIVE (1758) - 67.9% ASSOCIATE (499) - 19.3% CHAPTER ASSOCIATE (150) - 5.8% HORTICULTURAL (166) - 6.4% INTERIM (15) - 0.6%

INCOME STATEMENT - DEPARTMENTAL SUMMARY

Revenue General Membership Publications Congress Expo Education Total Revenue Expenses General Membership Publications Congress Expo Education Total Expenses Net Income (Loss)

2015 Audited Statements 311,371 1,153,111 893,869 2,046,835 325,948 253,484 4,984,617 2,437,262 728,567 233,886 1,091,790 269,226 137,610 4,898,341 86,276

2016 2016 Audited Revised Statements Budgets

265,958 252,400 1,261,694 1,182,000 889,878 907,700 2,139,742 2,043,600 189,759 184,100 258,085 243,000 5,005,116 4,812,800

2,525,370 2,458,075 754,116 738,566 227,365 228,250 1,117,987 1,124,900 100,701 121,400 136,280 136,000 4,861,819 4,807,191

143,297 5,609

2017 Revised Budgets

266,400 1,260,000 912,700 2,107,440 0 242,000 4,788,540

2,509,120 737,774 217,500 1,184,200 0 133,000 4,781,594

6,946

2018 Proposed Budgets 266,400 1,260,000 912,700 2,107,440 0 242,000 4,788,540 2,509,120 737,774 217,500 1,184,200 0 133,000 4,781,594 6,946

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016 

43

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2016 INCOME STATEMENT, GENERAL

Revenue Rent Administration Fees Earned Interest Gains/Losses-Investments Information Technology/Web Fees Miscellaneous Total Revenue Administrative Expenses Property Taxes Telephone Hydro Heat Maintenance-Yard Maintenance-Building Office Supplies Office Equipment Computer Equip/Software Information Technology/Web Exps Postage Courier Audit Legal Fees Advertising Insurance Expense Meeting Expenses Travel Dues and Subscriptions Donations Training (Staff) Miscellaneous Expenses Bank Charges and Interest (Gain) Loss on Foreign Exchange Total Expenses Compensation Wages Benefits Source Deductions Total Total Expenses Net Income (Loss) Wage Allocations Overhead Allocations Net Income (Loss) Net of Allocations

2015 Audited Statements 115,801 74,745 47,544 64,038 8,400 843 311,371 84,876 20,231 47,224 18,497 38,523 83,143 21,479 6,746 8,913 22,001 10,196 1,129 19,500 2,326 1,808 19,443 16,503 58,013 8,493 705 1,878 13,020 72,002 (26,382) 550,265 1,662,664 122,905 101,427 1,886,997 2,437,262 (2,125,891) 1,452,037 619,678 (54,176)

INCOME STATEMENT, EDUCATION

Revenue Special Projects Trade Courses Certification Total Revenue Expenses Special Projects Trade Courses Certification Promotion Foundation Scholarships Funding Total Expenses Net Income (Loss) Wage Allocations Overhead Allocations Net Income (Loss) Net of Allocations

44 

2015 Audited Statements 21,000 222,689 9,795 253,484 1,111 101,380 17,802 5,318 12,000 137,610 115,874 (153,433) (77,460) (115,019)

2016 Audited Statements

106,799 78,434 72,009 0 8,400 315 265,958

74,648 20,200 46,549 13,666 66,350 112,886 29,895 7,222 10,181 22,509 13,428 1,276 21,000 3,108 1,583 20,296 24,672 68,026 10,168 1,590 1,786 15,572 76,211 (15,473) 647,348

77,000 21,000 44,000 20,000 40,000 65,000 21,000 10,000 6,000 22,000 10,000 1,500 20,000 2,500 500 22,000 16,000 60,000 8,000 1,000 4,000 10,000 75,000 (5,000) 551,500

2017 2018 Revised Proposed Budgets Budgets

100,000 100,000 85,000 85,000 71,000 71,000 1,000 1,000 8,400 8,400 1,000 1,000 266,400 266,400

75,000 75,000 22,000 22,000 50,000 50,000 20,000 20,000 50,000 50,000 70,000 70,000 26,000 26,000 7,000 7,000 7,000 7,000 22,500 22,500 11,000 11,000 1,000 1,000 21,000 21,000 2,000 2,000 1,000 1,000 20,000 20,000 16,000 16,000 60,000 60,000 9,000 9,000 1,000 1,000 3,000 3,000 13,000 13,000 75,000 75,000 (6,000) (6,000) 576,500 576,500

1,653,714 1,687,575 127,246 121,000 97,061 98,000 1,878,022 1,906,575

2,525,370 2,458,075 (2,259,412) (2,205,675) 1,423,595 697,325 (138,492)

1,703,620 1,703,620 126,000 126,000 103,000 103,000 1,932,620 1,932,620

2,509,120 2,509,120 (2,242,720) (2,242,720)

2016 Revised Budgets 108,000 74,000 60,000 1,000 8,400 1,000 252,400

2016 2016 Audited Revised Statements Budgets

12,300 15,000 238,595 218,000 7,190 10,000 258,085 243,000

6,044 5,000 105,862 104,000 8,586 10,000 3,788 5,000 12,000 12,000

136,280 136,000 121,805 107,000 (121,646) (87,166) (87,007)

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016

2017 2018 Revised Proposed Budgets Budgets

5,000 5,000 230,000 230,000 7,000 7,000 242,000 242,000

5,000 5,000 105,000 105,000 7,000 7,000 4,000 4,000 12,000 12,000

133,000 133,000 109,000 109,000

2016 ANNUAL REPORT LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2016

INCOME STATEMENT, PUBLISHING: LANDSCAPE TRADES MAGAZINE

Revenue Advertising Web Display Ads Polybag Classified Ads Subscriptions Member Subscriptions Total Revenue

2015 Audited Statements 592,777 1,350 40,983 2,095 1,349 44,000 682,553

Discounts Member Discounts Agency Discounts Total Discounts Gross Revenue

80,799 10,401 91,199 591,354

Expenses Printing Freelance Editorial Editorial Travel Sales Travel Mail Preparation Poly Bag Costs Postage (2nd Class) Postage (Foreign) Courier Charges Subscription Campaign Promotion/Media Kits CCAB Circulation Audit Miscellaneous Bad Debts Total Expenses

53,211 12,456 987 12,006 2,280 11,039 58,113 2,999 3,021 1,258 3,069 8,256 103 0 168,799

Net Income (Loss)

422,555

2016 2016 Audited Revised Statements Budgets

655,712 610,000 3,300 3,000 34,714 35,000 1,529 3,000 1,785 2,000 44,000 44,000 741,040 697,000

79,698 70,000 16,634 15,000 96,332 85,000 644,709 612,000

56,001 47,000 12,452 12,000 39 2,000 13,902 12,000 2,557 7,500 8,906 10,000 54,693 59,000 2,712 1,500 3,107 2,500 645 0 3,642 1,000 5,364 5,000 261 500 867 1,000 165,149 161,000

479,559 451,000

2017 2018 Revised Proposed Budgets Budgets

665,000 665,000 500 500 30,000 30,000 2,000 2,000 1,500 1,500 44,000 44,000 743,000 743,000

70,000 70,000 15,000 15,000 85,000 85,000 658,000 658,000

50,000 50,000 12,000 12,000 1,000 1,000 12,000 12,000 2,500 2,500 10,000 10,000 59,000 59,000 2,500 2,500 1,500 1,500 0 0 1,000 1,000 5,000 5,000 250 250 1,000 1,000 157,750 157,750

500,250 500,250

INCOME STATEMENT, PUBLISHING: LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MAGAZINE

Revenue Advertising Polybag Classified Ads Web Classsified Ads Enews Ads Subscriptions Member Subscriptions Total Revenue Discounts Member Discounts Agency Discounts Total Discounts Gross Revenue Expenses Printing Editorial Travel Mail Preparations Poly Bag Costs Postage Miscellaneous Bad Debts Total Expenses Net Income (Loss)

2015 Audited Statements 191,683 15,621 3,549 20,500 15,200 39 44,000 290,591 31,316 1,618 32,934 257,657 22,334 2,086 3,025 4,556 17,181 100 0 49,282 208,375

2016 2016 Audited Revised Statements Budgets

172,182 190,000 11,778 10,000 2,935 4,500 3,420 17,000 4,500 11,000 116 0 44,000 44,000 238,931 276,500

26,867 26,000 1,678 800 28,545 26,800 210,386 249,700

24,859 24,000 1,066 1,000 3,025 4,000 4,030 3,500 17,211 18,000 150 250 0 500 50,341 51,250

160,045 198,450

2017 2018 Revised Proposed Budgets Budgets

190,000 190,000 12,000 12,000 500 500 0 0 5,000 5,000 0 0 44,000 44,000 251,500 251,500

26,000 800 26,800 224,700

22,000 1,000 3,000 4,000 17,000 250 500 47,750

176,950

26,000 800 26,800 224,700 22,000 1,000 3,000 4,000 17,000 250 500 47,750 176,950

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016 

45

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2016 PUBLISHING, SPECIAL PROJECTS

Revenue Expenses Net Income (Loss)

PUBLISHING, SUMMARY

2015 Audited Statements

44,859 15,806 29,053

2016 2016 Audited Revised Statements Budgets

34,784 46,000 11,874 16,000 22,910 30,000

2015 Audited Statements

Net Income (Loss)-Publishing Department 659,983 Wage Allocations (504,399) Overhead Allocations (116,190) Net Income (Loss) Net of Allocations 39,394

2016 Audited Statements

662,514 (471,135) (130,748) 60,630

INCOME STATEMENT, MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

Revenue Membership Dues Awards of Excellence Merchandise Referral Fees Total Revenue Expenses General Cnla Membership Dues Member Subscriptions Awards of Excellence Membership Plaques Annual Report Merchandise Membership Booth Promotion-Members Promotion-Canada Blooms Promotion-GFL/Branding Total Expenses Chapters and Sector Groups Windsor London Golden Horseshoe Waterloo Ottawa Toronto Georgian Lakelands Durham Upper Canada Growers Lawn Care Garden Centre Landscape Contractors Grounds Maintenance Designers Irrigation Interiorscape Snow and Ice Landscape Lighting Total Chapter and Sector Groups Total Expenses Net Income (Loss) Wage Allocations Overhead Allocations Net Income (Loss) Net of Allocations

46 

2015 Audited Statements 1,063,993 62,102 3,730 23,285 1,153,111

308,559 88,000 104,797 6,608 2,208 3,800 15,449 28,497 76,249 9,750 643,917

2016 2016 Audited Revised Statements Budgets

1,159,380 1,090,000 72,102 62,000 3,054 5,000 27,157 25,000 1,261,694 1,182,000

339,268 320,000 88,000 88,000 103,964 99,850 9,818 8,000 2,260 2,500 1,750 3,000 12,778 16,000 29,510 25,000 73,007 45,000 12,500 25,000 672,854 632,350

4,760 8,536 9,686 9,434 9,016 10,802 9,232 8,800 4,880 2,855 719 85 1,431 183 1,576 (904) 2,633 562 364 84,650 728,567 424,544 (409,410) (154,920) (139,785)

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016

5,000 5,000 8,368 8,368 9,706 9,706 9,442 9,442 9,184 9,184 10,914 10,914 9,434 9,434 9,088 9,088 5,080 5,080 2,870 3,000 545 3,000 153 3,000 (348) 3,000 (421) 3,000 1,699 3,000 249 3,000 0 3,000 70 3,000 228 3,000 81,262 106,216

754,116 738,566 507,578 443,434 (422,115) (174,331) (88,869)

2017 2018 Revised Proposed Budgets Budgets 30,000 12,000 18,000

30,000 12,000 18,000

2017 2018 Revised Proposed Budgets Budgets

1,160,000 1,160,000 72,000 72,000 3,000 3,000 25,000 25,000 1,260,000 1,260,000

350,000 350,000 88,000 88,000 104,000 104,000 10,000 10,000 2,500 2,500 2,000 2,000 14,000 14,000 30,000 30,000 20,000 20,000 10,000 10,000 630,500 630,500

5,120 8,584 9,756 9,466 9,400 11,040 9,508 9,400 5,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 107,274

737,774 522,226

5,120 8,584 9,756 9,466 9,400 11,040 9,508 9,400 5,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 107,274 737,774 522,226

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2016 INCOME STATEMENT, CONGRESS

2015 Audited Statements

Revenue Exhibit Space Exhibit Space-Partners Registration Sponsorship Miscellaneous Total Revenue

2,021,659 72,863 124,225 37,375 3,505 2,259,626

Discounts Member Discounts Member Discounts-Partners Total Discounts Gross Revenue

206,791 6,000 212,791 2,046,835

Expenses Exhibit Hall Security Show Services Feature Area Garden Subsidy Speakers Conferences-F and B Registration Services Audio Visual Equipment Receptions Printing Promotion Advertising Photography Flowers Insurance Move In/Move Out Travel Parking Police Postage Janitorial Software Labour Commissions-Partners Miscellaneous Total Expenses

417,927 27,141 112,746 3,500 14,500 33,722 27,713 38,683 17,694 46,849 20,451 5,990 31,618 1,950 1,009 5,881 108,864 52,936 13,545 2,121 19,621 55,900 9,378 1,840 15,008 5,207 1,091,790

Net Income (Loss)

955,044

2016 2016 Audited Revised Statements Budgets

2,106,865 2,016,000 47,438 68,500 125,682 125,000 62,454 45,000 8,365 3,000 2,350,804 2,257,500

2017 2018 Revised Proposed Budgets Budgets

2,076,640 2,076,640 65,500 65,500 125,000 125,000 50,000 50,000 4,000 4,000 2,321,140 2,321,140

207,162 207,000 3,900 6,900 211,062 213,900 2,139,742 2,043,600

426,563 429,500 27,466 28,000 116,283 115,300 3,500 3,500 15,981 14,000 28,989 35,000 31,511 29,000 37,466 40,000 19,421 22,000 50,755 39,500 19,991 26,300 21,082 8,000 30,780 32,000 2,350 3,500 909 1,000 0 6,000 110,292 117,000 48,783 44,000 14,220 13,800 2,121 2,200 17,245 22,700 63,815 57,500 10,230 9,500 4,421 5,000 9,625 14,600 4,189 6,000 1,117,987 1,124,900

1,021,755 918,700

208,000 208,000 5,700 5,700 213,700 213,700 2,107,440 2,107,440

442,000 442,000 28,000 28,000 115,300 115,300 3,500 3,500 16,500 16,500 35,000 35,000 33,000 33,000 40,000 40,000 22,000 22,000 45,000 45,000 23,000 23,000 26,000 26,000 44,000 44,000 3,500 3,500 1,000 1,000 6,000 6,000 117,000 117,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 15,000 2,300 2,300 20,500 20,500 59,500 59,500 10,700 10,700 5,000 5,000 14,400 14,400 6,000 6,000 1,184,200 1,184,200

923,240 923,240

INVESTMENTS Bonds/GICs Recorded at Cost Res Transalta Utilities Res Fairfax Financial Prov. of Quebec Royal Bank GIC (Waterloo Chapter) Bank of Nova Scotia-GIC Halton Ont. Reg. Mun. Ontario Savings Bond Cash Position Totals-Bonds/GICs Mutual Funds/Equities Recorded at Market Value Nexus/RBC Portfolio TD Wealth Portfolio Totals Mutual Funds/Equities

Year End Aug 31/15 Year End

1,128,182

450,000

0

35,000

7,300,000

525,982

1,000,000

0

10,439,164

0

0

0

Total Investments

10,439,164

Aug 31/16 1,128,182 450,000 450,000 60,000 0 0 0 0 2,088,182

4,137,734 4,100,892 8,238,626

10,326,808

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016 

47

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2016

INCOME STATEMENT, GARDEN EXPO/THRIVE

2015 Audited Statements

Revenue Exhibit Space Registration Sponsorship Miscellaneous Total Revenue

334,452 5,650 2,928 173 343,203

Discounts Member Discounts Total Discounts Gross Revenue

17,255 17,255 325,948

Expenses Exhibit Hall Security Show Services Registration Services Printing Promotion Public Relations Services Advertising Photography Move In/Move Out Travel Parking Receptions Postage Janitorial Software Miscellaneous Total Expenses

109,058 11,536 47,178 9,854 6,951 1,097 6,750 18,496 0 18,012 7,375 6,250 4,656 2,927 10,500 7,303 1,283 269,226

Net Income (Loss)

2016 Audited Statements

192,330 2,379 17,500 0 212,209

2015 Audited Statements

Net Income (Loss)-Tradeshow Department 1,011,766 Wage Allocations (384,795) Overhead Allocations (271,109) Net Income (Loss) Net of Allocations 355,862

190,000 2,000 15,000 100 207,100

2016 Audited Statements

1,110,813 (408,698) (305,080) 397,036

2017 2018 Revised Proposed Budgets Budgets

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0

FISCAL YEAR

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

MEMBERSHIP COUNT 2006-2016 EXCLUDING HORTICULTURAL MEMBERS

MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP COUNT 2006-2016 ALL MEMBERS

48 

2016 Revised Budgets

22,450 23,000 22,450 23,000 189,759 184,100

23,228 26,000 3,726 3,700 11,336 9,500 7,004 5,000 3,755 5,700 1,295 3,000 0 0 4,000 14,000 0 1,000 4,565 7,500 6,231 7,000 2,035 2,000 29,686 30,000 68 3,000 2,385 2,500 0 0 1,386 1,500 100,701 121,400

89,058 62,700

56,722

TRADESHOWS, SUMMARY

FISCAL YEAR

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Don’t miss Eastern Ontario’s Landscape & Construction Show…

Now BIGGER than ever!

You won’t want to miss this one!

With over 100 exhibitors, GreenTrade Expo 2017 is your one-stop place for the latest products, business-building ideas & valuable contacts.

Here’s a taste of what we’ve got planned…

 The 3rd Annual Awards of Distinction Gala & Casino Night – This ticketed event, held the evening before GreenTrade Expo 2017, recognizes and inspires excellence among our industry suppliers and Chapter members.

A Vegas-style Casino Night follows the Awards Gala.

 Great Industry Networking – For business-

growing ideas, new products, or just to reconnect – with over 1,400 attendees and over 100 exhibitors you can network to your heart’s content.

Ottawa Chapter of Landscape Ontario

The night before the show!

 The Educational Workshops – The ticketed MTO Contractors Breakfast and FREE business building seminars – offer something for everyone.

 New & Exciting Door Prizes – To be eligible, register on-line TODAY!

 And much, much more…

February 15th, 2017 • 9 am - 3 pm EY Centre • Ottawa Airport Register on-line TODAY for your FREE admission to GreenTrade Expo 2017…

www.GreenTrade.ca

Brought to you by the Ottawa Chapter of

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ANNUAL REPORT 2016

49

NEW MEMBERS DURHAM Bin There Dump That - Whitby Brian McHugh 1 - 718 Centre St N Whitby, ON L1N 9A9 Tel: 905-666-3510 Membership Type: Associate

T Underhill Designs

Troy Underhill 69 Raglan Rd W Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4 Tel: 905-260-5871 Membership Type: Active

GEORGIAN LAKELANDS Bear Electric Ltd

Bryan Richardson 236445 Grey Road 13 PO Box 388 Clarksburg, ON N0H 1J0 Tel: 705-441-4085 Membership Type: Associate

Heights of Moonstone

Tom Bachly 21 Bachly Ave Box 100 Moonstone, ON L0K 1N0 Tel: 705-733-5313 Membership Type: Associate

Orangutan Tree & Yard Service Louis Shortt 10659 Hwy 6 Box 57 Sheguiandah, ON P0P 1W0 Tel: 705-368-2446 Membership Type: Active

GOLDEN HORSESHOE Capital Sewer Services

Dave Kidd 389 Kenora Ave Hamilton, ON L8E 2W3 Tel: 289-339-1366 Membership Type: Associate

Carved in Stone Landscaping Jason Anderson 476 Doneyal Dr Burlington, ON L7L 2M7 Tel: 905-510-1262 Membership Type: Active

Crystal Homes Corp

Kathy DiSilvestro 161 Rebecca St Hamilton, ON L8B 1B9 Tel: 289-337-3486 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

LONDON North Element

Larry Bartram 54142 Best Line Aylmer, ON N5H 2R3 Tel: 519-550-0150 Membership Type: Associate

WRC Purifying Ltd

Adrian Van Mourik 4 Palmer St E Norwich, ON N0J 1P0 Tel: 519-863-3000 Membership Type: Associate

OTTAWA CM Callow (9673261 Canada Inc) Chris Callow 211 - 1769 St. Laurent Blvd Ottawa, ON K1G 5X7 Tel: 613-425-0905 Membership Type: Interim

John Gerard Homes

Gerry Lavimodiere 5950 Knights Dr Manotick, ON K4M 1K2 Tel: 613-720-0733 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Judd Construction Ltd

Jason Judd 105 Lupine Lane Carp, ON K0A 1L0 Tel: 613-913-4000 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

50 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO DECEMBER 2016

McKeown Contracting (1092066 Ontario Inc)

Susan McKeown 2878 Stagecoach Rd Box 296 Greely, ON K4P 1N5 Tel: 613-822-2599 Membership Type: Associate

TORONTO CEC Mechanical Ltd

David Beswick 16188 Bathurst St King City, ON L7B 1K5 Tel: 905-713-3711 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Crown Industrial Roofing

Joe Ferrier 125 Toryork Dr Weston, ON M9L 1X9 Tel: 416-744-7788 Membership Type: Associate

Green Island

Owen Smith 9 - 3595 St.Clair Ave E Scarborough, ON M1K 1L8 Tel: 416-606-8666 Membership Type: Active

John’s Firewood

John Frans 3840 Hwy 9 King, ON L7B 0G8 Tel: 905-775-9663 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Nissan Canada Inc

Christine Clews 5290 Orbitor Rd Mississauga, ON L4W 4Z5 Tel: 416-529-5190 Membership Type: Associate

Ryman Landscaping Inc

Lance Ryman 2384 Station B Richmond Hill, ON L4E 1A5 Tel: 905-713-4178

Membership Type: Active

Ventrac by Venture Products Mike Miller 500 Venture Dr Orrville, OH 44667 Tel: 330-683-0075 Membership Type: Associate

Yalda Contracting Ltd

Jack Yalda 17 Versailles Cres Brampton, ON L6P 3J8 Tel: 416-602-5225 Membership Type: Interim

Your Contractors

Matthew Chandler 3053 Orion Cres Mississauga, ON L5C 2H7 Tel: 647-637-2423 Membership Type: Interim

Rosalyn Endlich

Membership Type: Horticultural

Dennis Graba

Membership Type: Horticultural

Shelley Jourard

Membership Type: Horticultural

William Preston Taylor

Membership Type: Horticultural

WATERLOO Turf-Shark Fertilzer Inc

Mike Miltenburg PO Box 31009 Willow West Guelph, ON N1H 8K1 Tel: 519-265-8863 Membership Type: Associate

EVENTS

Find full details and registration links at horttrades.com/comingevents January 5

Toronto Chapter Winter Social

Kick off the year in style at the Chapter’s annual social event.

Check horttrades.com/toronto for details.

January 9

IPM Symposium

Toronto Congress Centre, Cohen Ballroom

Learn the key to IPM success from industry leaders at this full day event.

Details and registration at LOcongress.com.

January 9

Landscape Designer Conference

International Plaza Hotel, International Ballroom

Learn about the importance of collaboration at this full day event. Includes lunch and closing reception. Details and registration at LOcongress.com.

January 9

Peer to Peer Workshop

International Plaza Hotel, New York Room

Learn how to take your business leadership to the next level. Details and registration at LOcongress.com.

josh.sparks@expresswaytrucks.com

www.expresswaytrucks.com

January 10-12

Congress ‘17

Toronto Congress Centre

Canada’s largest green industry trade show and conference features over 600 exhibitors, new products, live demos, a full conference and more. Visit LOcongress.com.

Expressway Trucks Windsor 3817 Essex Rd 46, Maidstone, ON. N0R 1K0

Expressway Trucks Waterloo 2943 Cedar Creek Rd, Ayr, ON. N0B1E0

Expressway Trucks London 125 Towerline Place, London, ON. N6E 2T3

January 10

Awards of Excellence ceremony International Plaza Hotel, Plaza Ballroom

Attend the President’s Reception and get inspired by stunning projects by LO members. Buy tickets at LOcongress.com.

January 11

LO AGM

International Plaza Hotel, Ballrooms A & B

Learn what the association has been up to and what it is planning for the future. Network with other members and provide your input.

January 11

Garden Centre Symposium

Toronto Congress Centre, Sutherland Room

Includes business workshops with business guru Tom Shay, Awards of Excellence ceremony for garden centre and growers programs and lunch.

Details and registration at LOcongress.com.

January 12

Irrigation Conference

Toronto Congress Centre, Sutherland Room

Learn about the future of the irrigation sector from industry leaders at this full day event. Details and registration at LOcongress.com.

January 18

Upper Canada Chapter Meeting

Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre, Belleville

Landscape Ontario Annual General Meeting Join your fellow members at the AGM on January 11, 7:00 to 9:00 a.m.

Held in conjunction with Congress ’17.

International Ballroom at the International Plaza Hotel,

655 Dixon Road, Toronto.

Breakfast served at 7:00 a.m.

The meeting begins at 8:00 a.m. sharp.

Open to all Landscape Ontario members.

Please RSVP by December 29, 2016, Kathleen@landscapeontario.com

The 2:00 p.m. meeting features “Landscapes from A to Z” with Landscape Ontario president, Paul Brydges.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 51

INDUSTRY NEWS

Snow removal contractors are being targeted this winter.

Ministry to blitz snow and ice contractors The Ministry of Labour (MOL) is conducting a blitz on snow removal contractors in the Central West Region from Nov. 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017. The area includes Mississauga and Georgian Lakelands areas.

To ensure you are prepared for the blitz, Ministry officials have communicated what they are looking for. The blitz will have two focuses; administrative compliance and a physical inspection.

Administrative compliance: This includes policies, Health and Safety Committees, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training, certifications, designated substances training, etc.

Physical inspection: Compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) in the following areas: • Equipment issues • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

IPM Symposium ’17 The Importance of Collaboration Monday January 9, 2017 A full-day event, with keynote speakers, lunch and closing reception.

Held in conjunction with Congress ’17.

Visit LOcongress.com for complete details.

REGISTRATION FEES : $140 for members and $190 non-members, before Dec. 16 $190 for members and $270 non-members, after Dec. 16 Admission to Congress 2017 Trade Show and Tailgate Party is included with registration.

The 2017 edition is presented with recognition of the OALA. Sessions qualify for OALA Continuing Education Credits.

An initiative of the Landscape Ontario Designer Sector Group.

Presented by

Monday January 9, 2017

A full day event including keynote speakers, lunch, supplier showcase and closing reception Landscape Ontario’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Symposium has been a uniquely respected event since 1965.

Attendees will earn 6 CECs from the IPM Council of Canada.

Held in conjunction with Congress ’17.

Visit LOcongress.com for complete details.

REGISTRATION FEE: $115 for a member or non-member, until December 16. $140 for a member or non-member, after December 16.

Admission to Congress ‘17 Trade Show Exhibits and the Tailgate Party is included in registration prices. The Congress Conference and other special events are a separate fee.

Net proceeds from the IPM Symposium are donated to lawn care research or a suitable alternative.

52 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO DECEMBER 2016

compliance • High visibility clothing • Exposure to substances training • Ergonomic training (ie: tasks such as lifting and other manual material handling) • Equipment maintenance documentation • Proper guarding of equipment • Hours of work documentation • Proper clothing • Supervisor and foreman training • Securing salters • Load restrictions • Checking straps • Employee training documentation, etc.

To find out more information about compliance under the OHSA, visit the Ministry of Labour website at labour.gov. on.ca.

HIGHWAY OF HEROES LAUNCHES #150TREE CAMPAIGN

The Highway of Heroes Living Tribute campaign celebrated its one-year anniversary on Nov. 4 with numerous tree planting projects across the province and the launch of the #150Tree initiative.

Highway of Heroes’ goal is to create a liv-

ing, breathing memorial for Canadians by planting 117,000 trees — one for each Canadian solider killed since Confederation — along Highway 401 from the Trenton Canadian Forces Base to the military coroner’s office in Toronto. The 170 km stretch represents the final journey taken by each fallen Canadian solider.

To date, the project has planted over 3,000 trees.

In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017, the HOH campaign is calling on Canadians to become champions of the cause by purchasing a “Hero Tree.”

Each $150 donor will receive a “150Tree Kit” that includes a small ‘150Tree,’ a special t-shirt and an official certificate to commemorate their gift to Canada. For each $150 donation, a tree will be planted along the highway, as well as an additional tree to be planted at a place of the donor’s choosing. HOH is encouraging “champions” to take a picture or a short video with their tree and t-shirt, describing why they got involved and calling on their friends, families and communities to take part.

Landscape Ontario members are leading the way with the campaign. To learn more and to get involved, visit hohtribute. ca/150tree-champions-program.

CERTIFICATION WRAPS UP IN MILTON

The year’s last exterior Landscape Industry Certified exam day was held at Landscape Ontario in Milton, Ont., on Oct. 29. The weather, which can always be a little dicey so late in the year, cooperated for all judges, sponsors and the 19 candidates who came out to challenge the exam.

All four modules were challenged by candidates, who we commend for participating in the rigorous program, demonstrating that a certified horticulture workforce truly exists. It is only by maintaining high standards throughout the certification process that we ensure the designation retains integrity and value in the landscape professions.

Organizers would like to extend a special thank you to this year’s sponsors for their continued support, without whom the certification test day would not be possible: Pro Power, Kubota, Stihl, Echo, Toromont, Battlefield Equipment Rentals, Walker Mowers, Vanden Bussche Irrigation, Van Dongen’s Landscaping & Nurseries, Gelderman Landscaping and Fanshawe College.

Thank you to the following judges:

Lecture Event

Featuring the Landscape Contractors Lecture Series and Grounds Management Lecture

Tues., Feb. 28, 2017

2:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Fontana Primavera Event Centre, 77 Woodstream Blvd, Vaughan, ON L4L 7Y6

Join your peers for creative inspiration, education and understanding (and dinner!).

Early bird price until Feb 14th: $25 for member or non-member Then goes up to $40 for member or non-member. Ticket includes dinner.

LandscapeLecture.ca

An inititiative of

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 53

INDUSTRY NEWS Certification Chair Jeff Gilberds, Karinthia Battig, Johan Bossers, Adam Braun, Bryan Brodhagen, Daryl Bycraft, Matt Civiero, David Comfort, Brad Cundy, Matt Dressing, Blayne Dunham, Denis Flanagan, Harry Gelderman, Yolanda Gelderman, Sara Hopkins, Allan Hunter, Renee Kendel, Richard Lubbers, Mike Lunau, Alan Malcolmson, Mike Masson, Jeff McMann, Matt Mintz, Ben Partridge, David Turnbull, Jaimi Uram, Peter Vanderley, Eric Wright.

VINELAND RELEASES INAUGURAL IMPACT REPORT

As Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland) approaches its tenth anniversary, a report has been released to measure the success and impact of the facility in that timeframe.

In 2007, Vineland was a new concept, an independent research organization set up with a focus on creating impact for the Canadian horticulture sector. Impact in this context means acres in the field, shelf space in grocery stores. It means profitable farms and greenhouses, exports, new businesses, jobs and environmental gains.

With $5.3 billion in farm gate sales alone, the economic importance of the Canadian horticulture industry is remarkable. It also brings us the fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants essential to a healthy and vibrant lifestyle. In a global marketplace, we need to ensure the Canadian horticulture sector remains

A Vineland report looks back at the impact of almost 10 years of operations.

prosperous and sustainable to safeguard this lifestyle for generations to come.

Innovation can help do that.

Today Vineland’s most obvious achievement has been rebuilding the centre into a thriving hub of horticultural research. Almost 100 full-time staff have been added, abandoned laboratories have been renovated and outfitted with the latest scientific equipment and a new pre-commercial greenhouse is full to capacity. This in itself is good news for

the horticulture sector but what Vineland is most excited about is the impact its work is generating. Horticultural research timelines can be long and challenging.

As Vineland has grown, it has refined its approach and developed innovative processes to keep the impact of their research and innovation front and centre.

The effort and the investment are beginning to pay off.

Warm Up Monday Session at Congress 2017 Don’t miss the first session of the Peer to Peer Workshop season. Join fellow business owners on Jan. 9 for a fun day of networking and blast through the session topics we tackled together in 2016: • Managing Your Brand • Succession Planning • Strategic Planning • Hiring and Keeping Millennials • Effective Delegating

Come armed with your biggest success story of 2016 and the challenges you want to tackle most in 2017. Take part in the first Prosperity Partners Speed Dating Challenge, where peers will go face-to-face, vying for the best solutions to each other’s business challenges.

You will leave the session energized and armed with great advice to launch your business to new heights in 2017.

Register online at LOcongress.com

Join the Peer Network today! Visit horttrades.com/p2p to join the Linked in group or email info.peertopeer@landscapeontario.com

54 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO DECEMBER 2016

EXECUTIVE DESK Thank you Tony DiGiovanni CHT LO Executive Director

I

n this last article of the year, I would like to give thanks. Thank you to our wonderful members (owners and employees) who work hard each and every day, in all kinds of conditions, to help make our world a better place. Your products, services, skill, creativity, energy and passion preserves and improves our landscape. To paraphrase others, you are a green-force for beauty and stewards of creation. You are in the business of enhancing lives. Your work provides environmental, economic, lifestyle, therapeutic, health, recreational and spiritual benefits.

Thank you to the many volunteers who freely give their time and resources — often-sacrificing family time and finances in order to serve and build our greater community. Your contribution ethic inspires others — some of whom you never have, or never will meet. You are part of a long line of leaders whose values, attitudes and actions build a brighter future and leaves a legacy of benefit. You are mentors and nurturers.

Thank you to our Associate members and sponsors, who we often take for granted. Your support of programs, activities and events, builds a community of pro-

fessionals who could not prosper without your innovative products and services. Your teachings and training helps to elevate and build competency and trust. Your support of the association makes us much more effective in our common mission to grow a prosperous and valued industry.

Thank you to our members’ customers.

They have chosen to direct their resources to our sector. Without them, there would be no landscape profession. Nor would there be a Landscape Ontario. They could have easily spent their money in other areas.

Instead, they have invested in beautifying their surroundings and improving their community.

Thank you to our staff team. On a daily basis, I am in awe of your positive attitudes, boundless energy, wonderful ideas, superb skills and your service-oriented professionalism. I am very fortunate to work with such an amazing team of individuals who care about our membership and about each other.

Thank you to our collective families. You provide the purpose that drives all of our activities, efforts and sacrifices.

As I write this, it strikes me just how interrelated, interdependent and interconnected we all are. We all have power and influence. We can choose to make the world better by what we do and who we are. Every action leaves an imprint that can inspire and benefit others — even those we don’t know.

As the year comes to a close and we enter the 150th year of our great nation, I

would like to wish everyone health, happiness, prosperity and legacy. May our gift to Canada be that of our positive attitudes and our caring actions inspire others.

And speaking of a gift to Canada, the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute has a wonderful program to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. Give a gift to Canada by buying a “Hero Tree” for $150. The tree will be planted along the Highway of Heroes to recognize and honour those who have sacrificed their lives for our nation. Consider doing this on behalf of your family, friends or even your clients. Visit hohtribute. ca/150tree-champions-program/ Tony DiGiovanni may be reached at tony@landscapeontario.com.

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PUBLIC RELATIONS Trends and challenges in 2017

By Denis Flanagan CLD Manager of Membership and Public Relations

G

arden Media Group (gardenmediagroup.com), has identified some consumer trends in the gardening world that will have a major impact on the landscape and horticulture professions in 2017 and the years to come. I believe Landscape Ontario members are in a great position to adapt to and benefit from these trends. Below are just a few of the trends identified and how LO members factor into them.

Healthy living

Healthy living is driving changes in the lawn and garden industry. A growing number of consumers describe themselves as “health conscious” or “ingredient sensitive,” and a majority say they pay close attention to the ingredients in the food they buy. Demand for clean food, clean water, clean air, clean medicine and clean environments is dramatically shifting how people buy plants and products, and garden both inside and out.

The important Millennial market force wants to grow their own food, teas, cocktails, beer and medicine. Five million of

the six million ‘new’ gardeners last year were 18-34 years old, according to the 2016 National Gardening Report.

Two new national organizations are cultivating the love of gardening and promoting the value of plants. One will increase the number of people who garden and the other will drive interest in careers in horticulture.

Many Landscape Ontario seminars, conferences and chapter initiatives in 2017 are focusing on health and lifestyle.

Several educational components at Canada Blooms will focus on growing food.

Our trial gardens, in conjunction with the University of Guelph, continue to expand the edibles section and many leadingedge Certified Landscape Designer (CLD) designers are incorporating food growing as major elements in their modern designs.

Through our increased focus on youth through the Apprenticeship Program, chapters work with local schools, scholarships and mentoring programs and through the Come Alive Outside programs we are increasingly capturing and cultivating relationships with the next generation of gardeners.

Soundscaping

Studies are being conducted that examine how sounds (or the lack of sounds) are an indication of the level of ecological health of a landscape or the overall health in our lives.

Our mental health, wellness and qual-

ity of life are directly affected by trees.

Trees change everyday city sounds: from adding birdsongs to buffering sirens.

The loss of trees changes the soundscape and decreases our quality of life, increases stress levels, affects our mental health and diminishes our ability to focus.

Landscape Ontario members are definitely at the forefront of this movement — not only from the daily activities of planting thousands of trees on private and municipal properties, but also by increasing awareness of the benefits of tree planting through arbour week, National Tree Day and the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute. I think soundscaping is in sound hands with our members.

Gardening subscription services

From BirchBox to Blue Apron, products and services delivered to your door offer convenience and value by saving time and often money. Subscription services introduce people, especially Millennials, to products they didn’t even know they wanted. Subscriptions compel people to engage more in gardening and take more risks. In turn, they will create a new generation of confident gardeners willing to take on advanced projects. The garden industry is poised to ride this rising trend.

This is an interesting trend, what do you think?

As always, I look forward to your comments and feedback.

Denis Flanagan can be reached at dflanagan@landscapeontario.com or at 905-875-1805, ext. 2303.

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APPRENTICESHIP Apprenticeship Program needs your help

By J. Alex Gibson LO Eastern Ontario Apprenticeship Program Development Coordinator

L

ike all government initiatives, if participation dwindles, it has a negative impact on the program.

The Apprenticeship Program has been offered across Ontario for over four decades. Apprenticeship is a form of post-secondary education, like university or college, that provides hands-on trade specific knowledge.

But there is a big difference between this program and conventional schooling; apprentices not only learn skills in the classroom, they receive wages from on-the-job training with their employer or sponsor. This method of training is beneficial for the employer, as staff learn

and develop within the company and are on the job in peak season, rather than being in school. The in-class portions of the program are usually held in winter months, from January through the start of April (12 weeks total).

Over the last five years, the landscape profession has seen a drastic decline in the total number of candidates registering for the Apprenticeship Program.

Candidates found the process difficult to navigate and time-consuming. This decline in participation is especially troubling, given with the massive increase in demand our sector faces for a skilled and trained workforce. Apprenticeship is the most cost-effective method of training employers and provides staff with a designation recognized across Canada.

Recently, the Ontario Government designated two new colleges, Algonquin (Ottawa) and Loyalist (Belleville), to host apprenticeship training. Like all educational institutions, these colleges rely on registrations to remain viable and keep

the program in operation. Across Ontario, there are five colleges that offer the Horticultural Technician Apprenticeship Program and it is important that every space gets filled.

Registration and participation in the Apprenticeship Program is now easier than ever. Landscape Ontario can help register and support employers and apprentices across the province. We have been successful helping companies who had previously tried to register apprentices and encountered difficulties.

Over the last several months, registrations for the program have increased rapidly, some as much as 200 per cent.

As an employer or candidate, you really don’t have anything to lose. The program has a number of financial incentives and benefits that reach beyond training and professional development.

Let Landscape Ontario help register your staff today.

Need information? Want to register staff?

For information or to register for the Apprenticeship Program visit horticulturetechnician.ca, contact Alex Gibson at 613-809-5093 or apprenticeship@ landscapeontario.com. Let us help you train and develop your staff!

Meet the apprentices

Meet some of the current registered apprentices in the Horticultural Technician Program.

Alex Sills has spent two years in the landscaping profession and has a High School Diploma.

What were your top three reasons for registering in the Apprenticeship Program?

1. E xpand my knowledge and skills for use in the workplace.

2. C onnect with other professionals in my chosen career path.

3. G ain trade certification while still being able to work.

What interests you about the landscape profession?

The chance to do something new and creative on a regular basis. Also, being

challenged with new experiences and the opportunity to work outside everyday.

What would you say to an apprentice who might be thinking about registering?

It’s almost too easy to sign-up and get started. Plus, it’s a growing field with lots of opportunities.

Andrew Keevill had previously graduated with a University Degree from Queens University and has now spent four years in the landscaping profession.

What were your top three reasons for registering in the Apprenticeship Program?

1. To gain more skills to make myself more marketable.

2. To add credibility to my experience.

3. Something to do in the winter months.

What interests you about the landscape

profession?

I love the diversity of the job; one day we could be building a boulder wall and the next day planting a group of trees.

What would you say to an apprentice who might be thinking about registering?

It is a great way to ensure an active lifestyle (easier than making yourself go to the gym everyday). And the skills are transferable, so you have a certain level of job security.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 57

MEMBERSHIP

and lectures available to you as an LO member. You will end up with more knowledgeable, skilled, confident employees who feel more connected and engaged with the company they work for.

Are you bringing your A-game?

Are you utilizing LO resources?

to a close, it’s time to reflect on the past year and ask yourself, “Am I bringing my A-game?”

By Myscha Stafford Membership and Chapter Coordinator

A

common question in our household is, “Are you bringing your A-game?”

Personally, I love this phrase. It’s a great reminder to always give your best effort, and it can describe a lessthan-perfect situation where someone fell short of your expectations. For members, bringing your A-game can mean anything from outstanding customer service, utilizing business solutions, maximizing resources, or even consistent, quality workmanship. As 2016 draws

Are you saving money?

Whether you are buying a truck or equipment, attending a seminar, exhibiting at a trade show, or advertising your products or services, there are a variety of cost-saving benefits available only to members of Landscape Ontario via our Endorsed Suppliers program.

Are you investing in training staff?

I am a firm believer that you never stop learning and you are only as strong as the team you are a part of. This winter, why not strengthen your team with the wide variety of continuing education, seminars

LO offers a variety of ways to help you market your company, including online company profiles and logos for vehicles, equipment, quotes and mailings. We’re proud to have you as a member and we want you to show your pride too. Perhaps it’s time to update your employee handbook for 2017. Take advantage of the HR Toolkit to help you create your own policies and procedures manual. If you are looking to add to your team next year, there is no better place online than landscape.jobs, our new, free employment website. You can also use the HR Toolkit to create the perfect job posting by using the samples available in the recruitment section.

Are you networking at LO events?

Your Chapter Executive Boards work hard to ensure you have a variety of

Join your peers at the 2017 edition of the

Garden Centre NEW LOCATION with Congress Trade Show & Conference at the Toronto Congress Centre Wednesday, January 11

Featuring the Awards of Excellence Ceremony announcing Garden Centre program winners and recognizing 2016 Grower Award winners!

Tom Shay

Ceremony at 9:00 a.m. followed by workshops with Tom Shay 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and then lunch!

Register today at

LOcongress.com 58 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO DECEMBER 2016

ways to meet local colleagues and that these meetings have engaging topics and speakers. If you’re looking for ways to network outside of chapter events, why not give LO Connects a try (horttrades.com/ lo-connects). This member-inspired, oneon-one mentorship program allows you to connect with members outside your chapter to address business challenges and find solutions — without working with a competitor in your area.

As we look towards a new year, I would like to thank all Chapter Executive Boards for working so hard to plan wonderful meetings and events for our members. I thank everyone who has attended these events and look forward to your continued support. It has been incredible to see the hard work of members, not only in their own businesses, but in the variety of community projects we have seen this year.

Your membership services team is looking forward to an exciting 2017 and we would love your feedback and input on how we can better meet your needs and offer more support. We are here for you.

As 2017 approaches, I encourage you to have a look at what chapter events are coming up, as well as the membership

benefits designed to help you, your staff and your business be even more profitable this year. See details at horttrades.com or contact me directly.

Myscha Stafford can be reached at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 2333 or myscha@landscapeontario.com.

You are invited to join us at the 2017 CEREMONY AND PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION Landscape Construction, Maintenance and Design winners will be announced!

TUESDAY JANUARY 10, 2017

Plaza Ballroom, International Plaza Hotel 655 Dixon Road, Toronto AN INITIATIVE OF

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 59

UNDERGROUND WORLD Good decisions require good data

By Terry Murphy CLM

H

ave you ever thought about the number of decisions you make in a day? Some are trivial while others may be extremely important. Many of the 200 or so decisions you make today are meaningless, such as whether to have tea or coffee with breakfast. Regardless of your decision, it really makes no major difference in your day. However, if you had to decide whether or not to sell a large amount of a stock or mutual fund when the markets open, it could have a tremendous financial impact on your life.

The decision may not only impact your financial position today, but it could also

affect your retirement income for years to come. For the important decisions we make, we take more time to consider more information and perhaps even seek advice from another party to ensure the best outcome. Many of the decisions we make in the damage prevention area are very important and we are very fortunate to have industry data at our fingertips to help us with those decisions. Our main tool is the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance’s Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT Report).

The DIRT Report is an industry damage prevention report that captures information from utilities who fill out a detailed information summary of an accident, whether a utility hit or a near miss.

It started in the United States many years ago, as part of their State Common Ground Alliance and we have implemented the same criteria here in Ontario

Type of Utility hit Utility hits by year Utility hits by the 13 Geographic Council Territories, i.e. Toronto Utility hits by stakeholder group, i.e. Natural Gas Utility hits by type of facility affected, i.e. Telecom Utility hits by excavation equipment group, i.e. Backhoe Root cause category and root cause subcategory, i.e. Excavation practices not sufficient and failure to maintain the marks Utility hits by root cause category, i.e. One Call notification practices not sufficient Utility hits by one call notification practices not sufficient, i.e. Notification not made to One Call Centre Utility hits by miscellaneous root causes, i.e. Data not collected Locate requests vs. notifications Each call to ON1CALL is a locate request.

There may be six or seven different utilities for that property that have to be notified to have their underground utility lines marked.

Utility hits by type of excavator, i.e. Contractor/developer Utility hits by group type of work green industry/landscaping

2013 2014 5006 1523 2477 2482 2435

Sample DIRT Report data

Let me share with you some of the graphs and tables that are listed in the 2015 DIRT Report. You can see from this data that it is complete and gives you an extremely good look into the damage prevention world and 2015 what statistics we track.

4434 1896 2233 2240 2340

More data

In addition, there are statistics on the utility hits for the different regions of Canada where we see how one province or area compares to another.

Conclusion

2025

1594

1139

1398 651

1047 639

1139 1175

5.73 3832 334

6.84 2921 258

7.22 3302 347

Locate hits vs. no locate hits for the 13 Geographic Council Territories in 2015, i.e. Toronto: No locates 484, with locates 1039 60  LANDSCAPE ONTARIO DECEMBER 2016

3843 1465 1884 1889 1782

so we can have a history on utility hits.

We record this data to improve excavation safety and by having an annual review on certain criteria, we can measure our safety performance.

I anxiously await the report each year so I can see how the green professions (landscaping, irrigation, fencing, agriculture, and waterways) perform and to learn if excavating contractors are working and are they reducing the number of hits each year. If they are not reducing the number of hits, we can determine why not. I look at two major areas of the report and investigate them thoroughly.

The first is hits per 1,000 locate requests and the second is the root causes for utility hits. Both are very important industry measurement criteria and they tell a great deal about whether we are improving our safety performance. Hits per thousand tell us how busy the industry was for the last 12 months and the Root Causes tells us what area of training we need to work on immediately.

The purpose of the DIRT Report is to illustrate the various types of data collected and how it is analyzed for industry improvement. The DIRT Report is a special document that enables you to compare any industry sector or region with another anywhere in Ontario. Thanks to the ORCGA and the Reporting Committee for capturing this important information, as it really helps in our year-to-year statistical comparisons. For a copy of the 2015 DIRT Report, contact your local ORCGA office.

Terry Murphy can be reached at tvmurphy@ca.inter.net.

PROSPERITY PARTNERS What’s lurking in your invisible arena?

– Part one

By Jacki Hart CLM Prosperity Partners Program Manager

O

ver the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure of working in full day, faceto-face sessions with over 200 LO member business owners (and with equally as many contractors from other industries).

Each operate very different, yet similar businesses. The similarities are surprisingly consistent. Whether big or small, in early growth or well-established, what brings us all together is our search to improve what we can’t see more than what we can see.

There’s a term trending right now on countless blogs and news feeds called the glass ceiling. (It’s a tricky concept, so to fully understand it, I suggest reading this article twice). The concept of a glass ceiling refers to your upper limit for performance at what you do. It’s an invisible barrier between how well you are performing, and what you believe you should be achieving, based on what you know and what you do.

Emphasis on the word ‘invisible.’

Using my own 27 years of experience as an entrepreneur, contractor and as a certified business coach, I believe there are actually two distinct arenas in which business owners must excel in order to fully realize their goals. Success in only one arena could doom you to failure.

The Visible Business Arena is where metrics, budgets, checklists, CRM and tactical strategies reside. It’s where entrepreneurs can continually challenge their business management skills and develop deeper financial acumen, and focus most of their time and available resources.

In the Invisible Business Arena lurks the more elusive drivers of total success (what we can’t see that we want all want to improve): company culture, attitudes, accountability, engagement, loyalty and brand management. This area truly is the elusive glass ceiling limiting every entrepreneur with whom I’ve ever worked. This is where entrepreneurs who have a willing-

ness to learn the underlying reasons for outcomes and performance can exponentially increase their business horsepower with the right resources and focus.

In our professions, we have the tools available to succeed in the visible business area thanks to trail blazers like Charles Vander Kooi, Jean Paul Lamarche and Mark Bradley, whom over the years have created sophisticated, convenient resources and systems for managing profit. By utilizing these invaluable tools and resources, many in our profession have taken their business profitability to new heights — proof of our success in the visible arena. Yet, even many of those who engage with top recommended business tools still struggle with the performance that takes place in between the numbers and metrics — in the invisible business arena.

The pain point

There are places in every business where we can see the visible and invisible areas connect. For example, where poor accountability (invisible) wreaks havoc with efficiency metrics, elusive sales targets and brings budgets and profits crashing down (visible). An employee who perceives they are being treated unfairly (invisible), can erode productivity rates of themself and other team members (visible). Even for those business owners fully engaged in a corporate style of best business practices, many still struggle with intense stress, misaligned people, miscommunications, low accountability, and even lower self esteem.

Why? I believe they have hit the glass ceiling in their invisible business arena.

When a business hits the visible business arena ceiling, tactics and resources are deployed (such as spending money on software or systems) to deepen the company’s business acumen in an effort to make even more profit than ever before. Given the wide range of resources currently available online and the many others developed for our professions, it’s easy for a business owner to focus only on the visible glass ceiling and ignore the invisible glass ceiling.

Doing this will surely result in the company getting sucked down the drain to financial ruin. Simply focusing on the numbers,

results and summaries will not give you all of the answers.

When a business hits its invisible ceiling, then what?

(And, it’s not the business that hits the ceiling, it’s the owner and typically the leadership team follows closely behind). By the very nature of the intangible invisibility of what’s not working, it’s tough to articulate, let alone know where to go to find solutions.

How do you search for solutions to something you can’t see or even put a name to? The truth is you can’t. Goals remain elusive, change seems unpredictable, results are erratic, uncertainty prevails, and enthusiasm becomes depleted. Sleepless nights and stress are dominated more by why people didn’t behave as expected or asked (invisible), than by bank balances and time sheets (visible).

What? So What? Now What?

‘What?’ The fact there’s undesirable activity in the invisible arena. ‘So What?’ It’s affecting every aspect of your business results.

‘Now What?’ You need to shift your focus and expand your resources for dealing with the invisible factors. This process starts with patience. You can’t fix it overnight. The first step is for the business owner to dive deep into learning new personal performance tools. It requires a bit of vulnerability, a bit of open mindedness and a lot of courage. It’s not black and white, but it could keep your business out of the red.

A redefined strategy is in order. Focus on aligning people with procedures, policies, profitability and purpose. It starts with creating a VERY clear business vision, a renewed behaviour strategy with tangible goals and visible guidelines for accountability, delegating and following through.

Raising your invisible glass ceiling includes envisioning an internal brand that will inspire a strong team, plus an intentional shift of attitudes toward your external brand (what your customer sees, hears and feels about doing business with you).

When your invisible business arena is as solid and robust as your visible business arena, stress melts away, people engage and get along with each other and that elusive ceiling you keep hitting launches to new heights.

Jacki Hart may be contacted at peertopeer@landscapeontario.com.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 61

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Grow For Gold KEYNOTE EVENT

Thursday, January 12, 2017 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Held in conjunction with Congress ’17.

February 8, 2017 LIONHEAD GOLF AND CONFERENCE CENTRE

8525 Mississauga Road, Brampton, Ontario

Join industry peers and learn about lighting industry specific issues.

Meet with suppliers to find out about new products and technologies.

REGISTRATION Early bird pricing until Jan. 25th $90 per member, $110 per non-member Regular pricing after Jan. 25th $110 per member, $130 per non-member.

Includes sessions, lunch, trade show and reception.

LIGHTINGCONFERENCE.CA 62 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO DECEMBER 2016

Visit LOcongress.com for complete details.

Join Olympic gold medalist Becky Kellar, as she highlights how business and sports are similar in many ways; there are going to be great days and bad days, and nothing goes as smoothly as you thought it would in the beginning … but it really is about the journey.

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64  LANDSCAPE ONTARIO DECEMBER 2016