Landscape Ontario - February 2018

February 2018 HortTrades.com

CONGRESS

DELIVERS Nick Winkelmolen and Matt Logan share professional tree care practices on the show floor

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Great conversations at Congress

By Warren Patterson LO President

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ach year, Landscape Ontario’s signature event, Congress, is the place to be for members of LO and the profession. Congress is a place to connect with others, do business, catch up with friends and chat about the year gone by and most importantly, the year ahead. Congress is all about great conversations.

This year, the topic on everyone’s minds was how to deal with the minimum wage hike to $14 per hour that went into effect the week before. While we have known about the increase for some time (and the next increase to $15 per hour on Jan. 1, 2019), it is now a reality and we are all affected by the changes in both our business and our personal lives.

The reasons why governments around the world continue to aggressively change the supply and demand dynamics of labour will never be fully understood. A material government influence on supply and

February, 2018 • Volume 36, No. 2 HortTrades.com Landscape Ontario’s mandate is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable environment for the advancement of the horticultural profession in Ontario.

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demand requires strong business leadership in order to weather the period of transition.

In order to understand these effects, I tend to view my (and all) businesses as a mathematical formula. In our retail garden centre business, our formula focuses on the key metrics to make a reasonable return on our capital.

Sales — C ost of Good Sold*

= Gross Margin — Staff Cost

= Contribution Margin * COGS – Product Cost, Warranty Cost, Inventory Shrink

Our contribution margin must be no less than 26 per cent of sales in order to cover overhead and meet profit requirements.

Every business should have a formula.

Once you have a formula in place, you will be able to measure the impact of change that minimum wage will have on your business. For us, the effects of the increased minimum wage, vacation time and paid days off are expected to increase our staff costs by eight per cent.

The biggest dollar impact for us will be

Editor Robert Ellidge rellidge@landscapeontario.com, 647-722-5645 Assistant editor Scott Barber sbarber@landscapeontario.com, 647-478-3171 Multimedia designer/IT coordinator 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, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Denis Flanagan CLD, J. Alex Gibson, Meghan Greaves, Sally Harvey CLT CLM, Heather MacRae, Kristen McIntyre CHT CEM, Kathy McLean, Linda Nodello, Kathleen Pugliese, John Russell, Ian Service, Myscha Stafford, Tom Somerville, David Turnbull, Martha Walsh, Cassandra Wiesner

the increase in the cost of our products.

From the discussions I had at Congress, growers are impacted the most by the new minimum wage and their prices will go up according to their formula. Hardgoods suppliers rely a little less on minimum wage staff to produce their products, but like all businesses, costs for materials rise and so does the cost of doing business (ie: hydro, rent, taxes). Their prices must also rise in order to keep up with inflation.

So far, I have found there to be a wide range in the price increase among growers, depending on the type of crop they are producing. This range varies from three to 12 per cent. Using a weighted average of our purchases, our company expects our COGS to increase by seven per cent this year.

Now for the hard math: How much will we have to increase our prices to offset these increases in costs? Our preliminary calculations have prices rising about 5.5 per cent. I won’t count on increased sales volumes to offset minimum wage impact, as this is outside of my control.

I am very optimistic this year will be another solid year for our members and the profession. I am glad to hear others are equally optimistic.

I am very thankful for being part of Landscape Ontario and for attending Congress to learn how we, as a group of professionals, can all work together to help each other through challenges like this and continue to profit.

Here’s to thriving in 2018.

Warren Patterson may be reached at warrenpatterson@barriegardencentre.com

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FEATURES CONGRESS

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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 2018, 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

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Congress provides an ideal venue for all sectors and stakeholders in the landscape and horticulture profession to meet, share ideas, learn and do business.

Congress delivers The 45th edition of Landscape Ontario Congress proved once again the event is the ideal place for landscape and horticulture professionals to gather at the start of each year.

Held Jan. 9-11, 2018 (with some special events on Jan. 8), Canada’s Green Industry Show and Conference at the Toronto Congress Centre in Toronto, Ont., attracted nearly 14,000 visitors. Delegates were kept busy at the show with a full conference program, live demonstrations, evening and morning events, a new product showcase and awards ceremonies.

Throughout the over eight acres of the show, those in the profession took the opportunity to catch up with peers, talk about issues, and to learn from experts from within the profession and outside of it.

The trade show features more than 600 exhibitors from Canada, the U.S. and Europe, showcasing the latest and best products for the landscaping profession, including large and small equipment, pools, fencing, plant products, irrigation and paving products.

Chapter (ISAO) provided information on everything from the selection and transport of trees, to site preparation and proper planting techniques, maintenance and long-term care.

Mike Watson, ISAO president says although the two organizing groups had never worked together, they realized within minutes of their first planning meeting that they both had identical goals.

“We both have the same issue of trying to get our product taken care of and educating everybody around us,” Watson said. “The growers want the same things that we want to prevent having to correct, fix or treat in the end. We also had the

same mindset when it came to pick topics and pick speakers. It was like we had sat down for hours together and we both had the same topics and miraculously, we almost both had the same speakers we wanted, even though we had never approached each other or discussed it.”

Some of those speakers included many noteworthy professionals, including: Dr. Darby McGrath; Nick Winkelmolen; Nathan Munn, RPF; Paul DeGroot; Michael LaPorte, CHT; and Matt Logan, ISA and Charlie Dobbin, BSc, Agri, as host.

Rebecca Lord, ISAO executive director, says the reaction to the twice-daily sessions was fantastic. “The attendance at the shows indicates there is certainly a demand for professional tree care questions to be answered,” Lord said.

“The arborists that have been coming through have been very pleased,” Lord said. “We have a great showing and there is a central tree care place for people to come through and learn about professional tree care. The enthusiasm has been tremendous, so we are really pleased.”

Michael LaPorte, a member of the LO Growers Sector Group said, “For our first year, I think we were quite successful in getting the ball rolling. We were able to get the information out to a good number of attendees and but we are also looking forward to expand how many people we can reach next year.”

The other popular titles in the LIVE! series were updated and improved this year. Hardscape LIVE! returned for the third straight year with a new stage, new host and refreshed topics. The feature saw large crowds learning at two daily live demo sessions led by award-winning

Live demonstrations

Admission to the trade show gave all visitors access to three live educational demonstrations held directly on the show floor. The addition of Green LIVE!, a partnership between Landscape Ontario’s Growers Sector Group and the International Society of Arboriculture Ontario

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The new GreenLIVE! demos provided information from many experts on the proper selection, handling and care of plant material.

Officers answered hundreds of questions about commercial vehicle safety at DriveLIVE!

instructor Frank Bourque, CCPI, AART. Topics included tool selection, base preparation, raised patios, walls and steps, outdoor kitchens, barbecues and fire pits.

Final sessions took it to the next level with pools, water features and hardscape lighting. Attendees qualified for ICPI Continuing Education Credits (CECs). The LO Hardscape Committee put a tremendous amount of work into making this a relevant, entertaining and popular feature at Congress once again.

The commercial vehicle inspection feature, Drive LIVE! returned with two daily sessions on the show floor as well. Officers from the Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto Police Services, York Regional Police and Halton Regional Police completed vehicle and equipment circle checks, distributed literature, and answered hundreds of questions each day.

HardscapeLIVE! featured a new set and included a large video screen that improved visibility for the large crowds.

Moonstruck Lighting, Select Stone, and Unilock. Thank you to the LO Designer Sector Group for their work on the event, and especially to Andrea Weddum, Brandon Gelderman, Carolyne Planck, Chris Clayton, Fred Post, Jen Cuddie, Kelly Keates, Luke Koudys, Mark Kimmerly, Ron Koudys and Ron Swentiski.

The IPM Symposium featured technical sessions for 350 lawn care and grounds management professionals.

Attendees qualified for six IPM Council of Canada Continuing Education Credits (CECs). Thanks to long-time presenting partner, Lawn Life Natural Turf Products,

who had a team of busy representatives on-hand for the duration of the event to help answer questions, including new updates on pest control research studies.

Thank you also to JB&D, keynote sponsor, as well as other supporters on-site including: Allturf, GC Duke, Koppert Canada, Plant Products, Zander Sod, and Michael Brownbridge.

New Product Showcase

One of the mandates of Congress is to provide an annual gathering that includes all sectors of the landscape and horticulture professions. Heather MacRae, show

Warm-up Monday events

Despite poor weather conditions across the province, Warm-up Monday (Jan. 8) was a great success. The pre-trade show events included the Peer to Peer Workshop, Landscape Designer Conference and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Symposium. Each well-attended and unique event included a full day of sessions. After the intense and fun Peer to Peer Workshop, attendees were treated to a new end of day reception courtesy of Greenius.

The Landscape Designer Conference had near record attendance with 225 professionals attending the sessions that were followed by a successful closing reception thanks to presenting partner Dynascape Software. Organizers would like to recognize supporting partners: Aquascape, Fusion Landscape Professional Program, NVK Holdings,

The New Product Showcase sported a new design and layout this year.

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Despite bad weather, the Landscape Designer Conference saw near record attendance.

manager, says, “Congress really does cover every aspect of the green industry. From college, university and apprenticeship students studying horticulture to seasoned contractors working on multimillion dollar projects, the New Product Showcase featured items to inspire and help improve the way they get the job done.”

The ever-popular New Product Showcase experienced a face-lift this year, with an artistic twist on traditional display methods from Bloemen Decor’s Albert Graves. The area is a collection of new green industry products and services, tools, plants and equipment.

Ted Vanderveen from Turf King in Ham-

ilton, Ont., said, “One of the main reasons I come to Congress each year is to see the new products showcase, as well as the latest offerings from all of the various suppliers and manufacturers. Working in the turf care industry, plant health is always top of mind for me, and I come to see innovations and advancing technologies that can make a difference for the business.”

Conference program

The dynamic conference line-up composed of industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs brought fresh perspectives and new energy to a variety of practical sessions, keynotes, owners-only workshops and popular lunch and learns.

The conference is an opportunity for green professionals to get inspired, learn about emerging industry trends and form new relationships. The three-day format allows for delegates to get to know peers and build their communities.

Sessions covered business development topics ranging from budgeting and time management to customer service and sales. An emphasis on employee retention and recruitment was also evident with a lot of focused content. Janna Bradley, Mike Lysecki and Mark Bradley, all from presenting conference partner LMN, represented the seasoned business owner perspective and presented proven business tools and techniques.

Other noteworthy topics included the growing trend of edibles, natural water features, content marketing, trending plant material and team building.

Janet Mott of Christine’s Touch Gardening in Toronto, Ont., attended the closing keynote by Canadian Olympic hockey stars Becky Kellar and Cheryl Pounder. Mott said the session provided an extra boost of motivation to get her ready for the upcoming landscaping season. “Right now, I am so pumped,” said Mott, as she left the keynote. “I think that’s exactly what is needed at the closing address; energy and that spark to help you refocus.”

Mott added, “They talked about what is necessary for success, and related it back to their hockey careers. They described team dynamics and a culture where there is buy-in from everyone involved. For me, that is such a big thing, and it’s really what we try to focus on at our company.”

Garden Centre Symposium

On Jan. 11, the Garden Centre Symposium included two workshops with content focused on hiring and selling to Millennials. The event also included the announcement and presentation of LO’s Garden Centre Awards of Excellence winners and recognition of the Growers Program award winners. Thank you to Denis Flanagan for hosting the ceremony as well as to Perry Grobe who emceed the rest of the event. Organizers would like to thank Garden Centres Canada for their support.

Awards of Excellence ceremony

The Niagara Parks student garden was home to 50 butterflies for the duration of Congress.

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Congress was not just a trade show and conference. Several special events were held outside the hours of the three show days. Tuesday evening saw the ‘Oscars of the green industry’ at the Awards of Excellence ceremony where the talents and creativity of landscape professionals were

Winning LO members gathered on stage at the conclusion of the Awards of Excellence ceremony.

showcased. Host Frank Ferragine of Breakfast Television described the award winners as “truly inspiring,” and noted that awards are presented to projects that score top marks from a panel of industry judges. “I’m really happy and pleased that people are investing in their landscapes and outdoor living spaces,” Ferragine said. “It is my mission and really the mission of everyone in this room to ensure that individuals and communities recognize the importance of spending time outside, and these awards are a testament to that goal. Seeing these spectacular photos makes me truly happy because it means that people are enjoying plants and nature, and I believe that is extremely important.”

The ceremony opened with Miami heat-inspired salsa dancers that set the tone for the evening. More than 600 professionals were on hand to see 285 prestigious awards presented to stunning and innovative landscape construction, design, irrigation, lighting and maintenance projects. “Our members continue to reach new levels of detail and craftsmanship, and winners are consistently raising the bar for the rest of the industry.

The awards bring out a competitive edge, and our members strive for acknowledgement, achievement and improvement.” said Kristen McIntyre, event manager at Landscape Ontario.

The evening would not be possible without the outstanding support of event partners G&L Group, Connon CBV Holdings and Dynascape Software. In keeping with the ‘Heat is on’ theme, presenting partner G&L Group ran a real-time social media photo contest and award the winner with

a trip to Miami. Additional thanks to Beth Edney for the extra touches on décor, and Luke Koudys and Kim Edwards for volunteering their help behind-the-scenes, AV Canada and Perfect Sphere Productions.

Tailgate Party

The Tailgate Party on Wednesday night saw more than 1,000 Congress delegates attend. Free to everyone with a show badge, the event features a relaxed atmosphere, complimentary dinner and entertainment, pool and games tables, and live sports on the large screens.

After dinner, the Original Canadian Dueling Pianos and DJ kept everyone on the dance floor. Organizers would like to recognize entertainment partners: Greenius and NVK Holdings.

Landscape Ontario AGM

Wednesday morning opened with a full breakfast at Landscape Ontario’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). The meeting is open to all members of Landscape Ontario who were encouraged to attend to hear about association accomplishments and issues, and have their say in the direction for 2018.

Outgoing LO president Paul Brydges reflected on his two-year term and officially passed the presidential gavel to Warren Patterson.

Canada Blooms Campus

The Canada Blooms Campus is a collection of feature gardens designed and built by students from five post secondary schools in Ontario: Durham College, Fanshawe College, Humber College, Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture

and University of Guelph – Ridgetown Campus. The design, construction and removal of the gardens provide a great experience for the students and are a welcome addition to the show.

This year, each school took the execution of their builds to the next level. “Students are the future of our profession and the investment made by them here at Congress, as well as into their on-site education will see rewards in the near future,” said Tony DiGiovanni, executive director of Landscape Ontario.

The Niagara Parks garden included edible plants and a pre-fab, mini conservatory that became home to 50 butterflies for the duration of Congress. Tanya Blankenburg, instructor/curator for Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture, released the butterflies individually once the show opened.

Blankenburg says a lot of research went into keeping the climate controlled at the show, including temperature and humidity, the plants required, as well as nectar and cut fruit. Blankburg said the butterflies are “a representation of what we see in the conservatory at Niagara Parks.”

The butterflies were kept cool for transport to the show and once released in the warmer environment they became very active.

The Canada Blooms Campus gardens were supported by sponsorships from the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation (OHFT) and Gelderman Landscape Services. Special thanks also to Brian Cocks for his supervision of the area.

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Best promotion and booth awards

Each year, a panel of judges evaluates each of the exhibitors in the trade show and awards are handed out in various categories. This year’s winners are: • A.M.A Plastics, Best Promotion Award • Clearview Nursery, Best Booth: 100 sq. ft.

• Select Stone Supply, Best Booth: 100 to 400 sq. ft.

• Connon Nurseries/CBV Holdings, Best Booth: 401 to 800 sq. ft.

• Unilock, Best Booth: Over 800 sq. ft.

• Kubota Canada, Paul J. Day Award for Best of Show Landscape Ontario would like to congratulate all winners and thank volunteer judges, Ron Koudys of Ron Koudys Landscape Architects and Joanne Attard from Indspire, for their time and expertise.

Show Committee members Chris Müller and Rebecca Parker set up the New Product Showcase.

Reflection on Congress

By Chris Müller OJ Müller Landscape Contractor Ltd. This past summer I stumbled upon a wonderful book titled, The Hidden Life of Trees – What They Feel, How They Communicate. In this book, author Peter Wohlleben describes the forest he manages in the Eifel mountains in Germany and takes an introspective look at the lives trees live in communion with one another. His message: “If every tree were looking out only for itself, then quite a few of them would never reach old age, [and] every tree would suffer.”

Armed with Wohlleben’s message, I accepted the opportunity to participate on the Congress Show Committee — adding to my current role as LO Durham Chapter provincial board rep. Having attended Congress consistently for the past decade, it seemed appropriate to provide what little value I could in return for the many years I have benefited from the efforts of others. I began my turn at Congress and I am all the better for it.

Over the course of about a week I watched as the large exhibit halls transformed from vacant swaths of concrete into the orderly avenues of booths featuring our profession’s finest goods and services. I reconnected with old friends and also made many new ones as we worked to prepare the New Product Showcase. Under the guidance of the seasoned Congress Committee, I found myself invested in the finely tuned mechanism that organizes, prepares, constructs, operates, and dismantles our profession’s premiere event. I also discovered in the course of this experience that no association treats their volunteers quite so well as Landscape Ontario.

We are uniquely blessed to be a part of a profession that is dedicated to mutual self-improvement. We are inherently connected, much like the interwoven roots of an old beech forest, and I am pleased to say that I have begun to give back to an association that I have received so much from over the course of my young career.

A tree is not a forest to be sure, but if a few trees can learn to work together — there’s no telling where we might grow.

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Back again in 2019

Congress provided the ideal mix of products, social events and professional development for owners, managers and buyers from the landscape and horticulture profession to gather and shop for new products and suppliers, attend educational sessions, and exchange ideas with fellow professionals from all industry sectors. If you missed the 2018 edition, be sure to schedule Jan. 8-10, 2019 on your calendar to attend Congress ’19. For details on the show, visit LOcongress.com.

Show Committee

The Landscape Ontario Show Committee is made up of many dedicated members who volunteer their time at several meetings throughout the year to provide insight, ideas, and to help set the direction for the show.

Committee members are the true ambassadors of the event, assisting with move-in, show operations and move-out. Members of the Show Committee are: Nathan Helder, Chair; Michael LaPorte, CHT, Past Chair; Terry Childs; Brian Cocks; Doug Coote; Paul DeGroot; Everett DeJong; Barry Dickson; Lindsay Drake Nightingale; Beth Edney; Chris Müller; Rebecca Parker; Mike Riehm; Klaas Sikkema; Pete Vanderley; Jason Vettese.

LO members who would like to participate on the Show Committee are invited to contact Heather MacRae, show manager, at heather@landscapeontario.com.

Congress volunteers

An event the size of Congress would not be possible with the hard work and dedication of many volunteers.

Congress truly is a gathering of green industry professionals like no other. Landscape Ontario would like to thank the following individuals for their assistance during the show: Michael Brownbridge; Robert Brubacher; Connie Cadotte; Laura Calder; Chris Clayton; Barb Coote; Jen Cuddie; Keith Desjardins; Kim Edwards; Perry Grobe; Kelly Keates; Liz Klose; Luke Koudys; Ron Koudys, CLD; John Lamberink; Skai Leja; Henny Markus; Teresa Matamoros; Jeff McMann, CHT; Summer Meyer; Chaz Morenz; Chloe Philip; Irina Polstvin; Sarah Michelle Rafols; Greg Redshaw; Althea Reid; Tom Somerville; Gerrit Tervrugt; Spencer Tough; Steven Ungurain; Monica van Maris; Bruce Warren; Eilleen Warren; Welwyn Wong; Alex Zalewski; Bin Zhou.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Landscape Ontario’s Provincial Board of Directors at the AGM on Jan. 10.

LO AGM looked at past and future A ballroom full of members gathered on the morning of January 10 to mark another year in their association’s official history.

Business proceeded smoothly, reflecting LO’s efficiency and effectiveness.

e

Recognition of volunteers and milestone members was first on the agenda.

Outgoing president Paul Brydges thanked volunteers, staff and “the vast network of professionals” helping to further LO’s mis-

sion. He called his two years of service a great honour and a pleasure, adding he had made many new friends for life.

The executive director’s report, delivered by Tony DiGiovanni, shared LO’s wide-ranging initiatives over the past year. Details are in his written report, published in the December issue of Landscape Ontario magazine. He also recognized Paul Brydges, and lauded Brydges’s efforts to bring horticulture professionals closer together.

The presidential gavel was officially passed to Warren Patterson, whose remarks reflected excitement over helping LO and its member companies work toward renewal. He is especially interested in exploring chapter and sector needs.

The new LO Executive Board is comprised of Paul Brydges, Past President; Warren Patterson, President; Dave Wright, First Vice President; Lindsay Drake Nightingale, Second Vice President; and Ed Hansen, Treasurer.

Meeting participants selected Lexi Dearborn and Blake Tubby as Members at Large to the LO Provincial Board.

Thanks to all participating members for turning up early to attend this important meeting.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS TAKE A MID-WINTER BREAK WITH GEORGIAN LAKELANDS CHAPTER

Landscape Ontario Georgian Lakelands Chapter will hold their annual Ski and Spa Day on Feb. 22, 2018 at Craigleith Ski Club and Scandinave Spa in the Blue Mountains/Collingwood, Ont. area.

The full-day event begins with a breakfast for all at 8:30 a.m. at the ski club before participants head out to the slopes or the spa.

A variety of specially-designed packages are available for those wish to ski, spa, or do both. Ski equipment rentals and some additional guest services at the spa must be booked directly.

At 3 p.m., an apès ski event for all attendees will include food, prizes and networking. Tickets for just the après ski are also available.

The event is made possible through the contribution of the following sponsors: G&L Group (event sponsor), Pro-Power Canada and Garden Holistics (lunch

sponsor), Clearview Nursery, (après ski sponsor).

For more information or to register, visit HortTrades.com/georgian-lakelands.

LO MEMBERS SAVE AT CANADA BLOOMS

Another benefit to membership in Landscape Ontario: access to discounted tickets for Canada Blooms and the National Home Show.

Running March 9-18, 2018 at the Enercare Centre in Toronto, Ont., LO members can purchase special bar coded tickets at the discounted rate of $12 each — saving eight dollars off the regular price of admission.

These tickets make a great gift for employees, clients and suppliers, giving them an opportunity to visit the country’s premier landscaping and horticulture festival where they can be inspired by spectacular feature gardens, see new products and take in hours of free seminars by experts in the profession.

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Bulk tickets are also available in packs of 20 and you are only charged after the conclusion of the festival for the number of tickets redeemed at the entrance.

To order tickets, contact Kathleen Pugliese at 905-875-1805, ext. 2309 or get an order form online at HortTrades. com/canada-blooms-tickets-2018.

APPLY NOW FOR IRRIGATION CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Applications are due by noon on March 2 for irrigation contractors who wish to participate in this year’s Water Smart Irrigation Professional (WSIP) program.

The program, which runs April 4-5 at the Landscape Ontario home office in Milton, Ont., provides specialized training and certification to irrigation contractors who can then provide irrigation system efficiency and maintenance services to clients in the Region of Peel, York Region and the City of Hamilton.

Water efficiency upgrades made to clients’ systems may be eligible for incentives through the participating regions in order to not only maximize water savings, but also reduce the cost of any upgrades.

Once the training and evaluation is concluded, contractors will be able to access a specialized irrigation audit

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Applicants must have: • A minimum of five industrial, commercial or institutional, multi-residential/and or residential clients located within the participating regions.

• Access to a laptop/tablet with MS Office Access software.

• Be willing to enter into an agreement with any or all of the participating municipalities.

• Be willing to provide feedback and complete surveys or interviews with participating municipalities.

Applicants are reminded Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA) certification is no longer a pre-requisite.

After the two-day training is completed, participants are required to competently complete a written exam and an in-field validation in order to become a WSIP certified contractor.

For more information or to apply, contact Cassandra Wiesner at 905-8751805, ext. 2397 or visit HortTrades.com/ WSIP.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

GEAR UP FOR SPRING 2018

Back bigger and better than ever for the third straight year, Landscape Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe Chapter Gear Up for Spring (GUFS) event will take place March 27 at the Ancaster Fairgrounds in Jerseyville, Ont. Free to attend, the event includes lunch, a trade show, chapter AGM, networking, hands-on demonstrations and a full day of educational offerings designed to inform landscape professionals about safe operations before the start of another busy season.

A popular feature each year is the presentation from the Ministry of Transportation and Halton Police Vehicle Inspection

12 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2018

Unit who provide the latest information on rules and regulations for road safety via a live mock-inspection of a truck and trailer.

At the AGM, chapter members can nominate fellow members for various positions on the chapter board that helps to steer the direction of the chapter and to plan events over the next year. In addition to GUFS, the chapter holds a number of both trade and family-oriented events, including the annual Chicken Roast in September and Family Day Bowling Weekend in February.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., allowing ample time for attendees to connect with local suppliers, service providers and other trades at the show.

If you would like to donate a door prize, become a sponsor or exhibit in the trade show, please contact Mary Thompson, chapter coordinator, at mthompson@ landscapeontario.com or 416-624-4927.

Attendees can register online at HortTrades.com/gufs-2018.

LECTURE EVENTS TAILORED FOR LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS

Landscape operators have the opportunity to learn from industry experts and successful landscape professionals at two unique, half-day events offered by Landscape Ontario on Feb. 22.

The two distinct events, one tailored for the grounds maintenance companies, and the other for landscape contractors, will take place separately at Lionhead Golf Conference Centre in Brampton, Ont. Hosted by LO’s Grounds Management Sector Group, doors open for the morning lecture at 9:30 a.m. The program includes lunch, networking, and presentations by Bob Reeves, Rich Hawkes, Rodger Tschanz and Paul Zammit. A number of exhibitors will also be on hand to display products and services of interest to grounds management professionals.

The evening lecture, presented by LO’s Landscape Contractor Sector Group, will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a networking reception, followed by dinner and presentations by Chris Mace and Mark Hartley.

The cost to attend either event is $65.

Register online at LandscapeLecture.ca.

announcing the

winners in

construction, maintenance and design The inspiring talent and creativity of this year’s winners were acknowledged at Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association’s Awards of Excellence Ceremony, held January 9, 2018

with Congress, Canada’s premier green industry trade show and conference.

Over 650 industry professionals attended the gala awards ceremony at Delta Hotel Toronto Airport, held in conjunction

Winners portray a competitive spirit, strive for continuous improvement, offer services distinctly different from the competition and are stewards of the horticultural trades, sharing a vision for a vibrant and prosperous future.

LANDSCAPE PLUS LTD.

DUNINGTON-GRUBB AWARD WINNER 2018

This award goes to the most outstanding and highest overall scoring project WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 13 in the construction categories.

The awards recognize the breathtaking design and master craftsmanship in landscape construction, maintenance and design projects created by Landscape Ontario members.

LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM Abloom Landscape Contractor Inc. Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 Construction, Balcony or Rooftop Garden Special Interest Construction Aden Earthworks Inc. Commercial Construction: Multi-residential and industrial over $250,000 AquaSpa Pools & Landscape Design Residential Construction: $50,000-$100,000 (x2) Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 Residential Construction: $250,000-$500,000 Residential Construction: $500,000-$1,000,000 (x2) Balsam Creek Landscaping Residential Construction: $25,000-$50,000 Residential Construction: $250,000-$500,000 Residential Construction: $500,000-$1,000,000 Residential Construction: $1,000,000 and over Bellaire Landscape Inc. Residential Construction: $250,000-$500,000 Residential Construction: $500,000-$1,000,000 Construction Water Features Special Interest Construction (x2)

Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds Commercial Construction: Multi-residential and industrial $100,000-$250,000 Birk’s Landscaping Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 BonaVista Pools Ltd. Construction: Water Features (x2) Bouwmeister Inc. Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 (x3) Cedar Springs Landscape Group Residential Construction: $50,000-$100,000 Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 (x2) Residential Construction: $250,000-$500,000 (x5) Special Interest Construction Cedarcroft Landscape & Design Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 Residential Construction: $250,000-$500,000 Core Precision Interlock Inc. Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 CSL Group Commercial Construction: Multi-residential and industrial over $250,000 (x2) Cypress Hill Design and Build Residential Construction: $10,000-$25,000 (x2) Residential Construction: $25,000-$50,000 Residential Construction: $50,000-$100,000

DA Gracey & Associates Residential Construction: $50,000-$100,000 Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 Dearborn Designs & Associates Web Sites Earth Art Landscapes Inc. Special Interest Construction Residential Construction: $50,000-$100,000 Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 Construction: Water Features Earthscape Ontario Special Interest Construction Residential Construction: $25,000-$50,000 (x2) Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 Residential Construction: $250,000-$500,000 Elite Concrete Special Interest Construction Exact Landscapes Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 Fiona’s Garden Gate Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 Residential Construction: $250,000-$500,000 Flattery Design Residential Construction: $25,000-$50,000 Garden Grove Landscaping Commercial Construction: Multi-residential and industrial $50,000-$100,000

Commercial Construction: Multi-residential and industrial over $250,000 GBC Design & Build Residential Construction: $250,000-$500,000 Griffith Property Services Ltd. Residential Construction: $25,000-$50,000 Residential Construction: $50,000-$100,000 (x2) Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 (x2) Residential Construction: $250,000-$500,000 Special Interest Construction Hank Deenen Landscaping Ltd. Special Interest Construction Hutten & Co. Land and Shore Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 (x4) Residential Construction: $250,000-$500,000 Residential Construction: $500,000-$1,000,000 Construction, Balcony or Rooftop Garden Place of Business Special Interest Construction International Landscaping Inc. Web Sites Kreative Woodworking Residential Construction: $50,000-$100,000 (x2) Residential Construction: $250,000-$500,000 (x2) Web Sites Land-Con Ltd Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 Commercial Construction: Multi-residential and industrial $100,000-$250,000 (x2) Landscape Plus Ltd. Residential Construction: $250,000-$500,000 (x2) Limestone Trail Co Inc. Residential Construction: $25,000-$50,000 Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 Special Interest Construction (x2) Lloyd’s Landscaping Ltd. Residential Construction: $50,000-$100,000 M.E. Contracting Residential Construction: $50,000-$100,000 Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 (x3) Web Sites MapleRidge Landscapes Ltd. Residential Construction: $250,000-$500,000

ROGER WILLIS CONTRACTING LTD CASEY VAN MARIS AWARD WINNER 2018

This award is given to the project awarded the highest marks for execution of unique innovative designFEBRUARY in landscaping.

14 and LANDSCAPE ONTARIO 2018

Neerhof Landscapes Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 Residential Construction: $250,000-$500,000

Oakridge Landscape Contractors Ltd. Residential Construction: Under $10,000 Residential Construction: $25,000-$50,000 Commercial Construction: Multi-residential and industrial over $250,000 Special Interest Construction Paradisaic Building Group Residential Construction: $50,000-$100,000 Partridge Fine Landscapes Ltd. Residential Construction: $1,000,000 and over Planit Green Landscapes Residential Construction: $50,000-$100,000 (x2) Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 (x5) Residential Construction: $250,000-$500,000 Plantenance Landscape Group Residential Construction: $25,000-$50,000 Pool Craft Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 (x2) Residential Construction: $250,000-$500,000 (x3) Residential Construction: $500,000-$1,000,000 Pro-Land Landscape Construction Inc. Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 Residential Construction: $250,000-$500,000 (x2) ProScape Land Design & Construction Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 (x2) Rain Gods Inc. Web Sites Roger Willis Contracting Ltd. Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 Special Interest Construction Royal Stone Landscaping & Design Ltd. (1548166 Ontario Ltd) Residential Construction: $10,000-$25,000 Residential Construction: $25,000-$50,000 Residential Construction: $50,000-$100,000 (x2) Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 (x3) Residential Construction: $250,000-$500,000 (x2) Rutherford Contracting Ltd. Commercial Construction: Multi-residential and industrial over $250,000 Seferian Design Group Special Interest Construction (x2) Shademaster Landscaping Ltd. Commercial Construction: Multi-residential and industrial over $250,000

URBAN GARDEN

DON SALIVAN GROUNDS MANAGEMENT AWARD WINNER 2018

This award recognizes skill, that when properly executed, protects or even enhances the value of the original landscape investment.

Winner is selected from maintenance project submissions.

Residential Construction: $250,000-$500,000 (x4) Residential Construction: $500,000-$1,000,000 Shades of Summer Landscaping & Maintenance Construction: Water Features Residential Construction: $25,000-$50,000

Yards Unlimited Landscaping Inc. Residential Construction: $50,000-$100,000

Yards Unlimited Landscaping Inc. Private Residential Design: 2,500 to 5,000 sq ft

Zen Construction Residential Construction: 50,000-$100,000

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

LANDSCAPE DESIGN PROGRAM

Bos Landscaping Private Residential Maintenance: 1 acre or more (x2)

Tarrascape Innovation Inc. Commercial Construction: Multi-residential and industrial $100,000-$250,000

Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds Commercial Design (x2) Cedar Springs Landscape Group Commercial Design

Landscape Plus Ltd. Private Residential Maintenance: 1 acre or more

The Landmark Group Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000

Earthscape Ontario Private Residential Design: 5,000 sq ft or more

Living Green Landscaping Inc. Special Interest Maintenance: Residential or Commercial

Tidy Gardens Landscaping Inc. Residential Construction: $250,000-$500,000

Gelderman Landscape Services Private Residential Design: 5,000 sq ft or more

TLC Professional Landscaping Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000

Kent Ford Design Group Inc. Commercial Design

Reliable Care Landscape Management Multi-Residential Maintenance: Under 2 acres

Urban Garden Residential Construction: $50,000-$100,000 Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000 Wentworth Landscapes Commercial Construction: Multi-residential and industrial $50,000-$100,000 Commercial Construction: Multi-residential and industrial over $250,000 Construction: Theme Gardens Residential Construction: $10,000-$25,000 Residential Construction: $50,000-$100,000 Whispering Pines Landscaping Residential Construction: $100,000-$250,000

Meg & Kennedy Landscape Design Firm Private Residential Design: Under 2,500 sq ft Plantenance Landscape Group Private Residential Design: 2,500 to 5,000 sq ft Pro-Land Landscape Construction Inc. Private Residential Design: 5,000 sq ft or more (x2) Springbank Landscapes Private Residential Design: 5,000 sq ft or more Welwyn Wong Landscape Design Private Residential Design: Under 2,500 sq ft Wentworth Landscapes Commercial Design

Shademaster Landscaping Ltd. Private Residential Maintenance: Under 15,000 sq ft lot size Shades of Summer Landscaping & Maintenance Private Residential Maintenance: Under 15,000 sq ft lot size Private Residential Maintenance: 15,000 sq ft-1 acre (x2) Strathmore Landscape Contractors Non-Turf Maintenance (x2) Urban Garden Non-Turf Maintenance Whispering Pines Landscaping Private Residential Maintenance: 1 acre or more

LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION PROGRAM DJ Rain & Co Ltd. Water Conservation Award Non-Potable Water

Visit LOawards.com for more!

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM  15

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS!

Peter Guinane received his past presidents’ award with style , and the Tony Di Giovanni Scholarship recipients danced their way off stage.

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING PROGRAM Balsam Creek Landscaping Landscape Lighting Design and Installation: Over $30,000 (x2) Bellaire Landscape Inc. Landscape Lighting Design and Installation: Over $30,000 DiMarco Landscape Lighting Landscape Lighting Design and Installation: $10,000-$30,000 LawnSavers Plant Health Care Landscape Lighting Design and Installation: Holiday Lighting (x2) Nutri-Lawn-Burlington Irrigation Landscape Lighting Design and Installation: Holiday Lighting Landscape Lighting Design and Installation: $10,000-$30,000 Rain Gods Inc. Landscape Lighting Design and Installation: $10,000-$30,000

Royal Stone Landscaping & Design Ltd. Landscape Lighting Design and Installation: Under $10,000 Landscape Lighting Design and Installation: Under $10,000 Landscape Lighting Design and Installation: $10,000-$30,000 Landscape Lighting Design and Installation: Over $30,000 Shademaster Landscaping Ltd. Landscape Lighting Design and Installation: $10,000-$30,000

INTERIOR LANDSCAPING PROGRAM Beaver Landscaping & Gardening Ltd. Interior Landscape Maintenance: Greater than $2,500 per annum

Stems Interior Landscaping Inc. Interior Plantscaping Design and Installation Interior Plantscaping Maintenance

SPECIAL AWARDS PROGRAM Casey Van Maris Award 2018

Roger Willis Contracting Ltd. The Casey van Maris Award is given to the project awarded the highest marks for execution of unique and innovative design in landscaping.

Community Leadership Award 2018

The Awards of Excellence ceremony was made possible through our presenting sponsor, G&L Group and supporting sponsorS Connon Nurseries CBV and Dynascape.

Janet McKay, Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF) This award is given to an individual who has been instrumental in making a significant contribution to their community through their horticultural work on several community based projects.

PRESENTING PARTNER

16 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2018

Don Salivan Grounds Management Award 2018

Urban Garden This award recognizes skill, that when properly executed, protects or even enhances the value of the original landscape investment. The winner is selected from all projects submitted in the maintenance program.

Dunington-Grubb Award 2018 Landscape Plus Ltd. This award goes to the most outstanding and highest overall scoring project in the various construction categories.

Environmental Award 2018

Michael de Pencier This award goes to an organization or individual for outstanding contributions and achievement in maintaining or promoting a sustainable, healthy environment. This award provides an opportunity for the landscape and horticulture profession in Ontario to recognize environmental stewardship and leadership.

Past Presidents’ Award 2018

Peter Guinane, Oriole Landscaping Ltd. A committee of three past presidents of Landscape Ontario bestow this award upon an individual who, over many years, has made an outstanding contribution to the association.

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

an initiative of

Prosperity Partners Leadership Award 2018

Claudia Baun, B.K. Baun Landscape Ltd. Kim Cotter, Lloyd’s Landscaping Ltd. Kevin Hackson, HACKStONe Landscapes Michael Scott, Michael Scott’s Landscaping Laurie-Ann Stuart, LA Gardens This award is presented to an outstanding individual that has worked through the Prosperity Partners Program and has demonstrated business leadership using the five pillars of the prosperity partnership model. Recipients are selected by the Prosperity Partnership Committee.

Thank you to our ceremony host: from Breakfast Television, Frank Ferragine as well as our judges and special presenters.

Additional thanks goes to...

AV Canada Delta Hotels Toronto Airport Designs By The Yard Ikonik Inc Perfect Sphere Productions

EVENTS

Full details and registration information for all events can be found online at HortTrades.com/events or at specific chapter or sector pages.

Feb. 18

Feb. 27

Splitsville Entertainment, 1525 Stone Church Rd., Hamilton Join the Golden Horseshoe Chapter for this annual tradition. All are welcome! Free for all pre-registered attendees.

Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre, Belleville Meeting starts at 1 p.m. Topic is estimating job costs, with Peter Guinane, CEO of Oriole Landscaping.

Family Day Weekend Bowling

Ski and Spa Day

GreenTrade Expo, Ottawa

Craigleith Ski Club and Scandinave Spa, Blue Mountain Don’t miss the Georgian Lakelands Chapter’s annual fun day of activity, relaxation, games, prizes, networking and more. Details at HortTrades.com/georgian-lakelands.

Feb. 13

Feb. 22

EY Centre, Ottawa Celebrate the best suppliers in the Ottawa Chapter the night before GreenTrade Expo.

Buy tickets at GreenTrade.ca.

Feb. 14

GreenTrade Expo

EY Centre, Ottawa Eastern Ontario’s landscape and horticultural event of the year celebrates its 25th anniversary with expanded show hours and more. Register online at GreenTrade.ca.

Feb. 15

Windsor Chapter meeting

Dominion Golf Club Mike Pennington will discuss social media marketing. Includes free lunch at noon.

Mar. 9-18

Canada Blooms

Feb. 22

Ottawa Awards of Distinction and Casino Night

Upper Canada Chapter meeting

Enercare Centre, Toronto Ten full days of the country’s largest showcase of landscaping, horticulture and floriculture includes stunning display gardens, a vendor marketplace, dozens of informative speakers and demonstrations, entertainment and more. Volunteers are needed to help set up, tear down and work the show. Visit CanadaBlooms.com.

Grounds Management Lecture Series

Mar. 27

Feb. 22

Mar. 28

Lionhead Golf and Conference Centre, Brampton Dinner, networking and a reception, plus hear about life lessons, unique projects and what’s going on in other successful companies at this annual gathering hosted by LO’s Contractor Sector Group. Visit LandscapeLecture.ca.

Georgetown District High School, Georgetown Participate in the Career Showcase to show students why they should work for your company.

Visit HortTrades.com/events.

Lionhead Golf and Conference Centre, Brampton Learn about soil health, container gardening and exciting new plants from experts at this annual gathering hosted by LO’s Grounds Management Sector Group. Includes lunch, exhibitors and networking breaks. Visit LandscapeLecture.ca.

Contractor Lecture Series

Gear Up for Spring

Ancaster Fairgrounds, Jerseyville The Golden Horseshoe Chapter’s full day of free educational events geared to get you thinking about safety before the busy season. Includes chapter AGM, trade show, networking, live demos and prizes. Register online at HortTrades.com/gufs-2018.

Halton Skills Competition

Over 28 years in business

Sales and leasing all makes, specializing in commercial vehicles

877-837-5674 • haltonautolease.com WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 17

NEW MEMBERS DURHAM DPR Landscapes

Jordan Rout 1513 Rossland Rd E, Whitby, ON L1N 9Y5 Tel: 289-987-4044 Membership Type: Interim

Hickory Dickory Decks- Oshawa

Matthew MacLeod 2525 Solina Rd, Bowmanville, ON L1C 3K7 Tel: 289-385-4375 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Huber Motorsports Inc

Gerhart Huber 1546 Maryhill Rd, Breslau (Maryhill), ON N0B 1M0 Tel: 519-574-0036 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Keuning Construction Limited

Peter Keuning 7427 Baker School Rd, Hampton, ON L0B 1J0 Tel: 905-242-7261 Membership Type: Active

Modern Landscape Designers

Julie Moore 291 County Rd 30, Fenelon Falls, ON K0M 1N0 Tel: 289-314-5736 Membership Type: Active

GEORGIAN LAKELANDS Ace Fuels Inc

Leon Strong 4645 Muley Point Rd, Orillia, ON L3V 8C3 Tel: 705-325-6905 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Belanger Aluminum

Paul Belanger 785 Balm Beach Rd E, Midland, ON L4R 4K4 Tel: 705-526-6836 Membership Type: Associate

Drumax Construction

Darren Drury 775 Penetanguishene Rd Barrie, ON L4M 4Y8 Tel: 705-721-0492 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Freskiw Farms Sudbury Inc

Stephen Freskiw 2093 Skead Rd, Garson, ON P3L 1V5 Tel: 705-693-7269 Membership Type: Active

Handmade Homes

Reid Chittick 103 Clark St, Box 216 Clarksburg, ON N0H 1J0 Tel: 519-372-8027 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Morrison Lawn Care

Reg Morrison 1196 Fairgrounds Rd, Stayner, ON L0M 1S0 Tel: 705-428-5568 Membership Type: Active

Muskoka Grounds Care (2444994 Ontario Inc)

Rick Lloyd

Richard Lloyd PO Box 272 Stn Main, Collingwood, ON L9Y 325 Tel: 705-446-4203 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Schlager Inc

Peter Olyschlager 201 Tally Ho/Swords Rd, Seguin, ON P2A 0B2 Tel: 705-732-1802 Membership Type: Active

Voreios International

Anastasia Mitsonis 349-115 First St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 4W3 Tel: 705-623-5711 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Yuri Lawryshyn

Yuri Lawryshyn 56 Doran Rd, Midhurst, ON L9T 0L5 Tel: 416-951-9679 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Kevin Willans

Port Carling, ON Membership Type: Horticultural

GOLDEN HORSESHOE All In One Landscaping

Lucas Waxman 102 Plaza Dr, PO Box 63111 Dundas, ON L9H 6Y3 Tel: 905-745-9145 Membership Type: Active

Danica Landscaping

Mark Nielsen 1431 Centre Rd, Carlisle, ON L0R 1H1 Tel: 905-845-6964 Membership Type: Active

GrandErie Home Hardware

Leann Hines 1051 Broad St E, Dunnville, ON N1A 2Z1 Tel: 905-774-6115 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Lawn Treats Inc

Brad Aspden 2244 Caistor Centre Rd Caistor Centre, ON L0R 1E0 Tel: 905-957-6999 Membership Type: Active

Murphy’s Contracting Inc

John Murphy 7053 Regional Rd 20, Smithville, ON L0R 2A0 Tel: 905-299-2091 Membership Type: Interim

Pool Doctors

Terence O’Brien 3084 Harrison Crt, Burlington, ON L7M 0W4 Tel: 905-407-1711 Membership Type: Active

Speedside Contracting Inc (DC Landscaping)

Chris Imrie 6631 Roszell Rd, Puslinch, ON N0B 2J0 Tel: 226-820-4212 Membership Type: Active

Terry Shakespeare PO Box 221, Utterson, ON P0B 1M0 Tel: 705-380-2008 Membership Type: Interim

18 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2018

LONDON LDA Construction (2011) Inc

Vito Lorusso 1022 Thornley St, London, ON N6K 4V6 Tel: 519-686-1363 Membership Type: Associate

Oxford Plumbing Inc

Marc Depatie 1244 Parkinson Rd, Woodstock, ON N4S 7W3 Tel: 519-421-3017 Membership Type: Associate

S-P Packaging Ltd

Glenn Vugts 2720 Couch Rd, Putnam, ON N0L 2B0 Tel: 226-667-2217 Membership Type: Associate

Trophy Taker

Jeremie Brooks 250 Terrence Ave, Dorchester, ON N02 1G3 Tel: 519-878-5735 Membership Type: Active

OTTAWA A&C Outdoors

Christopher Willett 2-525 Main St, Winchester, ON K0C 2K0 Tel: 613-265-8942 Membership Type: Interim

CM Contracting

Curtis Millar 3594 Nixon Dr, Osgoode, ON K0A 2W0 Tel: 613-324-2878 Membership Type: Active

Clintar Commerical Outdoor Services Quebec (TruNet Quebec Inc)

Frank Sinodinos 410-9160 Leduc Blvd, Brossard, QC J4Y 0E3 Tel: 450-618-1600 Membership Type: Satellite

Easylease Corp

Faro Sodding & Landscaping Ltd

Frank Andreacchi 7639 Reesor Rd, Markham, ON L6B 1A8 Tel: 905-209-1011 Membership Type: Active

JWL Landscaping Services

Jess Lipsett 20018 Porterfield Rd, Alton, ON L7K 1S6 Tel: 416-209-1520 Membership Type: Active

Jack Doheny Companies

Christian Bush 180 Healey Rd, Bolton, ON L7E 5B1 Tel: 905-857-7474 Membership Type: Associate

Tax Plan Leasing

Dennis Kuysten 235 Ruth Ave, Toronto, ON M2M 2J1 Tel: 416-565-0430 Membership Type: Associate

Terraform Contracting

Garry Reisky 83 St Germain Ave, Toronto, ON M5M 1V9 Tel: 416-848-0978 Membership Type: Active

WPE Equipment - Mississauga

Shalena Neven 3165 Unity Dr, Mississauga, ON L5L 4L5 Tel: 905-628-3055 Membership Type: Satellite

John McLinden

Thornhill, ON Membership Type: Horticultural

WATERLOO Gord Kinzie Ldsc. Inc

Gordon Kinzie 201 Old Mill Rd, Cambridge, ON N3H 4R8 Tel: 519-653-0649 Membership Type: Active

Kenneth Mirsky 6-625 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2A 0G6 Tel: 613-234-0007 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Northern Way Landscape Construction

TORONTO

Isabella Reid

AAA Landscaping Co Ltd

Amir Dhir 13 Trailhead Cres, Brampton, ON L6R 3H2 Tel: 647-784-1213 Membership Type: Active

Caleb de Winter Masonry Ltd

Caleb de Winter 135 Bayview Ave, Keswick, ON L4P 3Z3 Tel: 289-231-2032 Membership Type: Interim

Central Turf & Irrigation Supply

Nick Conte 272 Bradwick Dr, Concord, ON L4K 1K8 Tel: 905-532-0977 Membership Type: Associate

Driving Force Inc

Harvey Carr 5725 Atlantic Dr, Mississauga, ON L4W 1H3 Tel: 905-672-3775 Membership Type: Associate

Taylor Williams 236 Andrew St, Shelburne, ON L9V 2Y7 Tel: 519-278-0628 Membership Type: Chapter Associate Cambridge, ON Membership Type: Horticultural

INDUSTRY NEWS

COMMENT ON PROPOSED CHANGES TO PESTICIDE LICENSING PROGRAM

New version of mandatory poster released Changes to the Employment Standards Act came into force Ministry of Labour on Jan. 1, 2018 resulting in version 6.0 of the EmployEmployment Standards in Ontario The Employment Standards Act, 2000 ( ESA ) protects employees ment Standards Poster to be and sets minimum standards for most workplaces in Ontario. outdated. Ontario’s Ministry of Employers are prohibited from penalizing employees in any way for exercising their ESA rights.

Labour has published a new streamlined version of the What you need to know poster online for download.

Minimum wage Vacation time and pay Most employees are entitled Most employees earn vacation Other employment This poster helps ensure to be paid at least the minimum time after every 12 months of rights, exemptions and wage. For current rates visit: work. There are rules around special rules Ontario.ca/minimumwage. the amount of vacation pay employers understand their There are other rights, an employee earns.

Hours of work exemptions and special obligations and that employand overtime Termination notice and pay rules not listed on There are daily and weekly In most cases, employers must this poster including ees know their rights under the limits on hours of work, and give advance written notice when rights to severance pay rules around meal breaks, rest terminating employment and/or and special rules for periods and overtime.

Employment Standards Act, termination pay instead of notice. assignment employees of temporary help agencies.

Public holidays Leaves of absence 2000 (ESA). The poster must Ontario has a number of There are a number of jobpublic holidays each year. protected leaves of absence be posted in the workplace Most employees are entitled in Ontario. Examples include to take these days off pregnancy, parental, family work and be paid public where it is likely all employcaregiver, personal emergency holiday pay. leave (paid and unpaid) and sexual and/or domestic violence ees will see it. Employers are leave (paid and unpaid).

Subscribe to stay also required to give every up-to-date on the latest Learn more about your rights at: news that can affect you and your workplace: employee a copy of the poster.

Ontario.ca/employmentstandards Ontario.ca/labournews 1-800-531-5551 or TTY 1-866-567-8893 The poster is available in @ONlabour @OntarioMinistryofLabour many languages, but must be displayed in English. If the majority language of a workplace is a language other than English, and the Ministry has published a The poster is free of charge and can version of the poster in that language, the be downloaded via the Ministry of Labour employer is required to post a copy of the website at labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/pubs/ translation next to the English version of poster.php. the poster.

Version 7.0

Operators who hold pesticide licenses are invited to review and comment on proposed changes to the pesticide licensing program administered by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC).

MOECC has posted a proposal notice called Moving Pesticide Licensing Program from Paper-Based to Electronic Service Delivery to the Environmental Registry website. Comments will be accepted via the website until March 2, 2018.

While there will be no changes to the requirements to obtain a license renewal (ie: no recertification requirement or increase in renewal fee), specific license information will be made public. The proposed changes are the result of the government moving from a paper-based system to an online system that will enable licences to be applied for and issued online.

It is anticipated these amendments will come into force when the Ministry’s online pesticide licence electronic system is launched on Sept. 1, 2018.

On Nov. 14, 2017, legislative amendments to the Pesticides Act and Environmental Protection Act to enable online service delivery of the pesticides licensing program received Royal Assent as part of the government’s Cutting Unnecessary Red Tape Act, 2017.

To read a letter from the Ministry and get a link to the proposal and comment form, visit gfl.me/h3Ka. The proposal has been posted for a period of 45 days and all feedback received during the consultation period will be considered by the Ministry.

Proud to serve the leasing industry

for over 25 years

13-3245 Harvester Rd., Burlington, ON L7N 3T7 1-888-634-9559

Laura Catalano President

niscocanada.com

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 19

INDUSTRY NEWS

CANADA BLOOMS 2018

Themed gardens at Canada Blooms help to inspire visitors to renovate their own properties.

Canada Blooms, Toronto’s flower and garden festival, will run March 9-18, 2018 at the Enercare Centre in Toronto. Colocated with the National Home Show, the festival features spectacular display gardens built by Landscape Ontario member companies, a world-class floral competition by the Garden Club of Toronto, and over 100 hours of seminars and demonstrations from experts and leaders in the field. The theme this year is “Let’s go to the movies.”

The Landscape Ontario feature garden will be built by Genoscape and will pay tribute to fallen Canadian soldiers though the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute campaign.

The country’s largest garden festival attracts about 200,000 visitors each year. Terry Caddo, the festival’s general manager, says there are several new elements that will receive increased attention this year.

“We are very excited to highlight balcony gardens at the festival this spring, as well as the Plants of the Year program in collaboration with Proven Winners,” Caddo says.

Caddo also says the festival

BRAUN

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josh.sparks@expresswaytrucks.com

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

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

20 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2018

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

WWW.BRAUNGROUP.COM 1-800-246-6984

generates over $7.5 million in promotional media for the landscape profession each year, while visitors are expected to spend a combined $785 million on their home and yard in the 12 months following their visit.

For more information, to volunteer or purchase tickets, visit CanadaBlooms.com.

MUNICIPALITY TREE DEMAND SURVEY 2017

Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association in collaboration with Ontario Parks Association commissioned a survey of municipalities to better understand

a wide range of species. Data collected from a number of municipalities indicated oak trees accounted for 21 per cent of all trees that did not survive after planting.

In addition, only 33 per cent of respondents said they would accept containergrown trees for their plantings and none listed soil conditioning as a tree planting specification.

The Municipality Tree Demand Survey, and a MS Excel spreadsheet for municipalities to contribute their forecast requirements are available online at gfl.me/h3HW. This project was funded in part through Growing Forward 2 (GF2), a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of GF2 in Ontario.

CORRECTION NOTICE

In the President’s Message on page 3 of the January 2018 issue of Landscape Ontario magazine, Nathan Helder was not properly identified as the person working with members and staff to update LO’s strategic plan. Helder, president of Southbrook Consulting in Waterdown, Ont., and volunteer on the LO Show Committee, recently led the show team to create a very successful and detailed 10-year strategic plan. LO’s Provincial Board of Directors were so impressed with his work, they decided to hire Southbrook Consulting to also update LO’s strategic plan this year. Watch for more details on the initiative in a future issue.

LO magazine apologizes for any confusion the error may have caused.

their tree planting demands for the next five years.

The 2017 Municipality Tree Demand Survey will help Ontario tree growers to better understand the demand municipalities will have for trees for the next five years. The survey is also aimed at providing municipalities with a better understanding of investment into tree assets.

With this valuable insight from municipalities, Ontario tree growers will be able to better match production with demand.

The survey also looked at the mortality rate of native versus non-native species and compares mortality rates across

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EXECUTIVE DESK Listen Tony DiGiovanni CHT LO Executive Director

A

t the beginning of each year, LO staff choose a new word to act as a filter for all of our activities. Last year the word was “purpose.” This year it is “listen.”

It is remarkable how this simple concept works. Our brains are constantly filtering information: simplifying, categorizing, focusing and attempting to find clarity. Have you ever noticed when you purchase a new car all of sudden you then notice the same brand everywhere? In essence, this is how our word filtering works.

At Congress this year I purposely spent a lot of time listening. It was an uplifting and humbling experience. The more I listened the conversations became

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deeper, more thoughtful and more enriching. Listening from someone else’s perspective in a way allows you to become a little bit of the person you are listening to. Listening is like a window into someone else’s life. Their experiences become yours.

Each person I listened to had a story.

Some shared information about deaths, births and celebrations. Many were wondering how to find good workers. Some wondered about finding a new job focus or retiring. Others were energized about new opportunities and new products.

A few talked passionately about how to change the world for the better.

I heard about goals, aspirations, challenges, fears and business successes.

The family connections were very strong as l listened to fathers, daughters, sons, grandparents, grandchildren, cousins and uncles spanning up to three generations.

Congress felt like an extended family reunion. Many wanted to volunteer to feel a part of the profession they love.

One particularly touching story came from Jim Mosher, owner of Landscape Plus. Landscape Plus won the prestigious Dunington-Grubb Award. Directly after the Awards of Excellence ceremony, I received this text from Jim. “Hello Tony, We were very pleased to receive the Dunington-Grubb Award the other evening. Both my sisters, Lynn and Betty Ann said it was a lovely evening and a very special moment. I live in B.C. during the winters and was walking with my mom that afternoon. I wrote about it and thought you might find it interesting. I have posted it. Best Regards Jim.” Here is the touching story Jim wrote: “Life is a wonderful thing. My mother, Betty Mosher (Holiday), grew up in a home provided by my grandfathers’ employer, Sheridan Nurseries. My grandparents would live in that company home from 1932 until my grandfather’s passing in 1962.

In the late 1930s, Betty would work in the Sheridan Nursery fields and later after attending business school, the main office.

Yesterday afternoon, January 9, 2018 while out on a walk, mom, now in her

91st year, began talking about a bell on the side of the main barn next to the office. When it rang it meant that there was a call for the boss. It would fall to my mom to run out and fetch Mr. DuningtonGrubb.

Howard Burlingham Dunington-Grubb (1881-1965) was an English Landscape Architect. Often cited as the “Father of Canadian Landscape Architecture,” Mr. Dunington-Grubb was an industrious man. In 1914, he founded Sheridan Nurseries with Lorrie Alfreda DuningtonGrubb (1877-1945), his wife, business partner and fellow Landscape Architect.

He was a special speaker and prolific writer in the Department of Landscape Architecture at the University of Toronto, a staunch fan and supporter of Canadian Artists (Arthur Lismer of the Group of Seven and sculptor Frances Loring for example) and the creative force behind numerous architectural landmarks in and around the city of Toronto such as University Avenue.

Last evening, Landscape Plus was the honoured recipient of the very prestigious Dunington-Grubb Award for landscape construction at Landscape Ontario Congress. The list of firms that have received this award over the years is truly impressive. Our team is honoured to be in such company.

But while the feelings of pride and validation were wonderful, hands down the best part of the evening was telling mom.

She was well pleased... what a pleasure.

Jim” The article touched me. There is a profound thread of care and passion that connects generations to each other. I told Jim I sent his article to Karl and Bill Stensson at Sheridan Nurseries. Jim wrote back: “Thanks for sharing the article with Bill and Karl. Mom spoke of the Stenssons that afternoon as well, and how kind they were to my grandparents. My grandfather, Robert Holiday was unable to work the last two years of his life... the company home remained theirs to live in and he was retained at his full salary until he passed. I can’t help but be inspired when I hear of that kind of compassion and respect.”

Listening is enriching. Imagine if all of us decided to listen more carefully to our customers, employees, suppliers and families?

Tony DiGiovanni may be reached at tony@landscapeontario.com.

PUBLIC RELATIONS Why hire a professional?

By Denis Flanagan CLD Manager of Membership and Public Relations

T

hroughout 2018 Landscape Ontario will be distributing press releases with messages to the public on why they should hire a landscape professional, including what your prospective clients should look for when hiring a contractor. We will remind them of the basics, such as checking for references, WSIB and liability insurance, but one of the main reasons I think our members stand out as professionals is their ongoing commitment to education and professional development.

This commitment was obvious last month at Congress where a record number of members attended the show and also attended the many conference sessions. The conference rooms were packed with people eager to take in advice from experts like LO member Randy Tumber on how to design natural water features, and LO member Sean James who explained how to attract bees, butterflies and birds to your clients’ gardens.

These are both hot topics on the wish list of many homeowners who want the assurance they are dealing with professional designers and contractors who are up-to-date with the latest information on design, construction methods, new products and the latest technologies. Clients need to know their investment in their new landscape is going to give them the same enjoyment they see in glossy magazines and sales brochures.

Consumers also rely heavily on social media (like Pinterest) as their go-to source for inspiration. This is another great reason why companies need to keep up with the latest trends. At Hardscape LIVE! during Congress this year, the bleachers were full of contractors taking pictures and videos of the latest trends and techniques in pavers and walling materials.

The unique, extremely creative and professional work of LO members shown at the annual Awards of Excellence ceremony at Congress also helps to create some trends as well. These incredible projects were featured at the ceremony, on posters at the show, showcased on CityTV’s Breakfast Television and in several publications, blogs and websites. Our annual Garden Inspiration magazine distributed at Canada Blooms will also feature some of these award-winning projects, meaning tens of thousands of consumers will also be exposed to these spectacular projects.

All of this exposure to the public results in many potential clients visiting LandscapeOntario.com to connect with a qualified designer/contractor they feel can create the oasis they are looking for.

Those qualifications are only strengthened by our members continuing to educate themselves not only at Congress, but throughout the year. LO’s Professional Development Guide has a diverse range of topics including stonemasonry (a traditional art form that has seen a resurgence in today’s marketplace), designing perennial beds (which requires hours of teaching but pays off not only in gorgeous

gardens, but also in clients that are willing to pay for a member to piece together a complicated botanical jig saw puzzle).

Through the hard work of LO chapters, sector groups and staff working together, more educational events will take place over the next several weeks: Landscape Lighting Conference, Irrigation Conference, Nursery Growers Short Course, London Plant Symposium, Peer to Peer Network Sessions, Fusion Landscape Professional program, Water Smart Irrigation Professional program, Grounds Management and Landscape Contractor Lecture Series, Gear Up for Spring and GreenTrade Expo...wow!

If you attended every LO educational offering over the next six weeks you would have put in more hours than it takes to earn a Master’s degree. Take a break and attend the Golden Horseshoe Chapter’s Family Bowling Weekend and Georgian Lakelands Ski and Spa Day. It will take all of us to spread that word about the many professional services of LO members. We can send out press releases and put messages on social media from the Milton home office, but you should also take time to boast about your achievements. If you have won awards, attended courses, or earned a certification, be proud of those achievements and include them in your newsletters, portfolios and on social media.

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

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MEMBERSHIP Your Olympic team

By Myscha Stafford LO Membership and Chapter Coordinator

W

hen I think winter sports, I think of snow, ice, speed, and snazzy sweaters from the Hudson’s Bay Company, emblazoned with our country’s signature maple leaf. Typically, I don’t think of South Korea, but PyeongChang is hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics this month. I love the Olympics. The Games are the embodiment of hard work, perseverance, team work, pride and excellence. These are all ideal qualities for your staff to possess. What Olympic competition best describes the team at your company this season?

Skeleton/luge

Do you feel like your team is hurtling out of control? Are you on a path with lots of twists and turns and you can’t see a light at the end of the tunnel? Perhaps there is a team member who likes to lean into a project head-first, without involving all of the team members. Maybe you have an avoider who likes to make a quick exit from a sticky situation or who doesn’t address challenges in an appropriate way. Use your winter prep time wisely to pump the brakes on the sled and re-evaluate your goals for 2018. Do you need to invest in

er ist g Re

! ay d to

some training for your staff? Are there staffing changes that need to be made? Before the sled picks up more speed, review your game plan for the season and make proactive changes to ensure this season wins the gold medal.

Speed skaters, figure skaters and skiers

Are your staff playing for the team or is there someone who is concerned with showing off and sticking the landing themselves rather than thinking about the team as a whole? This is not to say you have a Tonya Harding among your staff, but perhaps these folks are prioritizing their own goals over those of the team. These are the candidates who need to be integrated into the team mindset versus individual sports.

Invite this person to accompany you to a Landscape Ontario chapter meeting or register them for a training seminar. Providing them with leadership roles and increased responsibility will make them feel valued and responsible for the results of the team/ crew they lead.

Bobsled, curling or hockey

Any team sport requires all players to work at the same pace and same skill level in order to drive the company forward. Those not up to speed quickly stand out and can let the entire team down. A gold medal-winning team that works together to rise above any challenges and perform their very best is your ultimate goal. And a great team is not afraid to “sweep!” up after themselves.

This is the gold medal team you’ve been striving for. You have invested in training staff via LO’s winter seminars and chapter meetings, and you’ve held pre-season meetings to set out your goals. The new team jerseys are ready (company apparel), appropriate leaders have been allocated and you have spent the winter preparing your team for their moment to shine and represent your company to the best of their abilities. #winning.

Constant training improves your game

There’s still time to take advantage of some pre-season training to get your team in tip top shape before the main event. LO’s nine regional chapters are focused on safety, regulations and compliance in the months of February and March. Meeting topics include: accessibility regulations, mental health awareness, commercial vehicle rules and regulations and medical marijuana in the workplace (a budding topic!).

Meetings are a great opportunity to learn the latest information from experts which can help both you and your staff to avoid costly fines, downtime and mountains of paperwork. In your pursuit of Olympic gold this season, don’t forget to also take time to relax, enjoy and have fun. LO’s Golden Horseshoe Chapter is busy ‘gearing up’ for two events, including the annual Family Day Weekend Bowling (Feb. 18) and the Gear Up for Spring (March 27).

Georgian Lakelands annual Ski and Spa Day returns on Feb. 22 and you can participate in one or both options. Either way, there’s also great food and a guaranteed good time at the après ski.

Go Canada go!

Myscha Stafford can be reached at myscha@landscapeontario.com or 1-800-265-5656 ext.2333.

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UNDERGROUND WORLD

increased each year and an all-out effort is needed to reduce this trend.

2018 ORCGA Geographic Councils

News, training and events for 2018

By Terry Murphy CLM

A

s I walked the aisles of my 31st Congress last month, I got a lot of nice comments about the usefulness of the information in this column and I appreciate all of your comments.

I had a class of Mohawk College apprenticeship students down at Congress on Jan. 10.

Their assignment was to visit safety organizations, the New Product Showcase and the education section to get a general feel for the wonderful profession they are entering. They then had to write a page on the value of the show to the horticultural profession.

At Congress, the underground community had representation from the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA), ON1CALL, Technical Standards and Safety Association (TSSA), Enbridge Gas, Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS), Infrastructure Health and Safety Association, and many others. All of these groups, combined with Landscape Ontario and the Canadian Fence Industry Association (CFIA) help to get out the “Dig Safe” message to all excavating contractors.

More on-time locate services in 2018

By provincial law, locates are required to be completed within five days of a call to ON1CALL. If the locate has not been completed on time, you are to call the locator to see what can be done to accommodate your problem. In most cases, the locate firm can reallocate staff to get your locate completed. If not, please call Steve Waugh at ON1CALL. Steve is the industry policeman and has the power to fine a locator if he sees fit. His job is to know about problems and then solve them.

ORCGA membership fees frozen for 2018

Since it began 13 years ago, the ORCGA has never increased their annual dues of $125 for a contractor with fewer than 20

employees. There will be no increase in 2018 either. ORCGA management has achieved this by managing costs and focusing on membership and sponsorship growth. Excavating contractors, landscapers and fencing companies who belong to ORCGA have an advantage over competing contractors because membership shows you care for the safety of your employees and for public safety. Visit the ORCGA website for a full list of benefits or to become a member.

2018 ORCGA Symposium

The underground damage prevention industry has an annual three-day convention similar to Congress. Open to the landscape, fencing and excavating industries, this year’s symposium will be held Feb. 9-11 at the Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood, Ont. The event includes an annual general meeting, seminars, a trade show, recreational activities, guest speakers and a board meeting. For details, contact Keith Begley at keith@orcga.com or visit the ORCGA website.

Canada Blooms 2018

For the third straight year, the ORCGA will participate in Canada Blooms with an exhibit that will focus on showing the public what utility services are hidden underground that can be damaged if they dig without first calling ON1CALL for locates.

Most of the public are totally unaware of their obligation and the requirement by law to call before they dig. Designed by Sean James and built by Bruce Wilson Landscaping, the exhibit is sponsored

by ON1CALL and will be built by apprenticeship students from Mohawk College.

Thanks to all the volunteers, including Tim Mcleish and Charlie Wilson from Bruce Wilson Landscaping.

Fencing industry involvement

I also write a similar column for the fencing industry publication, Fence Focus. In this quarterly publication, we aim to deliver damage prevention information and news to the fencing industry. The fence association are an integral part of the damage prevention industry and are working hard to foster a responsible challenge to reduce utility strikes in 2018. Their utility hits have

Like LO’s chapters, the ORCGA has Geographic Councils. The 13 councils across the province have regional meetings with guest speakers that are focussed on underground hit reduction and membership growth. All LO members are welcome to attend any of the meetings. Visit the ORCGA website for meeting locations and dates.

LO winter seminars

All ORCGA members should know the seminars in LO’s Professional Development Guide are available to them as well. Over 100 seminars are scheduled throughout the winter months while most of the excavation industry has slowed down. ORCGA members qualify for the LO member rate for all seminars, a savings of about 33 per cent. Most seminars are one-day and run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and include lunch and all-day coffee.

These savings alone can easily pay for your ORCGA membership fee. Visit HortTrades.com/seminars.

Back yard locator program

When you call ON1CALL for locates, the locate provider marks from the street service to the entrance of the building. If you are working on a side or back yard, the locate provided typically does not cover any facilities in those areas of the property. A growing trend is for contractors to have their own locator equipment in order to check for underground lines before digging. Included in the winter offerings from LO is a course on back yard locate training. All contractors (landscape, fence, irrigation, etc.) can benefit from this training. The three-hour seminar could prevent a utility hit and is offered in Milton and Ottawa.

Conclusion

In this column each month, I attempt to provide ORCGA, LO, CFIA members and other contractors about training, events, initiatives and programs that will increase safety and professionalism for all. If you would like more information, have any questions or comments, or require advice on additional training for staff or you company, please contact me.

Terry Murphy can be reached at tvmurphy@ca.inter.net.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 25

PROSPERITY PARTNERS If you aim at nothing…

By Jacki Hart CLM Prosperity Partners Program Manager

A

nyone involved in Landscape Ontario’s Prosperity Partners learning program over the past 12 years should know how to finish the sentence: “If you’re aiming at nothing...”

As your business plans for the upcoming season start to unfold, budgets get implemented and recruiting rolls into full swing, it’s time to be VERY clear on what you’re aiming at.

Because “if you’re aiming at nothing, you’ll hit it with huge accuracy.” It’s so true.

Knowing what to measure in your business can be a difficult thing to determine.

Many contractor entrepreneurs would rather have a root canal than sit down at a desk and drill into their business results to see what’s happening. Figuring out what to do in order to improve those results is even harder. In my experience working face to face with owners of landscaping businesses, I think it’s fair to say that less than 10 per cent are comfortable with analyzing their business results, let alone strategically planning to improve. So, if you’re in the other 90 per cent, read on.

First, let’s keep it simple.

What to measure and when

In order to add some structure to your thinking, take a look at these six key resources I use as simplified measuring sticks: Capital. This means money, available credit, cash on hand, leverageable assets, etc. At any given time, your balance sheet (if accurate and accessible), can give you a snap shot of what working capital you have available. I realize many of you struggle with understanding a balance sheet, so there are other simple ways to check-in with the resource of capital. Compare the amounts and age of accounts receivable against the same data on your payables. How much cash is in the bank? How likely you are to collect the receivables on time? What expenses

26 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2018

are on the horizon? Especially what I call ‘chunky’ ones: HST remittances, source deduction remittances, WSIB payments, mortgage, rent, leases, loans — it’s handy to have a monthly total in your head of what these typically cost. This will help you to manage cash flow more smoothly.

Culture. This is your attitude versus aptitude. Is everyone involved with the ‘business of doing business’ with you (employees, customers, suppliers and potential ones) clear on who the company is and what is consistently expected and delivered? What are the non-negotiables for behaviour? What principles and values guide decisions? How do you know who is right or wrong fit? When you have a healthy culture, there’s no doubt as to who your company is and everyone is fully-engaged.

Momentum. How well-established is your company? On what processes and systems are you building future growth and innovation? Does your company have steady growth that is bringing in right-fit new customers? Are your existing customers loyal and good advocates for you? Are you innovating and continuing to improve your team and your offerings?

Is your company moving forward on most fronts?

Market. How well are you positioned in the marketplace, along with your competitors, at what you do or sell? What are your unique value propositions? How well do you differentiate your company from others — and how well do you do that in the eye of your potential and existing consumers? What is your brand? How do you promote it? Who engages with it and who remains engaged? How do you measure it?

Time. Do you have time every day to look at the big picture? Do you ever consider your job description and how well you are performing at it? Are you leaving some important things off your to do list because you’re too busy? Is there a balance between what your company needs from you, and how you choose to spend your time running it? Do you eat well, sleep well and balance work with family?

Talent. How deep is your bench? What league are you in? Junior A, Junior B,

NHL? Is there a good mix among your team members of daily engagement, continuous improvement, striving for personal bests and creativity? How skilled are your staff? Are they willing to improve and learn? What are you doing to nurture that? How well are skills matched to growth strategy and innovative plans for offerings and service?

I know being an employer is hard work and it’s not getting any easier. Labour is the key challenge for our profession. I also know that owning a business is hard work. Between government compliance, rapidly changing marketing methods and everything in between, most business owners are scrambling to keep up with knowing everything they need to, in order to keep up with change.

Think ahead

One of the best ways to keep up, and get ahead, is to anticipate and plan. Step back. Look at what’s happening (even the less obvious things). Look to the resources you have available and build solutions proactively. I’m making it sound easy, but it’s not. But there’s no time like the present to set your sights on getting started. You’re driving the company bus.

You set the GPS. If you don’t, then who will? If not now, then when? I challenge you to answer these two questions right now.

Need help? You’ve got a great resource with Landscape Ontario’s Peer to Peer Network. Join in the conversation.

Ask questions and let your peers share their experience. Together we’re all stronger and better as a community of professionals. Not a member, email signup.peer2peer@landscapeontario.com.

Do you have a topic, issue or question to ask your LO member peers?

Contact Jacki Hart at info.peertopeer@landscapeontario.com.

Business owners and upper management of LO member companies can participate in LO’s Peer to Peer Network discussion groups online via LinkedIn and/or Facebook.

To join, simply email signup. peer2peer@landscapeontario.com and ask to be added to the online group(s).

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