Landscape Ontario - January 2018

January 2018 HortTrades.com

IMPROVE AND ADAPT New Landscape Ontario president Warren Patterson takes direction from the past, present and future.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Adapting to change is key to continuing our success

By Warren Patterson LO President

A

bout 15 years ago, I decided to take a new direction in my career and chose to open a garden centre. I then immediately decided to become a member of Landscape Ontario.

The decision to join LO was simple.

Being a new business, I needed to align my products and services with a reputable group.

Becoming a member of LO gave me instant credibility (after all, not just anyone can become a member). Being an LO member also gave me access to a group of successful, experienced professionals from whom I could learn. This is very important. Why go through the process of failing and having to learn from your mistakes when somebody, somewhere has already learned that lesson and is willing to help you to avoid making the same mistake? I have

January, 2018 • Volume 36, No. 1 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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Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department Landscape Ontario 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 Canada Phone: 905-875-1805

received advice from many very successful business owners over the years simply because of my involvement with LO. It really is the “club for mutual improvement” that LO Executive Director Tony DiGiovanni talks about so often.

Over the years, my experience with LO is that the more you give, the more you grow as an individual and better understand how to be a better businesses person. That constant improvement and sharing is what LO is all about. Even though the association represents many different business interests, LO is a highlyfunctioning association. The volunteer culture is alive and well at LO. We all have a short season in which we must make a decent living and LO is very respectful of its members’ time.

The success of the association is also in part due to its dedicated staff. They are loyal, fully understanding of who they work for and continue to move the association forward. The direction of staff is in large part due to the vision of our founders and the past presidents who continue to provide great leadership and focus on what is important to build a sustainable and

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

relevant association.

Currently, we are at a very fortunate moment in our 45 year history. With the recent land disposition, we are able to invest in the future of our members. We must continue the tradition of being very strategic in what, when and how we invest, as we continue to face new challenges.

The biggest challenges I see for our members are the unprecedented changes with regards to new government regulations, a changing workforce, and the introduction of technology at an everincreasing rate. Our members must adapt to these changes in order to maintain profitability and growth.

As an association, we must also adapt to these changes — at the same time or even faster than our members, in order to remain relevant and deliver the services our members expect. For this, LO has engaged Nathan Helder to work with members and staff to update LO’s strategic plan. Nathan recently helped the trade show department to create a very successful and detailed 10-year plan.

This plan, together with the plan for the building renewal, will help to steer the association in a position to be able to adapt to the changing needs of our members, now and in the future.

I look forward to leading the association during these exciting times and helping LO to adapt to the changing needs of its members.

Warren Patterson may be reached at warrenpatterson@barriegardencentre.com

4 6 7 12 13 14 17 22 22

FEATURES FUSION LANDSCAPING WARREN PATTERSON

ASSOCIATION NEWS EVENTS NEW MEMBERS INDUSTRY NEWS COLUMNS ADVERTISERS CLASSIFIEDS

Views expressed are those of the writer concerned. Landscape Ontario assumes no responsibility for the validity or correctness of any opinions or references made by the author. Copyright 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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How landscapes can create environmental change

By Cassandra Wiesner LO Environmental Coordinator

In partnership with the Region of Peel and the Regional Municipality of York, Landscape Ontario has developed the Fusion Landscape Professional (FLP) certification program. Fusion Landscaping combines the art and science of horticulture with the science of hydrology to design, build, install and maintain aesthetically-pleasing, water-efficient landscapes that optimize lot level stormwater management and enhance the environment. The program has been developed in order to help drive market transformation, making water-efficient, environmentally conscious landscapes the new norm.

Many landscape horticulture professionals have been practicing Fusion Landscaping principles for years. However, the program has branded these innovative, environmentally-conscious landscape practices in a way that is mar-

e

ketable to clients. The program covers the science behind Fusion Landscaping, how to sell Fusion landscapes to clients, site inventory, analysis, planning, design, construction, and maintenance considerations.

The first FLP training seminar was held Nov. 1-2, 2017 with great success.

The classroom was filled with passionate professionals, actively practicing and working in at least one of the landscape design, construction and/or maintenance sectors.

Margaret Abernethy, owner of Cypress Hill Design & Build in Claremont, Ont., says of her experience with the Fusion Landscape Professional program: “For our company, it validates what we are already doing. It gives a designation to principles that we are already incorporating into our landscapes, so that when we are talking with our clients, we can say we are actually certified in this. It gives a more professional edge to our business.”

FLP participant Sean Hayes, president of Clintar Landscape Management Brampton, says he has become increasingly interested in implementing more sustainable water management practices in his construction and maintenance divisions in recent years. However, consumer demand has been sparse.

“Without question, the biggest challenge in getting low impact development out there more is educating the public,” Hayes explained. “I’m optimistic that by taking part in the Fusion Landscape

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(L-R): Margaret Abernethy, Mike Prong, Jane Davey and Anna van Maris collaborate during the Fusion training session held in November 2017.

Professional Program, I will have the knowledge and the ammunition I need to get the message across on the importance of stormwater management and water conservation to my clients.”

There is an expanding market for Fusion Landscaping and the Regions of Peel and York are supporting its development through market-based program-

ming. These regions have developed marketing campaigns designed to influence consumer habits towards Fusion Landscaping. This marketing support is increasing consumer demand for Fusion landscaping and FLP contractors can benefit from this growing market.

The interactive FLP seminar delivered

by Credit Valley Conservation in Novem-

ber, inspired creative discussions and innovative ideas that were truly inspiring. The positive impact the landscape horticulture profession can have on our changing environment was very evident.

The landscapes we create can provide solutions to the affects of climate change, whether it’s managing stormwater, reducing irrigation requirements during drought, or reducing the urban heat island effect, every landscape horticulture professional has the ability to make a difference.

Whether you are looking to grow your business, develop your skills, address municipal requirements, or simply keep up with the latest landscape trends and best practices, becoming a FLP will help you to meet your goals. As a FLP, you will be able to diversify the services you offer, generate a new or expanded revenue stream and stay on trend with the wants and needs of your clients.

The next Fusion Landscape Professional certification program training seminar will be held Feb. 27-28, 2018.

Landscape Ontario members can apply online at HortTrades.com/fusion. For questions about the program, contact Cassandra Wiesner at 1-800-265-5656, ext.

2397 or fusion@landscapeontario.com.

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Warren Patterson (right) looks over the educational offereing of the Congress Conference program with some of his team members.

Adapting to change is the theme of Warren Patterson’s presidency The 30th elected president of Landscape Ontario, Warren Patterson says anyone who knows him in life knows he is never satisfied with the status quo.

Now serving the first of his two-year term as president, Patterson and his wife Heather are also owners of Barrie Garden Centre in Barrie, Ont. Patterson likes to believe that everything can be improved in life. “I’ve always had the ability to make improvements on anything I am working on. That’s what I love about what I am doing in life: there is a better way in the garden centre to receive product or display product or treat your staff,” Patterson explains.

A life-changing moment

The Pattersons were not always in the business of selling plants. Warren clearly remembers the day: October 31, 2000, when he realized his life needed a change.

He was away from his family on business, and during a phone call to his wife at home, he realized he was missing his son’s first Halloween. Soon after, the couple decided to build and open a garden centre in Barrie.

With the idea of a garden centre in his mind, Patterson credits Paul Olsen, a past president of LO and owner of Brookdale Treeland Nurseries in Schomberg, Ont. with having a “huge influence on him.”

Olsen offered great advice, which Patterson continues to ask for to this day.

6 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JANUARY 2018

“When I opened my garden centre, I immediately joined Landscape Ontario because I recognize the value of being part of something bigger than what you are in life,” Patterson says.

Tap someone on the shoulder

After being a member of LO for a year, Patterson credits Georgian Lakelands Chapter president Earl Graham with getting him involved in the association.

“Earl Graham tapped me on the shoulder and said ‘do you want to come out to a chapter meeting? It’s at the local golf course’” and from that time on, I got involved. I truly believe that I get more out of the association than what I give — and that’s the value. Everytime you go to an event or a meeting, you are discussing issues that are common to you and to others and together you are sharing what your insights and your solutions are.”

“It’s through that sharing, you not only become a better person, you are just a better business person. The world is too big to take it on by yourself, so when you are part of a community like LO, you are actually bigger than what you are at times.”

Patterson says he then got involved with LO’s Provincial Board of Directors because he enjoyed making decisions on the issues brought to the board level.

Another tap on the shoulder then got Warren involved at the executive board

level. “I think those taps on the shoulder are really instrumental in the success of this association and everybody needs to tap somebody else to either bring them on as a member or to move them into being an engaged member right through to a committee or the executive. You can always do something to contribute.”

Through his involvement with LO at the board level for almost 10 years, Patterson says the level of respect in the room is always high. “The board understands their role and the staff understands their role, and that is something I have always admired – that an association this big is so functional,” he says.

Patterson appreciates the groundwork set out by LO’s founders. “I have also come to really appreciate how the founders and leadership of LO, 10, 20, 30 years ago, their decisions have had such a significant impact on the future of LO and we are now starting to see that.”

“There is no association that I know of, and there are probably only a few in the world, that have the asset value that LO does. And that’s hats off to those people who made the decisions before me many years ago,” Patterson says.

Role as president

Patterson says his role as president is to communicate to the members, the executive, provincial board, sectors and chapters what it is that LO represents and what it is working on and to make sure those priorities are truly what the members, chapters and sectors really want.

Citing the recent increase to minimum wage as one of the biggest challenges facing the profession, Patterson is looking forward to finding ways to help members improve upon and adapt to those changes and to the ones to follow. In fact, he’s made it the focus of his term as LO president.

The challenges ahead

Patterson says having to adapt to changes is clearly one of the biggest challenges he faces as a business owner.

“Whether its labour or transportation laws, every month, I am affected by some government body. How do I make sure my business is still profitable because of that compliance?”

Patterson says businesses and the association need to adapt to the significant change in how government is now operating in society and the influence they have on businesses.

“The changes government are requesting of businesses are more and more and more, and as businesses and as an association we have to adapt just as quickly.”

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Georgian Lakelands Chapter celebrates excellence

2017 Service and Leadership Award, to Michael LaPorte for his efforts in expanding the chapter’s boundaries while at the same time unifying its members.

Solty commented, “He [Michael] worked to find a way to build a stronger chapter by creating an inclusive chapter, where all member companies would have the opportunity to attend meetings where they live. Through his work on the board, Michael has been able to foster a greater sense of belonging to the Georgian Lakelands Chapter family. He has been one of our greatest supporters and continues to help out wherever he can.”

Congratulations to the winners: • Hardscape Material Supplier of the Year: Cast N Stone • Plant Material Supplier of the Year: Solty’s Garden Centre • Equipment and Accessory Supplier of the Year: Linzel Distributing • Best service Supplier of the Year: Barrie Blue Printing • Best Salesperson of the Year: Mike Rohricht, Solty’s Garden Centre • Best Boss of the Year: Andrew Beattie, Ideal Landscape Services • Volunteer of the Year: Nick Solty • Employee of the Year: Dayna Pinkney, Clearview Nursery • Service and Leadership Award: Michael LaPorte, Clearview Nursery

Landscape Ontario’s Georgian Lakelands Chapter held their annual Awards of Distinction at Casino Rama in Orillia, Ont., on Nov. 30. Emceed by Clearview Nursery’s Michael LaPorte, the evening included socializing and dinner prior to

Chapter member Lexi Dearborn of Dearborn Designs gave a summary of the chapter’s many projects over the years and recognized the hard work and dedication of the many volunteers in advance of presenting the Volunteer of the Year award to Nick Solty. Dearborn stated volunteers

Michael LaPorte accepts the Service and Leadership Award from Volunteer of the Year recipient Nick Solty.

the announcement of winners in each of the eight categories to a crowd of about 80 people.

Nick Solty, a past-president of Landscape Ontario and founding member of the chapter, presented a new award, the

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ASSOCIATION NEWS have “planned chapter meetings, looked for speakers, booked speakers, found locations for meetings, planned the food, invited members, and acted as hosts. Volunteers have planned chapter events, sat through board meetings, sat on LO committees, sat on LO sector groups, been our Provincial Rep., and been LO President (three times). We’ve sat in the LO booth at community garden shows, been speakers at garden shows, set up garden shows, sat in the LO booth at Congress with the GL trailer…”

Dearborn also noted, “Four years ago, our chapter had 151 member companies.

As of last week, we had 321 member companies. If you want bragging rights, our chapter is larger than the Ottawa or London chapters. This growth isn’t because LO has a great truck discount, it is because of our volunteers.”

GROWERS TO LEARN ABOUT PRODUCTION AND MARKETING

Landscape Ontario’s Growers’ Sector Group will host the Nursery Growers’ Short Course at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, Ont., on Feb. 7. The annual event provides a full-day of topics aimed at educating nursery growers on the latest trends, methods, research and technology.

This year’s theme is “Innovative Production Practices from Oregon, Mar-

ket Trends and so much more!” Guest speaker Mark Krautman, owner of Heritage Seedlings in Salem, Ore., will be featured in two presentations. Also a former president of the Oregon Association of Nurseries, Krautman will share his knowledge of production methods and marketing of ornamentals.

A dozen other experts will provide relevant information pertaining to pests, irrigation management, automation, urban tree selection, and more.

Plant Products is the platinum sponsor of the event, which will conclude with the popular “Grower Good Ideas” session.

The cost is $85 for an LO member, $95 for a potential member and $30 for a student. Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, refreshment breaks and door prizes. After Jan. 30, the price goes up to $100. Register online at HortTrades.com/growers-group.

LEARN ABOUT PLANTS AT LONDON CHAPTER EVENT

Landscape Ontario’s London Chapter will present The Plant Symposium on Feb. 9 in the Crystal Ballroom of the Lamplighter Inn, 591 Wellington Rd., London, Ont. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features presentations by some top names in the plant world, including: Paul Zammit and Nancy Eaton from the Toronto Botanical Garden who will discuss Planting with a Greater Purpose

and Pollinator Plants too!; Brenda Gallagher will present Problems with Invasive Plants; landscape designer Mathis Natvik will discuss Merging Ecology, Aesthetics and Infrastructure with Landscape Design; and Lorraine Johnson will present Growing Edible Native Plants.

Tickets for the event are $25 and include buffet lunch, a marketplace and great door prizes. For more information or to purchase bulk tickets, contact Wendy Harry at wharry@landscapeontario. com. Online registration is available at HortTrades.com/london-chapter.

IRRIGATION CONFERENCE LEAVES THE CONGRESS NEST

Landscape Ontario’s annual Irrigation Conference is moving out on its own.

Previously held in conjunction with the Congress trade show, this year’s Irrigation Conference will be held Feb. 2 at Lionhead Golf and Conference Centre, 8525 Mississauga Road, Brampton, Ont. Located just north of Hwy. 407, the new venue will provide lots of space for this growing event.

Landscape Ontario’s Irrigation Sector Group is host and planning committee of the event. The group has worked hard to ensure the content is geared to seasoned irrigation contractors. Several exhibitors will be on hand to display products and services, including some new products for the upcoming season.

Session for attendees include: Speaking IT for Irrigation Water Management, Profitable Pricing of Irrigation Systems, and Selling Profitable Irrigation Systems, and an informative and beneficial presen-

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tation on the Water Smart Irrigation Professional (WSIP) program.

Tickets are $75 for an LO member and $100 for a non-member until Jan. 19 when the price goes up to $100 for an LO member and $125 for a non-member.

Registration and more details are online at IrrigationConference.ca.

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EDUCATIONAL EVENING FOR LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS

Landscape Ontario’s Landscape Contractors’ Sector Group will host its annual lecture event on Feb. 22 at Lionhead Golf and Conference Centre in Brampton, Ont. The event features landscape contractor, Chris Mace of Gelderman Landscape Services and Mark Hartley of Mark Hartley Landscape Architects.

The evening will begin with registration and a cash bar reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the lectures at 7 p.m.

With over 20 years of experience in business management, landscape construction and design, Chris Mace also has an education in marketing and is deeply involved with Landscape Ontario.

Mark Hartley will reflect on memorable and noteworthy landscapes over

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ASSOCIATION NEWS the last 35 years of his career as a landscape architect and explain how landscape design is an essential part of the dialogue we have with the earth.

The evening will also include a networking break and reception.

Tickets are $40 per person until Feb. 8, then pricing goes up to $65 per person. Registration and details are available online at LandscapeLecture.ca.

GROUNDS MANAGEMENT LECTURE COMING IN FEBRUARY

Landscape Ontario’s Grounds Management Sector Group will host its annual lecture event on Feb. 22 at Lionhead Golf and Conference Centre in Brampton, Ont. The annual, full-day event features a great panel of speakers on essential topics related to the grounds maintenance profession.

Bob Reeves from Root Rescue Environmental Products will provide a practi-

IN MEMORIAM MARIA PUTZER

cal guide to understanding the dynamics and importance of plant/microbe interactions in soil. Rich Hawkes from Sustane Natural Fertilizer will discuss ways to improving soil through organics, including how organic practices can reduce the use of pesticides. Rodger Tschanz, University of Guelph Trial Garden Manager and Paul Zammit from the Toronto Botanical Gardens will team up to highlight the newest and most popular varieties of plant material and demonstrate which combinations work best in containers for private and public spaces.

Registration opens at 9:30 a.m. followed by sessions at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. Admission includes lunch (served at 11:30 a.m.), a networking break and exhibitors.

Early bird tickets are available until Feb. 8 for $40 per person. After that, the price goes up to $65 per person. Registration and details are available online at LandscapeLecture.ca.

Putzer Nursery is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Maria Putzer.

Maria Ottilia Putzer (nee Etzel) was born October 9, 1923; she took her leave peacefully with her beloved son, William (Bill) at her side in the morning of November 27, 2017 at Milton District Hospital.

Maria was a loving wife and best friend to John Putzer for 75 years before he passed on Christmas Day, 2015.

Maria was the loving mother to Bill and Heidi.

In March 1952, Maria and John set out from LeHavre for a voyage to Canada, which unknown to them at the time would become their home for the next 63 years. In Canada, John, a gardener, worked for Sheridan Nurseries that first season. The next spring, he and Maria started John H. Putzer Ltd. Alongside of it, with the help of their son William, they also grew M. Putzer Hornby Nursery Ltd.

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GROWERS GATHER TO LEARN ABOUT CHALLENGES AHEAD

With another busy season almost in the books, over 60 nursery growers, retailers and suppliers gathered at the Landscape Ontario’s Growers’ Sector Group Fall Dinner Meeting on Nov. 28 at Piper’s Heath Golf Course in Hornby, Ont. The annual end-of-season event provided members of the growing community with an excellent opportunity catch up and discuss the challenges and successes of another year of operations and look ahead to the challenges and trends they will face in the future.

After networking and dinner, attendees were treated to two special guest speakers who offered insights and ideas on how nursery operators can adapt to, and minimize the effects of the recent minimum wage increase and other labour changes under Bill 148.

Ken Linington, Labour Issues Coordinating Committee (LICC), shared his

insights on the changing labour force in North America due to changes in global labour standards and changing government policies. Formed in 1991, the LICC is a coalition of agricultural and farm organizations representing the interests of Ontario farm employers on labour related issues to the government.

Linington also explained how government is shifting more responsibility to business owners in regards to employees and how nursery operators could gain a future workforce by managing a more multicultural workforce due to the large migration of refugees and immigrants from other countries.

John Van de Vegte, engineer with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Environment Management Branch, shared a methodology that nursery producers can adopt that allows them to map, observe and quantify individual tasks or processes in order to improve productivity and efficiency, thus reducing labour and material costs.

With a history in the automotive production industry, Van de Vegte noted businesses sometimes get so involved in doing things a certain way that it some-

times takes an outsider to look at things in order to catch inefficiencies. Sometimes this can be as simple as bringing a new employee on board and listening to what other employees have to say.

Van de Vegte has some experience working with agricultural producers, and gave concrete examples on how to work more efficiently, such as how far workers had to walk for certain tasks, how many people were involved in a particular task, etc. He also mentioned shaving mere seconds off a simple, daily task performed my multiple workers could then easily translate into saving many hours over the length of an entire season, thus increasing productivity.

The venue also provided an update on activities by the Growers’ Sector Group, given by Growers’ Group chair John Mantel. Two big upcoming projects of the group are the annual Growers’ Short Course, Feb. 7 at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, Ont., and the Grower’s Grove display at Canada Blooms, March 9-18 in Toronto.

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EVENTS

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

Jan. 17

Feb. 2

Feb. 8

Board meeting at 10 a.m. followed by Landscape Lighting with John Higo at 12:30 p.m.

Lionhead Golf and Conference Centre Register by Jan. 19 at IrrigationConference.ca to save $25.

Topic: Safety

Upper Canada Chapter meeting

Irrigation Conference 2018

Jan. 18

Windsor Chapter meeting

Ottawa Chapter meeting

Feb. 7

Feb. 13

Schwaben Club, 1668 King St. E., Kitchener

Lamplighter Inn Meeting starts at noon.

Feb. 7

Royal Canadian Legion, 3500 Fallowfield Rd. AGM will be held starting at noon.

Upper Canada Chapter meeting

Kingston Invista Centre, Hall AB Board meeting at 10 a.m., roundtable discussion at 12:30 p.m.

Jan. 25

Toronto Chapter meeting

Board meeting at noon, followed by a presentation on using ecology and sustainability to improve sales.

Lighting Conference

Lionhead Golf and Conference Centre Register at LightingConference.ca by Jan. 18 to save $20.

London Chapter meeting

Feb. 13

Ottawa Awards of Distinction

EY Centre, Ottawa Celebrate the best suppliers. Visit GreenTrade.ca.

Feb. 7

Feb. 14

Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington Register at HortTrades.com/growers-group by Jan. 30 to save.

EY Centre, Ottawa Register online at GreenTrade.ca.

Nursery Growers Short Course

Feb. 1

The Plant Symposium

Lamplighter Inn, Crystal Ballroom Tickets are only $25 at HortTrades.com/london-chapter.

Waterloo Chapter meeting

Jan. 24

Feb. 9

Durham Chapter meeting

Feb. 7

Dominion Golf Club Jessica Violet from WSPS will discuss mental health and the AODA.

Toronto Chapter meeting

Feb. 8

Georgian Lakelands Chapter meeting

The meeting in Huntsville will include a representative from WSPS.

Re gi st er to da y!

Contractor lecture series

GreenTrade Expo

Feb. 15

Windsor Chapter meeting

Dominion Golf Club Mike Pennington will discuss social media marketing. Lunch at noon.

ALL IN ONE EVENT FOR LIGHTING CONTRACTORS!

Thursday February 1, 2018

Thursday February 22, 2018

Lionhead Golf Conference Centre

8525 Mississauga Rd, Brampton L6Y 0C1

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

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LUNCH PARTNER

Early Bird Registration until February 8 $40 Member / Non-Member Registration after February 8 $65 Member/Non-Member

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Register at LandscapeLecture.ca THANK-YOU TO OUR PROGRAM PARTNERS:

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NEW MEMBERS DURHAM Hickory Dickory Decks - Durham Adam Bloetjes 126 Admiral Rd Ajax, ON L1S 2P1 Tel: 416-888-4969 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

GEORGIAN LAKELANDS Muskoka Split Rock

Matthew Hutcheson 1083 East Walker Lake Dr Huntsville, ON P1H 2J6 Tel: 705-787-5999 Membership Type: Active

Nadine Pallister

Nadine Pallister 197258 Grey Rd 7 Meaford, ON N4L 1W7 Tel: 519-599-9777 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Vincent Kyle Construction Ltd

Vincent Kyle PO Box 21, Orillia, ON L3V 6H9 Tel: 705-325-6490 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

GOLDEN HORSESHOE Down2Earth Landscaping & Property Maintenance Inc Ben Andrews 3078 Fontana Ct Burlington, ON L7M 2M1 Tel: 647-802-2238 Membership Type: Active

Higgins Hardscape

Rob Higgins 4460 Cosburn Cres Burlington, ON L7L1S5 Tel: 905-630-6642 Membership Type: Active

Ink to Earth

Steffan Harriss 16 Gaines Ave Dundas, ON L9H 7M4 Tel: 905-570-4040 Membership Type: Interim

Pellitteri Property Services

Gaetano Pellitteri 264 Niven Rd, RR 3 Niagara-On-The-Lake, ON L0S 1J0 Tel: 905-651-3416 Membership Type: Active

Precise Projects Inc- Rick Wiersma Rick Wiersma 11 Four Winds Pl Dundas, ON L9H 3Y1 Tel: 905-807-7094 Membership Type: Active

Three Seasons Landscapes Chris Hopkins 398 Mohawk Rd W Hamilton, ON L9C 1W8 Tel: 905-921-5959 Membership Type: Active

Yardmasters Corp

Mike Watson 6 - 2722 St Paul Ave Niagara Falls, ON L2J 2L4 Tel: 289-296-2449 Membership Type: Active

LONDON Drummond Brothers Landscaping LTD David Drummond 99 Huron Rd SS#1 Mitchell, ON N0K 1N0 Tel: 519-702-2725 Membership Type: Active

Lloyd Boyce Paving

Steve Bates 345 Norwich Rd Scotland, ON N0E 1B0 Tel: 519-468-2111 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Nature’s Image

Tracey Conrad 1741 Gainsborough Rd London, ON N6H 5L2 Tel: 519-657-8817 Membership Type: Active

Van Luyk Greenhouses and Garden Centre Subashini Sivakumar 1728 Gore Rd London, ON N5W 5L5 Tel: 519-455-2646 Membership Type: Active

OTTAWA Bosman’s All Weather PM (22789398 ON) Rene Bosman 251 Providence Point Lane Lanark, ON K0G 1K0 Tel: 613-259-2352 Membership Type: Active

Rose Erosion Control Services Inc Dale Rose PO Box 277 Bancroft, ON K0L 1C0 Tel: 613-332-8575 Membership Type: Active

TORONTO Diamond Tree Care and Consulting Inc Dale Menken 8614 Sixth Line, RR 3 Halton Hills, Ontario L7G 4S6 Tel: 416-677-4196 Membership Type: Active

Drain-Tite Industries Inc

Gianni (John) Pellegrino 216 Bradwick Dr Vaughan, ON L4K 1K8 Tel: 905-761-5357 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Dynex Construction Inc George Zeppieri 80 Costa Blvd Concord, ON L4K 1N2 Tel: 905-669-5923 Membership Type: Active

Inline Construction (1753961 ON Inc) Jimmy Zoras 142 Bermondsey Rd Toronto, ON M4A 1X8 Tel: 416-564-6557 Membership Type: Active

Lakeside Contracting Company Limited David Diamanti 3513 Mavis Rd Mississauga, ON L5C 1T7 Tel: 905-279-1198 Membership Type: Active

Libertucci Electric (1454122 ON Inc) Angelo Libertucci 30 Pinemeadow Dr Woodbridge, ON L4L 9C5 Tel: 416-706-3108 Membership Type: Associate

Matcon Property Maintenance

Tony Miele 27 Cutting Cres, King, ON L7B OE6 Tel: 416-407-7300 Membership Type: Active

Newscape Property Maintenance Inc Carlos Camara 700 Constellation Dr Mississauga, ON L5R 3G8 Tel: 416-347-7112 Membership Type: Active

Nuvo Iron

Scott Morrison 13371 Coleraine Dr Bolton, ON L7E 3B6 Tel: 905-857-1010-x222 Membership Type: Associate

The Toronto Paint Group Inc

Shawn McConnell 45 Overlea Blvd Toronto, ON M4H 1C3 Tel: 416-574-9826 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Sylvia Szot

Toronto, ON Membership Type: Horticultural

WATERLOO Mohle Landscaping

Mike Mohle 2280 Herrgott Rd St. Clements, ON N0B 2M0 Tel: 519-584-4089 Membership Type: Active

WINDSOR BJC Landscaping

Brian Chauvin 976 County Rd 42 Belle River, ON N0R 1A0 Tel: 519-257-5928 Membership Type: Active

Dukes Groundskeeping Inc Trevor Duquette 677 County Rd 2 Belle River, ON N0R 1A0 Tel: 519-818-0750 Membership Type: Active

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www.uxbridgenurseries.com WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 13

INDUSTRY NEWS What you need to know about Bill 148 Refusing a shift with less than 96 hours notice: Employees cannot refuse a shift if the reason an employer is asking them to work or be on call is to: • D eal with an emergency.

• R emedy or reduce a threat to public safety.

• E nsure the continued delivery of essential public services, regardless of who delivers those services.

On-call pay rules: Employers will not be required to pay wages for three hours for an on-call shift if the employee is on-call to ensure the continued delivery of essential public services, regardless of who delivers those services and the employee was not required to work.

Bill 148 has now passed, however different parts of the Act come into effect at different times. Although Bill 148 includes many changes, there are five areas that will affect the landscape and horticulture professions the most.

Minimum wage

The minimum wage increased to $14 per hour on Jan. 1, 2018 and will increase again to $15 per hour on Jan. 1, 2019.

Scheduling

The new legislation deals with a number of changes to scheduling work. However, the nursery/landscape sector is exempt from the new scheduling rules based on the following: Cancelled shift: Employers will not be required to pay for a cancelled shift if they were unable to provide work because of: • F ire, lightning, power failure, storms or similar causes beyond their control, or; • The employee’s work is weatherdependent and the employer is unable to provide work for weatherrelated reasons.

Three-hour rule: Employers will not be required to pay wages for three hours for a shift that lasts fewer than three hours if they were unable to provide work because of fire, lightning, power failure, storms or similar causes beyond their control.

Vacation time

Employees are entitled to three weeks of paid vacation after five years with the same employer. The legislation says “both active and inactive employment shall be included” in the calculation. Even if you layoff the employee for the winter, they are still employed.

In essence, employees receive four per cent vacation pay if they are employed less than five years and six per cent vacation pay if they are employed more than five years.

Personal emergency paid leave

Employees will be entitled to two days of paid leave due to any of the following:

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1. A personal illness, injury or medical emergency.

2. The death, illness, injury or medical emergency of an individual described in Subsection (2).

3. An urgent matter that concerns an individual described in Subsection (2).

Subsection (2) applies in respect of the following individuals: 1. The employee’s spouse.

2. A parent, step-parent or foster parent of the employee or the employee’s spouse.

3. A child, step-child or foster child of the employee or the employee’s spouse.

4. A child who is under legal guardianship of the employee or the employee’s spouse.

5. A brother, step-brother, sister or step-sister of the employee.

6. A grandparent, step-grandparent, grandchild or step-grandchild of the employee or the employee’s spouse.

7. A brother-in-law, step-brother-inlaw, sister-in-law or step-sister-inlaw of the employee.

8. A son-in-law or daughter-in-law of the employee or the employee’s spouse.

9. An uncle or aunt of the employee or the employee’s spouse.

10. A nephew or niece of the employee or the employee’s spouse.

11. The spouse of the employee’s grandchild, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece.

12. A person who considers the employee to be like a family member, provided the prescribed conditions, if any, are met.

13. Any individual prescribed as a family member for the purposes of this section.

Continued >

Horticultural, agricultural and landscape gardener special rules

There are currently a number of special rules that exempt agriculture and horticulture from overtime and statutory holiday pay.

These special rules are still in effect until they are reviewed sector by sector. Our sector review is scheduled for early 2018. Any changes to the special rules will likely be put in place for 2019.

Links to additional resources and this article can be found online at gfl.me/h3HQ.

PROTECT WORKERS FROM OCCUPATIONAL CANCERS

A new study quantifying the number of cancers resulting from workplace chemical exposure in Ontario is a wake-up call for employers. “We now have a picture of how big the problem of workplace cancer is in Ontario and it’s clear there’s work to be done,” says Craig Fairclough, Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) occupational hygiene consultant.

Produced jointly by the Occupational Cancer Research Centre and Cancer Care Ontario, the study, Burden of Occupational Cancer in Ontario urges immediate action on four key carcinogens: asbestos, diesel engine exhaust, solar ultraviolet radiation and silica. Recommendations in the report include a number of insights, including making exposure limits tougher and reducing the use of toxic substances.

The four carcinogens with the largest number of workers exposed and the highest cancer burden each year are: • Asbestos will be banned in Ontario in 2018, but is still present in things like building materials, insulation, and brake linings. Each year, about 55,000 workers in the construction, manufacturing and automotive industries are affected.

• Diesel engine exhaust. About 301,000 truck drivers, heavy equipment operators, maintenance and repair staff, and warehouse staff are exposed each year.

• Solar ultraviolet radiation. Anyone working outdoors is well aware of the dangers of ultraviolet light. Approximately 450,000 workers in construction, agriculture, landscape construction, grounds maintenance and transportation are affected each year.

• Crystalline silica. Exposure to fine silica dust occurs in the workplace when grinding, cutting, drilling or chipping various materials. About 142,000 construction workers, heavy equipment operators and manufacturing workers are affected each year.

Fairclough suggests five steps to reduce the risk of exposure to major carcinogens in the workplace: 1. Use the report to build knowledge around these carcinogens and adapt suggested exposure reduction strategies to your workplace.

2. Look into whether employees are, or may be exposed to hazardous substances used or stored in your workplace. How many employees may be at risk and in what circumstances?

3. Assess the levels employees are, or could be exposed to.

4. Compare the assessment results against regulated workplace exposure limits.

5. If your workplace exceeds limits, take steps to eliminate exposure or bring it below the legal limit (ie: ventilation, barriers, etc.).

Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) for airborne concentrations of hazardous biological or chemical agents are part of Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act. For details, visit labour.gov.on.ca. For more information about inspection, monitoring and controlling workplace carcinogens, contact WSPS at 1-877-494- 9777.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 15

INDUSTRY NEWS IN MEMORIAM JOHN ZIMMERMANN

Johann Adam “John” Zimmermann of Strathroy, Ont., passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Nov. 24, 2017 at the age 91.

Predeceased by his wife Elsa (Gotthardt) in 2000 and his partner Anna Kohlruss (2017).

Lovingly remembered by his sons John (Mary) and Anthony (Tina) Zimmermann.

Dear grandfather of Heidi Wakem (Jason), Kristy (Gavin), Anthony (Megan), Amanda, Michelle and John and great grandfather of Lilly and Jack.

Survived by his brother Adam and sister Ottilia Fritz. Predeceased by his

parents Johann (1945) and Magdalena (1993), brother Siegfried (1944) and sister Therisia (1924).

John and Elsa left Bremer Haven, Germany and arrived in Halifax, N.S., on January 18, 1950. Their sponsorship brought them to Ontario where they settled in Mount Brydges before coming to Strathroy where John became a wellrespected greenhouse propagator and owner of Zimmermann’s Garden Centre.

Visitation took place in Strathroy on Nov. 30 followed by a funeral service and interment at Strathroy Cemetery.

If desired, memorial contributions to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

GIVE YOUR INPUT TO ENSURE HEALTHY SOIL IN ONTARIO

The province of Ontario recently released a report on to develop a strategy to sustain and support healthy soil

so land can be productive today and well into the future. Titled, New Horizons: Ontario’s Draft Agricultural Soil Health and Conservation, the 56-page draft document aims to implement strategies to minimize a number of threats to healthy soil.

The New Horizons strategy builds upon the vision, goals, objectives and concepts presented in the Sustaining Ontario’s Agricultural Soils: Towards a Shared Vision discussion document that was released in 2016.

Members of the growing community are encouraged to review New Horizons and provide thoughts and feedback on the draft strategy. Input will help guide the development of a final strategy for soil health and conservation in the province, to be released in the spring of 2018.

Feedback on the document can be emailed to SoilHealth@ontario.ca.

Visit ebr.gov.on.ca and enter posting number 013-1373 or complete a brief survey online at surveymonkey.com/r/soilstrategy.

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EXECUTIVE DESK What employees love and hate about their jobs Tony DiGiovanni CHT LO Executive Director

A

ttraction and retention of employees is by far the most serious issue affecting our profession. Yet at the same time, all forecasts point to continued growth. Labour is the limiting factor to an even brighter future unless we all take action within our individual spheres of influence.

What can you and I do to ensure we continue to attract, motivate and retain the employee partners we need? In his book, Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, authour Daniel H. Pink outlines behavioral research on what motivates people. Pink tells us that although sufficient remuneration is very important, there are three other factors that inspire, encourage and nurture us: autonomy, mastery and purpose.

Anything you can do to give employees some autonomy over their work helps make their job more satisfying and helps you as an employer. Micromanaging does not work — it is exhausting for both parties. Why is it that a franchisee owner will work much harder than an employee? Autonomy is a powerful motivator. Recently, we asked some second year business students how to make the horticulture profession more attractive to young people. The overwhelming answer was to focus on the entrepreneurial qualities of the work. This is food for thought.

How can we structure our jobs so that our employees can tap into the entrepreneurial spirit that drives you as the business owner?

According to Pink, mastery is also a huge driving force. Knowledge and skill builds enthusiasm and positive attitudes.

When someone is highly-skilled, others take notice. Self-confidence comes from constantly getting better and improving.

Building a culture of training and mastery

in your business will pay off for everyone on your team and especially for your customers.

Purpose gives meaning to our lives.

We are in a special profession that enhances the lives of everyone we work for, as well as the generations to come who we will never meet. Our profession makes people happy. We are stewards of the environment. It is important to communicate purpose by what we do and who we are. Your employees are more likely to be happy if they feel they are part of that larger purpose.

We can also learn about motivating employees by understanding what they hate about their jobs. Below is a summary of those hates from a recent survey: • No flexibility when necessary which results in work/family responsibility conflict, lack of a work/life balance.

• Lack of motivation/sense of purpose/ meaning.

• Lack of self-fulfillment.

• Unresolved personal issues.

• Unable to manage time/stress/ expectations.

• Unable to negotiate.

• Lack of leadership/direction.

• Toxic co-workers or having to deal with a toxic boss.

• Gossip, entitlement and lack of gratitude.

• Continuously being required to do more work in less time.

• Lack of decision making from the team.

• “Feeling stuck,” not a lot of opportunity for new challenges or continued education.

• Micromanagers and/or an overcontrolling boss.

• Outdated human resources policies for vacation, attendance, flex scheduling.

• Bosses messing up the employee’s mood with hurtful measures and attitudes/can never be satisfied.

• Lack of empathy: a boss who never asks how an employee is doing (not only at work but in general, as a person).

• Poor compensation.

• Lack of interest in the employees’ security or fear of being expendable.

• Little space for creativity.

• People not willing to put in effort to make a meaningful contribution, but constantly looking for ways to maximize their visibility in the system by doing minimal work.

• A lot of talk on values, but reluctance to put them into practice.

• Interdepartmental rivalries and secrecy.

• Lack of team spirit or of working together for a common goal.

• Lack of enthusiasm and passion for a project.

• Boredom.

• Not being valued, efforts not recognized or realizing your full potential.

• Appraisals with meaningless action points just for the sake of it.

• Working ridiculous hours and having to negotiate lieu time.

• Repetition. Doing the same things over and over again.

• No training or improvement opportunities.

• No growth. Stagnation in terms of knowledge and projects.

• Lack of recognition of accomplishments.

• Not being treated as an individual.

• Impatient co-workers.

• Not being able to take initiative, employer distrust in employees.

• Not being able to see the bigger picture (i.e. work within the greater context).

• Communication issues: how people communicate with one another, ideas are not heard, dishonesty in communications.

• Work places are just task-centered and result-oriented (rather than places for relationship-building).

• Nepotism means ideas are not weighed on merit.

• Not having a team feeling. Bad morale.

Being talked to in a parent-like voice.

• Lack of clarity on responsibilities.

There were over 50 pages of survey answers. Here is a word cloud of the top 50 words used. It is instructive to relate the reasons that employees hate their jobs to the three motivators (autonomy, mastery, purpose) in Daniel H. Pink’s book.

Attraction and retention of employees is the key to a bright future. Years ago, I was at a human resources lecture and the instructor ended his talk by saying, “Look in the mirror and ask yourself, ‘would you work for you?’” This is great advice.

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

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 17

PUBLIC RELATIONS

LO members have access to leaflets that explain the many reasons why a homeowner should hire a landscape professional.

New member campaign for 2018

By Denis Flanagan CLD Manager of Membership and Public Relations

to being an LO member, but the top three continue to be the new truck discounts, education and networking.

Review of 2017

2018 membership campaign

Landscape Ontario’s 2017 Annual Report stated a total of 2,600 members. In addition to that number, we also have over 200 student members and over 300 media members.

These members are not included in the total membership numbers partly because they do not pay annual member dues.

During our recent renewal process this past fall, approximately 200 members decided not to renew their membership for various reasons. Each year, some members go out of business, others retire, some change the focus of their work, or they simply don’t use the many benefits available to them. In our exit survey we do ask a non-renewing member if they would like us to contact them in the future. We make note of those companies and contact them in the spring to see if they would like to reinstate their membership to avoid having to go through the full membership process from the very beginning.

We all know there are many benefits

18 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JANUARY 2018

From the Congress attendee list and other sources, we have a list of over 5,000 companies who could potentially become new LO members. Our plan is to narrow this list down to companies that have two employees or more and have engaged with LO in the past by attending meetings courses, etc. Next, we are going to try a few different approaches to see which marketing tools are most effective. We will target 300 companies to contact various ways: 100 we will phone, 100 we will send a direct mail piece and 100 will be contacted by e-mail. At the same time, we will choose 500 companies to be sent a post card, and another 500 we will contact through social media.

Through these various methods we hope to achieve a couple of things: some new LO members and an indication of what approach works best. With this valuable knowledge, we can then price out a communications package for the year, also taking into consideration proper timing and cash flow for companies.

If you can’t beat them, join them There is no doubt that 2018 will bring many challenges (many of which have

already been covered in this publication) and I know our editorial staff will provide knowledge and insight into policies and practices that affect your business as just one more member benefit. At the top of those challenges is the financial reality of Bill 148. We all know costs are going up as a result, which means prices will also rise in order to compensate. As a result, we often hear from members about the underground economy and what we can do to fight it. One of the best ways is to belong to LO. Explain to your clients they should be comparing apples to apples.

When a company applies to be a member of Landscape Ontario they need to have been in business at least two years, supply two references and have both WSIB and liability insurance. All of these requirements are designed to protect your client. A company with no insurance and no references will surely offer a much lower price, but at what cost in the long run?

Most clients probably don’t know they can be held criminally responsible if they hire a company without WSIB and a worker gets seriously injured or killed on their property if not spelled out in a contract.

How many contractors know they can be held personally liable if a worker gets injured or damages property if a proper contract does not exist? Encourage your suppliers and subtrades to join Landscape Ontario. If you can’t beat a professional, you may as well join them.

If your experience with Landscape Ontario has been a positive one, we want you to help spread the word. Hand out application forms to other contractors, suppliers or sub trades. Encourage them to visit our website to learn more about the benefits of membership and raising the level of professionalism for all. Application forms can also be downloaded online.

Educate your potential clients on the many reasons why they should hire a professional. Provide our Selecting a landscape contractor brochure or Landscape Contractor Rating System.

Both are available in print form or online at LandscapeOntario.com/menu/hire-withconfidence.

And please, contact your membership department if we can support you in any way with regards to promoting professionalism.

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

MEMBERSHIP Resolutions for the new year

By Myscha Stafford Membership and Chapter Coordinator

W

elcome to 2018! I have very high hopes that this year is going to be a great one. To kick off the year, I am taking a page from Pam Halpert (fictional character on the TV show The Office) and I’m encouraging everyone to come up with some New Year’s resolutions.

While you may want to resolve to eat your veggies, do more physical exercise, or take up a new hobby, here are five suggestions for your 2018 business resolutions.

Send employees to chapter meetings and seminars

Investing in your staff improves employee retention and results in a better trained workforce for your company. Seminars contain valuable information for employees on a variety of topics including: practical skills, safety training, customer service and management skills. The special LO member pricing on these courses makes LO’s professional development series an affordable option for staff training. It also gives your employees something to do during the winter months (if you’re not overwhelmed by snow).

Chapter meetings also contain valuable information. If you can’t attend a meeting, why not send your staff so they can relay the information back to you?

Chapter’s invite guest speakers who share valuable information relevant to running your business, managing staff and also best practices that your employees can utilize. Dinner or lunch is usually included. See, there is such a thing as a free lunch!

Save money with member savings programs

All members are probably aware of the great new vehicle and fuel savings offered through the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) Endorsed Supplier program. As a member of LO,

you are automatically a member of CNLA, which uses the buying power of our profession across Canada to negotiate great deals on many of the services, supplies and equipment your business uses every day. Discount cards for Mark’s Work Wearhouse, great rates on hotels, vehicle rust proofing, staff training, new equipment and more, can save you tens of thousands of dollars each year.

Who wouldn’t like a New Year’s resolution that involves saving money? A full list of the member savings programs can be found at HortTrades.com or CNLA.ca. Many of the Endorsed Suppliers also exhibit at Congress each year where you can learn all about their offerings specific to your business.

Brand you vehicles with the LO logo

A new vehicle decal is available for free to LO members.

LO’s Professional Member decals are a great way to be seen in traffic. We are excited to offer members a new decal for their truck, vehicles and equipment that better explains the reasons why a home or property owner should hire a professional member of Landscape Ontario. These new decals are available for free to all members.

Communicate more effectively

Communication is always one of the keys to success. In a world that seems to get busier and faster, we rarely take the time to communicate our goals and objectives with others in our business. What are your plans for your business this year?

Are you looking to take on bigger projects? Is your company growing and are staff expected to take on more responsibility? Communicating your plans for the year with your staff is important to set the tone for the upcoming season. Making sure staff have an idea of when things will be starting back up this spring or a list of tasks that must be completed over the winter are great ways to keep them engaged and feeling like a valued part of your team. Once the spring madness starts, daily or even weekly meetings all your team members will help everyone to

work towards a common goal and help to avoid mistakes and frustration. Why not put up a resolution board for your team to keep track of company goals throughout the year?

Do something fun with your staff LO provides many end-of-season soirees that are a great way to celebrate another year of hard work, but November is a very long time away. Why not bring your staff to a more social chapter event this winter such as Ski and Spa Day or bowling? These events will definitely held to build camaraderie among your team.

These daytime events don’t take away any family time and offer the chance to strengthen your work family. Your staff will enjoy them and they will feel like a truly valued member of your team even before the busy season starts.

Make sure to stop by the LO booth at Congress to get your new and improved member truck decals. I look forward to seeing you there! Here’s to a fantastic 2018!

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

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 19

UNDERGROUND WORLD The problem solution process

Locate timing problems still exist

By Terry Murphy CLM

I

was recently involved with a problem a landscaper had with respect to getting timely locates. On the evening of November 17, 2017, I was advised that a Landscape Ontario member was having problems getting locates from a particular locator. Once we get past the busy spring start-up season, things tend to run more smoothly, so I had not heard about any issues for about four or five months.

The contractor was tasked with planting 450 trees in a municipal subdivision and his crews were held up because the locates had not been done. Since it was late November, the job had to be finished before the snow fell and the ground froze. The contractor needed the locates done for the early morning of November 20. With an exchange of emails between ON1CALL, the locator, contractor and myself, we managed to find a solution where the locator would meet the contractor on the jobsite first thing that morning and the problem was under control.

The whole scenario took me back to 2012 and the great negotiation started by the vision of Jim Douglas of the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA). Jim had the brilliant idea of Bill 8, the Ontario One Call Act. Later named

the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification Act, Bill 8 was sponsored by two opposition MPPs and went on to become law in 2014. The Act is Jim’s real legacy and a testament to his initial vision.

The Act paved the way for improving the entire system of locate requests and improved the process for getting timely and accurate locates for the excavating community.

Bill 8 was an inclusive document that brought all the infrastructure owners together under one roof, and under the supervision of ON1CALL, whereby the infrastructure owners (generally a municipality or utility) had to register their firm, give documentation on the infrastructure details and also give mapping details, so everyone had access to the location of their respective lines, pipes, etc. This allowed ON1CALL to advise contractors and locate providers exactly where to paint markings to give contractors credible data on the locate ticket and the ability to trust the markings on the ground. In addition, it became law for all infrastructure owners to join the ON1CALL system. Legislation also stated that all locate markings had to be on the ground within five working days of the initial locate request. Otherwise, ON1CALL had the authority and the power to investigate and determine the problem and subject the locate provider to a fine if necessary. If an excavator has trouble getting proper locates in time, a proper procedure exists in order to resolve the problem.

If locates are not completed within the five-day standard time allotted, the contractor should call the locate provider noted on the ticket to find out why and when the locates will be done. Most locate providers are happy to revise their schedule to accommodate the request and work with the contractor to get the locates done in a timely manner. If it is beyond five days and you do not get an acceptable revised schedule from your locate provider, please contact Steve Waugh at ON1CALL. It is Steve’s job to investigate the issue and help you to get what you require on an acceptable schedule. This is legislated in Bill 8, and you have the law behind you when dealing with the locate provider and ON1CALL. From my personal experience, the process in place actually works.

Conclusion

There may be very valid reasons why locate marking are not in place within the required five day period. If they are not, approach the locator provider and/ or ON1CALL politely and have all your paperwork handy to answer any questions they may have. You will find that in most cases, the system will find a way to accommodate your requirements and everyone will work together to help solve your problem. If you still have difficulties, I am also here as your last resort to help find a solution to your problem. Your friends at the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance can also assist you with any underground issues or problem.

Members of the ORCGA can call 1-866-446-4493 for assistance.

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

Landscape Ontario offers Professional Development throughout the year!

onal t i s s e f o r P lopmen Deve r Guide Semina018 2017-2

Don’t miss the Landscape Back Yard Locate Training Program Milton: Feb. 8 or March 6 Ottawa: April 11 or May 1

9/5/2017

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Professiona

courses

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For a complete list of offerings this winter, visit HortTrades.com/seminars

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20 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JANUARY 2018

PROSPERITY PARTNERS Where there’s passion, there’s hope… and help

By Jacki Hart CLM Prosperity Partners Program Manager

W

elcome to 2018! A fresh, new year with fresh, new ideas. Fresh, new opportunities to improve your business results lie ahead for you…

The Landscape Ontario Prosperity Partners program was started 12 years ago with a vision of bridging the gap between passionate outdoor entrepreneurs, and the invisible grit that separates those who struggle to make a consistent profit and income, from those who have learned their keys to success. The goal of Prosperity Partners is to continue to help you reach your next level of success.

Our latest initiative is the Landscape Ontario Peer to Peer Network. Every business owner who is engaged in this dynamic group over the past three years has reported impressively measurable improved results across the board in their businesses: higher profits, better cash flow, lower debt, and stronger teams. The Peer Network is a benefit of your membership in LO. Here’s why we started the LO Peer Network: At times, the advantages of working in the green profession can be bittersweet.

er ist g Re

! ay d to

Our profession offers the joys of working outside, nurturing plants, creating beautiful spaces and applying creativity in everything we do. Our work can change the lives of those who walk through it. It can heal the hearts and minds of those who see and touch it, and it can fill our pantries. What we do can also inspire hope and provide the necessary tools to a generation focused on better managing the drivers of climate change.

Ours is also a profession that attracts kinesthetic people who would rather wipe sweat and dust from their brows every day, than spend their career in a cubicle or office tower. We are a profession of outdoor career-builders, full of passionate craftsmen and women — many of whom have seen the low barriers to starting a business, and jumped in to running one with little or no training on how to do it well.

Each time I sit across the table from a frustrated business owner, listening to their story of long hours, hard work, small profits and/or mounting debt, I find myself being taken over 20 years back down memory lane and into their boots. It’s a tough place to sit. I have a box of those proverbial t-shirts…. one for everything I did wrong, (albiet with the best intentions) while my business rapidly outgrew my ability and knowledge to run it profitably.

I jumped through the same hoops many of you do: I was a very talented, skilled horticulturist, a good salesperson, a great

logistical planner, but at first, a very, very lousy business manager.

What helped me break that cycle? I started to network in Landscape Ontario. I started talking to other business owners who were better established. I asked questions. I picked brains. I took workshops. I hired a coach. I hired a bookkeeper. I learned my numbers.

I learned to manage my business, one step at a time. And I did it mainly with the encouragement and help of my Landscape Ontario peers, and you can too.

If any of this sounds familiar, and either you, or someone you know is on this same, challenging path, I’ve got great news to share: there’s a simple way to strike the balance between long hours of running your business, learning how to do it better and connecting with your peers. LO’s Peer to Peer Network offers a series of facilitated, regular gatherings every year – peers learning and practicing business skills together.

Join us to get collaborative help from those who understand your challenges.

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 or Facebook.

Visit HortTrades.com/p2p to join or to see details on the next face-to-face workshop.

Early Bird Registration until February 8: $40 Member/Non-Member Registration after February 8: $65 Member/Non-Member

Register at LandscapeLecture.ca Keynote partner

Program partners

Thursday February 22, 2018

LIONHEAD GOLF AND CONFERENCE CENTRE 8525 Mississauga Rd, Brampton L6Y 0C1

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 21

CLASSIFIEDS

ADVERTISERS

Rates: $50.85 (HST included) per column inch Deadline: 20th day of the month prior to issue date. Space is limited. To advertise: E-mail name, phone number and ad to classifieds@landscapeontario.com. Online advertising: Website only ads are available.

Website ads are posted for 31 days. Visit horttrades.com/classifieds. Post employment ads for free online at landscape.jobs.

Arborjet Inc.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES LOMCO LIMITED Duties: Tree removal, planting trees, shrubs and perennials for various contracts, for both privately and publicly owned properties, winter propagation, tree pruning and field pruning, field grading, tree management, inventory handling, cold storage handling.

Qualifications: 2-3 years of experience in landscaping, attention to detail, ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines, knowledge of landscape construction and installation techniques, good communication and interpersonal skills, plant knowledge and identification.

Location of work: 16388 Kennedy Road, Stouffville, ON, L4A 2M7 Terms of employment: Permanent, Full time Vacancies: 3 Salary: $26 per hour Hours of work: 40 hours per week Benefits: Eligible for bonuses and/or salary increases in accordance with company policy.

Contact: mary@lomco.ca

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

www.arborjet.com 781-935-9070 Page14

Baumalight by MTB MFG

www.baumalight.com

866-820-7603

Page 15

Braun Nursery Limited

www.braungroup.com

800-246-6984

Page 16

www.canadale.com

519-631-7264

Page 5

Contractors Rental Supply

www.CRSrents.ca

844-822-1111

Page 11

Expressway Hino Waterloo

www.expresswaytrucks.com

800-558-7364

Page 16

www.glwp.ca

877-266-0636

Page 9

www.haltonautolease.com

877-837-5674

Page 7

Canadale Nurseries Ltd.

Great Lakes Wood Products Inc. Halton Autolease Inc. John Deere Dealers Metal Pless Inc.

www.johndeere.ca

Page 2

www.metalpless.com

866-362-1688

Page 4

www.newroadsleasing.com

416-587-1021

Page 10

www.nutrite.com

800-265-8865

Page 8

www.pottersroadnursery.com

519-688-0437

Page 9

www.sipkensnurseries.com

866-843-0438

Page 10

South Oakville Chrysler Fiat

www.southoakvillechrysler.com

905-845-6653

Page 9

Uxbridge Nurseries Limited

www.uxbridgenurseries.com

877-655-3379

Page 13

www.krausnurseries.com

905-689-4022

Page 15

Newroads National Leasing Nutrite Potters Road Nursery Inc. Sipkens Nurseries Ltd.

V. Kraus Nurseries Ltd.

Keep in touch with LANDSCAPE

OPPORTUNITY IN PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY Location, Location, Location!!!

4309 Hwy 62, Prince Edward County 8.69 acres, 5 greenhouses, store and large home. $549,000 MLS#550080120 Well established greenhouse, produce business with an amazing location as you enter Prince Edward County, with 2 highway entrances. Lots of additional uses and potential!

Contact Diana Cassidy-Bush, 613-969-7629 or dianacb@royallepage.ca for details or to book showing

ONTARIO

Join our discussion forum

http://linked.in/LOLinkedIn

www.facebook.com/ landscapeontario

@LOassocMag @LOMembership @TonyDiGiovanni1 @denisflanagan @green_for_life @LOevents @LOgnome

Re gis te rt od ay !

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 Lionhead Golf and Conference Centre 8525 Mississauga Rd, Brampton L6Y 0C1

CONFERENCE 2018

Join your peers at the 2018 edition of the Irrigation Conference.

Content intended for Landscape Irrigation Contractors.

Register at: IRRIGATIONCONFERENCE.CA

22  LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JANUARY 2018

An initiative of

Together we are better!

Thank you, Merci, Gracias, Toda, Dank, Obrigado, Mahalo, Danke, Grazie, Hvala, Arigato ...

Congress ’18

has FABULOUS partners ...you guys rock!

CONGRESS PRESENTING PARTNERS

H A R D S C A P E CO M M I T T E E

BY LS TRAINING SYSTEM

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WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 23

18 0 2 3 1 99

Don’t Miss Eastern Ontario’s Premier Trades-only Landscape & Construction Show…

Our 25th Anniversary Show

Here’s a taste of what we’ve got planned for you at GreenTrade Expo 2018…  Special 25th Anniversary Beer Tent – Don’t miss! The celebrations begin at 1 pm.

 Great Industry Networking –

With over 1,400 attendees and over 110 exhibitors you can network to your heart’s content.

Ottawa Chapter of Landscape Ontario

The night beforew! the sho

 The Educational Workshops –

The ticketed MTO Contractors Breakfast and FREE business building seminars.

 New & Exciting Door Prizes –

To be eligible, pre-register on-line TODAY!

 The 4th Annual Awards of Distinction Gala & Casino Night – This ticketed

event, the evening before the show, recognizes & inspires excellence among our industry suppliers and Chapter members.

February 14th, 2018 • 8 am - 3 pm EY Centre • Ottawa Airport Register on-line TODAY for your FREE 24 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JANUARY 2018 2018 admission to GreenTrade Expo

Brought to you by the Ottawa Chapter of

GreenTrade.ca