Landscape Ontario - November 2020

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

November 2020

Grateful to return to work, LO members make gardens over for 10 frontline workers who made a difference.

PM 40013519

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Pictured: Winner Lisa Fernandes

1 SPECIAL SECTION: FOUNDATION REPORT

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

S AV E T H E D AT E J A N UA R Y 1 2 - 1 4 , 2 0 2 1

2021

CONGRESS V I R T U A L

E X P E R I E N C E

L O C O N G R2 E S S . C O M

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

November, 2020 • Volume 38 - No. 10 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.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

SPECIAL SECTION: Foundation Report PAGE 15

Make time now to plan for 2021

Features 4 Profile: Gelderman Landscaping 6 Garden Makeover Winners

Departments 8 12 13 14 23 27 31

Association News New Members Educator Profile Volunteer Profile Professional News Columns Advertisers

Editor Robert Ellidge rellidge@landscapeontario.com, 647-722-5645 Creative director / IT coordinator Mike Wasilewski mikew@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5343 Sales manager 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 Andrea Annis, Darryl Bond, Grace Bruch, Amy Buchanan, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Cassandra Garrard, Meghan Greaves, Sally Harvey CLT CLM, Chantal Jorgensen, Keri MacIvor, Heather MacRae, Katarina Markovic, Kathy McLean, Shalini Mehta, Patrick Roche, Joe Salemi, Ian Service, David Turnbull, Lissa Schoot Uiterkamp, Tom Somerville, Martha Walsh Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department Landscape Ontario 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 Canada Phone: 905-875-1805 ISSN 1928-9553 Publications Mail Agreement No. PM40013519

I

to critique my budget. We will poke it and prod it line by line and make my budget “Our Budget.” We will split up the line items and take responsibility for them, both on the sales side and the expense side. This collective approach creates buy-in from managers and results in accountability. We then hold each other to our numbers at our monthly and quarterly meetings throughout the year.

If you’re not going to be accountable to the numbers, budgeting doesn’t really matter. But planning ahead brings many rewards. Profit is in the details: material and labour expenses have to be in line with the corresponding income. Overhead expenses need to be kept in check. We make fine adjustments all year long, but now is the time to make the big adjustments. We need to ask ourselves some tough questions.

Are we doing the right kind of work? Are we charging enough? Is that service we have been providing for 30 years still relevant?

Do we have the right people? Are the right people in the right places? Are there new services we should be offering or new directions we should be moving in?

No, there really isn’t time to catch our breath… I just filled up my pause with a whole list of tasks, but that’s okay, because I get energized by thinking about and acting on positive change. I challenge you to pause and reflect on this year’s challenges and successes. Let’s take what we learn and make 2021 our best year ever!

t’s November. The fall clean up season is underway for grounds maintenance folks and the design/build folks are busy navigating rainy days to cram in the last few jobs and finish their season off in a big way. Cooler temperatures are hinting that winter is not too far away.

As an industry, there never seems to be a time to stop and catch our breath. So rather than wait for the perfect time, now may be as good a time as ever. Can we really pause, reflect and plan while not taking our foot off the gas? In previous years, I’ve sold some of our best jobs at this time of year. The opportunity to set up next year for success while closing out the current season results in a big drive to the very end.

For the last couple of months, my team has been working on efficiencies — trying to bring projects in on time and under budget, to make up for some issues earlier in the year. It seems to be working.

September was one of our best months all year. This is where the pause and reflect comes in. At some point, we need to look back at what went right and what went wrong. We need to make adjustments and move forward — stronger and more profitable.

This is the time of year when I start to work on my budget. My team is busy finishing off the year, while I take a look back at the numbers and make adjustments for next year. In December, I will sit down with my management team

Dave Wright LO President davew@wrightlandscape.ca

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 2020, 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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65 GELDERMAN

on common goals. Part of that process involved creating a strategic plan and defining the purpose and values of the company.

“Over all these years, Gelderman has always been about doing the right thing and showing care in all that we do,” Helder says. “Caring is part of our purpose, our mantra.”

Those values were adopted into the company’s core values, which include: passion, caring, respect, integrity and agility.

Agility was added in 2020 through the company’s experience of dealing with Covid-19, which Helder says was a bit of a blessing because “it’s forced us to think differently and it really helped us to get focused on who our client is and who our staff members are.”

About that history of caring, Helder says, “Our strategic compass has always been focused on the customer experience.

We build landscapes, we maintain properties, we clear snow, but at the end of the day, our clients talk about the experience more.”

Creating that client experience starts with the right people.

“Our foundation is our staff,” Helder explains. “We are built on our staff and we are always trying to develop the people we have and bring on new talent to get us to the next level. I’m involved with a lot of recruiting on the management and office side. We are a family here, and it’s important who we let into the family. So we have a process for hiring and it’s because we are protective of who we bring into the family. Once you’re in, we will pour our heart, soul and mind into people and take care of them — as long as the staff member also commits. It’s a two-way street. Mediocrity will not be accepted anymore.”

Helder says attracting labour has always been about patience and whether your strategy is to grow sales or profits.

In recent years, Helder says the company was growing too fast and a conscious decision was made to slow down. “From 2014 to 2018 we grew too fast. It was fun adding new branches, but we consolidated by closing one branch, and were more profitable. As we slow down the growth, now you can pick and choose who you want and it takes patience to hire the right people.” Helder says using technology — new trucks and equipment — also helps to increase production and efficiency.

“When you have the right people in the right spot, magic happens. When you know what you actually want out of each position, you hire the right person with the right behavioural

LANDSCAPE SERVICES

HAS BEEN CARING

ABOUT PEOPLE

FOR 65 YEARS A

passion for plants and an uncanny knack for numbers inspired Jan Gelderman to start a landscaping company in 1955. Now in its 65th year of operation, the company is focused on manageable growth and customer experience, while continuing to maintain the feel of a family business.

Nathan Helder is President and third-generation owner of the company now known as Gelderman Landscape Services. Helder and his wife purchased the Burlington, Ont.-based company from his father-in-law, Hank Gelderman, in 2006. At that time, the residential designbuild and commercial maintenance and snow operation had gone through a period of tremendous growth.

“Because I came in with no landscaping experience, the thing we really needed was a plan,” Helder says. “So we started doing open financial management, sharing numbers with all of our key managers. We now have monthly review meetings to talk about our five pillars: safety, staff, profit, sales and clients.”

Implementing new procedures into a long-standing, successful company can be a tough task, but Helder says it actually helped to “rally the troops” and focus everyone

“Over all these years, Gelderman has always been about doing the right thing and showing care in all that we do. Caring is part of our purpose, our mantra.”

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

(L-R): Chris Mace, Finlay Gifford, Darren McDonough, Shawn Lefebvre, Dave Blankestijn, Nathan Helder.

its shirt, then why am I paying a bonus to only one part of the company?”

Helder’s experiences at Gelderman prompted him to start Southbrook Consulting, a firm that specializes in helping skilled trades companies improve their strategy, culture and leadership. Southbrook also outsources HR and accounting to companies across Canada.

“Over the years I’ve also made a lot of mistakes,” Helder says, noting the success rate for third generation businesses is under five per cent. “You learn, but you have to be willing to admit those mistakes. The growth is my fault. I put people in place to grow it and then I realized we grew too fast and were losing control and had to slow it down. I made a mistake and we had to refocus and say no way more than yes and raise our prices and do the tough things.”

Communicating with staff is also a key to success. “I do video messages that get texted to all the staff and we do town halls once a month where I speak about the five pillars and we talk about whether we are on track or off track with our KPIs, sales and clients.”

With a large snow removal business, the Gelderman family actually grows in winter. “We use quite a few snow contractor partners,” Helder says. “They have been instrumental in our success for the winter time. We could not do what we do without our snow partners. We treat them like our own employees.”

For Helder and his team, the future is focused on sustainable growth, hiring the right person for the right role, learning to say no, and focusing on making profits in order to get to the next level.

traits, it makes a world of difference.” Helder says measuring a role against the five pillars then makes it easy to identify where improvement is needed in order to achieve success. It also helps the person in that role to know what to do.

For the 100 or so people Gelderman employs, an end goal is for everyone to be able to raise a family and buy a house, which is tough when working in a seasonal business. To do that, Helder says it’s important not to charge too low or to cut wages.

“Back in the recession of 2008-2009, just three years after I had taken over, those were tough years,” Helder recalls. “But through a recession we were able to grow our business because the grass keeps growing and the snow keeps falling.” At the same time, the business also had some debt from the costs that came with the change in ownership, which Helder says is also good in a way because “debt forces you to focus on producing profit.”

The systems Helder introduced at Gelderman included Key Performance Indicators, a strategic plan empowering branches and managers to be responsible for their own profit and loss statements, which helped set the business up to withstand another downturn. “That caused Gelderman to be sharper and leaner over the years, so when Covid hit, sales are down but our bottom line is higher,” Helder says.

After the first quarter of 2020, the company actually paid out a bonus to all staff. “We win together or we lose together,” Helder says of the current company bonus system. “I used to have complicated bonus structures, but if maintenance did really well, but construction lost

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Garden makeover

WINNERS ANNOUNCED T

his summer, Landscape Ontario received over 1,000 nominations for its Garden Makeover Contest to honour frontline workers who have made a difference in the lives of others during the coronavirus pandemic. Friends, neighbours, patients and family

members shared incredible stories of selflessness, dedication and compassion demonstrated by frontline workers in their community.

Landscape Ontario is proud to announce the nine winners (one in each chapter), plus the grand prize, $25,000 Garden Makeover winner.

$25,000 GARDEN MAKEOVER Sandra Lister, Pefferlaw, Ont.

A Registered Nurse (RN) at Toronto Western Hospital with over two decades experience, Sandra worked on both a SARS unit in 2003 and a Covid-19 unit this year. Sandra contracted Covid-19 in April, but showed extraordinary dedication by returning to work after making a full recovery. An avid gardener, Sandra is the mother of five children.

$5,000 GARDEN MAKEOVERS Jada Parcells, Bowmanville, Ont. Jada has worked as a nurse at Markham Stouffville Hospital for more than 20 years, and has served as team lead for its Covid19 Assessment Centre since the outbreak began. In the spring, Jada stepped in to help at Markham’s Participation House after a Covid-19 outbreak spread through all of the home’s residents and staff members.

A mother of two, Jada is passionate about gardening.

Sandra Best, Orillia, Ont.

Sandra works at the David Busby Centre, a community not-for-profit organization, which advocates for individuals and families within the County of Simcoe who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Sandra has worked tirelessly during the pandemic to support people facing tremendous challenges and her garden is “her escape and her happy place.”

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Rebecca Davis, Grimsby, Ont.

An ICU nurse at Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga, Ont., for over 20 years, Rebecca is a breast cancer survivor, who had just recently returned to work following cancer treatment when the pandemic struck in March. Rebecca lives with her husband Ed who is also a nurse, and their two children.

Rebecca says after taking two years off from really looking after their garden, they could definitely use some assistance — something the couple is so used to giving others each and every day.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Lisa Fernandes, St. Thomas, Ont.

Lisa is a Personal Support Worker at Caressant Care Mary Bucke in St. Thomas, Ont., — a place she calls her second home.

To Fernandes, colleagues and residents are family. During the pandemic, Lisa has done everything she can to support her work family — even letting a younger colleague stay at her home to help minimize the risk to the colleague’s family. Lisa loves spending time in her backyard with Bruno and Sasha, her Italian mastiff/boxers.

Laura and Brad Renaud pay it forward to Megan and Dan Monk, Amherstburg, Ont.

Laura (pharmacy technician) and Brad Renaud (volunteer firefighter) are dedicated frontline workers who made the selfless decision to give their garden makeover to firefighter colleague Dan Monk and his wife Megan during a time of great stress for the Monk family. Megan was recently diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer, and the firefighter community in Amherstburg has rallied to support them.

Dan and Megan are parents to two young children.

Jessica Graff, Kitchener, Ont.

A nurse in the Emergency Department at St. Mary’s General Hospital in Kitchener, Ont., Jessica says her favourite part of her job is making connections with patients and helping support people in their times of greatest need. Jessica lost two family members to Covid-19, both of which became patients at St. Mary’s before they passed. Jessica remains steadfast in her determination to serve her community during the pandemic.

Alexis Wakeland, Gananoque, Ont. Alexis is a Personal Support Worker at Carveth Care Centre in Gananoque, Ont. where she “goes beyond the call of duty,� according to her nomination. A single mom and dedicated minor hockey volunteer, Alexis has taken on extra work to support patients during the pandemic.

Alison Fletcher, Pefferlaw, Ont. Alison does housekeeping and laundry at Riverglen Haven Nursing Home in Sutton, Ont. Unfortunately, an outbreak at the home was fatal for a number of residents. Alison kept working to support the residents, even as she moved into a hotel to protect her own family. Alison is an avid gardener.

Elise and Marc-Andre Da Ponti, Clarence-Rockland, Ont. Elise and Marc-Andre took on extra work to support their communities during the pandemic, often working on call and extended 16-hour shifts. Elise is a nurse in the ICU at Ottawa General Hospital, and Marc-Andre works as a paramedic for the City of Ottawa. With an upcoming move into a new home, the couple are excited for help with their outdoor space.

Developed by members of Landscape Ontario’s Covid-19 Task Force, the Garden Makeover Contest is a way for leaders in the landscape and horticulture profession to give back to those who worked selflessly to keep our communities safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

Members of LO’s nine chapters are consulting with winners to create plans suited to each hero’s lifestyle. Thank you to those who have donated labour, materials and expertise. More help is needed. To be a part of this extraordinary effort, visit HortTrades.com/hero and click on Volunteer to Support the Program.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

Grow and develop your team with professional development this winter

an early start on profitability with Greg Wildeboer, to marketing and social media content that sells with Alyssa Twist Light. Let’s not forget all of the technical seminars on stonework, irrigation, use of landscape design software, annuals and perennials in grounds maintenance, outdoor fire pit construction, managing rain water, skid steer certification, and much more.

You can register online now at HortTrades.com/ seminars for any of the in-person seminars. Seating is very limited for each seminar, so we recommend you register early. There’s also an automatic 10 per cent discount when you register for a 2021 seminar before Dec. 31, 2020 (see website for full details). The average one-day seminar is $138 for an LO member, or $264 for a potential member.

Online you can also view a digital copy of the Professional Development Seminar Guide 2021, and a copy was included with mailed copies of this issue of Landscape Ontario magazine.

Successful businesses focus on growing and developing their people. Landscape Ontario’s professional development series this winter is designed to help you foster the people in your organization.

Register them today!

There’s no getting around it, this year’s Professional Development Series at the Landscape Ontario office in Milton, Ont., is going to be drastically different than what it has looked like in the past. We have the better part of 80 in-person seminars planned, plus just over 30 online seminars that will be offered. We’re presently limited to having 10 people in each in-person seminar.

While this may present some challenges to both attendees and organizers, rest assured, safety is Landscape Ontario’s top priority.

Earlier this fall, Landscape Ontario’s GROW team ran a four-week, in-person training session which laid the groundwork for holding safe, in-person learning at our site. The GROW program provided a four-week basic technical and employment skills training program, that will provide 150 entry level workers to employers in three regions within the province. The graduates aspire to have a promising career in the landscape and horticulture profession.

While we may have reduced the overall number of seminars being offered in-person this winter, we certainly tried to pack in as much as we possibly could.

From seminars on open book management with Grant Harrison, retooling your website with Peter Wright,

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De Leon to work closely with association stakeholders

Kaneisha De Leon

Landscape Ontario is excited to introduce its new Membership Engagement Coordinator, Kaneisha De Leon. De Leon is a graduate of the Business Program at Humber College and spent most of her career at Woodbine Entertainment in a number of roles over the years varying from events, marketing and corporate philanthropy.

More recently, De Leon managed donor

engagement, stewardship and events at Humber River Hospital Foundation.

Her strong background in events, marketing, and philanthropy has equipped her with the foundation to deliver a holistic approach to her membership engagement role at LO. Within that role, De Leon will be the “go-to person for all things membership,” and will work closely

with members, chapters, sectors and committees to advance the profession and ensure members get the most value from their investment with LO. “I am excited to join Landscape Ontario because not only have I always been fascinated by the beautiful creations put out by the many professionals in the industry, but I’ve always been curious to learn even more about the profession itself,” says De Leon. “This role will provide me with the best of both worlds — surrounded by the beautiful gardens at head office and also being able to connect with many of the members on a personal level at Chapter meetings, Sector meetings and during phone calls. I look forward to connecting with you all and hearing more about how you’d like to see your LO membership work for you in new ways, and become a new resource for both members and my colleagues at LO.” De Leon can be reached at 1-800-2655656, ext. 2333 or 647-723-5452 or at kdeleon@landscapeontario.com.

905-638-8599 | WALLACECHEV.COM | 801 MAIN ST. E, MILTON 9

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Member Savings Programs could help your bottom line Landscape Ontario members who have renewed their 2020-2021 member dues have access to many financial discounts via the Member Savings Programs administered through the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA).

CNLA leverages the collective buying power of members across all provinces to negotiate a variety of discounts and services that are customized to the needs of members of the landscape profession.

The Member Savings Program offers discounts on new vehicles and equipment, business services, industry training, travel accommodations, and customized financial services specific to the profession.

Members also enjoy access to a free, 24-hour legal advice hotline.

A committee made up of representatives from each provincial association works to find and negotiate the best deals on behalf of members across the country. All programs must follow a win-win-win philosophy: a win first and foremost for the member in regards

to financial savings, a win for the association, and a win for the supplier.

“Through the hard work and dedication of the committee, CNLA is pleased to offer the savings and customized programs to all members of provincial trade associations, which of course, includes all members of Landscape Ontario,” says Teagan Giddings, Member Services and Communications Coordinator, CNLA. Through the first half of 2020, over 450 Landscape Ontario members used their membership status to save a combined $4.75 million dollars on new vehicles — an average savings of just over $10,500 each.

Over the past two years, CNLA has introduced savings with Volkswagen, Wacker Neuson, LMN and Travelodge. This year, a rebate program with Staples was introduced.

Members can access the current details for all of the Member Savings Programs via HortTrades.com/member-savingsprograms. Questions can be directed to CNLA at info@cnla-acpp.ca or by calling 1-888-446-3499.

LO member dues can be paid online at HortTrades.com/dues or by reaching the Membership Services Department via 1-800-265-5656.

OVER 450 MEMBERS SAVED AN AVERAGE OF $10,500 EACH USING JUST ONE OF THE MANY MEMBER SAVINGS PROGRAMS.

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In Memoriam — Burke McNeill Daniel Burke McNeill passed away with loving family by his side on Sept. 27, 2020 at the Milton District Hospital.

Beloved husband of the late Margaret (nee McKay), much loved father of Lorna Schindler, Jayne Brown (Doug), Patti Nowak (Rick Sampson), JoAnne Clement (Brian Ferri). Loving grandfather to seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

In 1972, McNeill agreed to act as neutral chairman of a steering committee to work out the details of forming a single horticultural industry association within Ontario. McNeill facilitated meetings between representatives of the Ontario Garden Maintenance and Landscaping Association (OGMLA), Ontario Landscape Contractors Association (OCLA) and Ontario Nursery Trades Association (ONTA), which helped to establish a dues structure, select a name, and establish the financial viability of a single, combined association. The work of the Unity Committee led to the formation of Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association in 1973.

At the first general meeting of Landscape

Ontario on March 28, 1973, McNeill, then Extension Horticulturist (Nursery) with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, became the first-ever recipient of an Honorary Life Membership in Landscape Ontario for his work as Chairman of the Unity Committee. The recognition came with a pair of cufflinks bearing the LO logo, followed by a plaque presentation in 1982. To date, only 14 members have been recognized as “distinguished individuals of outstanding accomplishment or contribution to the horticulture industry.�

In April 1993, McNeill retired and asked that “no big deal be made� of the occasion, yet 100 friends, family members and industry peers gathered to extend their best wishes at a reception held in his honour at the Horticultural Research Institute of Ontario at Vineland Station.

McNeill continued his involvement within Landscape Ontario well into the 2000s.

Many thanks to friends and family and special thanks to the staff at the Milton District Hospital for their care of McNeill. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Milton District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

Virtual events announced for start of 2021 Landscape Ontario sector groups are forging ahead with annual conferences and networking events in 2021, and all will take place in a virtual, online format.

Save the date for these world-class events: IPM Symposium Jan. 11, 2021 Landscape Designers Conference Jan. 11, 2021 Congress Connect Jan. 12-14, 2021 LO Peer to Peer Workshop Jan. 26, 2021 LO Awards of Excellence Ceremony Feb. 4, 2021 Nursery Growers Short Course Feb. 17, 2021 Check HortTrades.com/events for full details and registration information and stay tuned to LO’s weekly enews. To sign up, visit HortTrades.com/subscribe.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

NEW MEMBERS Landscape Ontario welcomes the following newly approved companies and individuals to our community Georgian Lakelands 1594686 Ontario Inc o/a Nadeau Bros Al Nadeau / Tel: 705-969-1128 Membership Type: Chapter Associate 900308 Ontario Inc O/A Northern Metering Services Mike Alexander / Tel: 705-525-0296 Membership Type: Chapter Associate Absolute Plumbing Gaston Lavallee/Tel: 705-691-5337 Membership Type: Chapter Associate Advantage Grounds Care Peter Weel / Tel: 705-716-5067 Membership Type: Member Bestway Rent-All (1880829 Ontario Limited) Nyssa Kathwaroon / Tel: 705-526-3223 Membership Type: Chapter Associate Ed Seguin & Sons Trucking & Paving Ltd Linda Hutchinson / Tel: 705-753-4252 Membership Type: Chapter Associate Mike’s Landscaping Mike Welsh / Tel: 705-789-6834 Membership Type: Professional Member Nicholson Truck & Equipment Dan Nicholson / Tel: 289-264-6700 Membership Type: Chapter Associate Raindrop Sprinklers and Yard Care Roy Aason / Tel: 705-206-0764 Membership Type: Member Stacked Group Inc Aaron Lambert / Tel: 705-920-1134 Membership Type: Chapter Associate True North Restoration Brad Schultz / Tel: 519-379-4931 Membership Type: Chapter Associate Julie Speelman Membership Type: Individual

Golden Horseshoe Fine Line Excavating Frank Deniet / Tel: 905-971-0296 Membership Type: Chapter Associate GTS Recycling Inc George Almbanis / Tel: 905-599-2300 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Inner Union Landscaping Inc Blu Desrosiers / Tel: 905-262-8055 Membership Type: Member

King Koating Holdings Inc Kevin McConnell / Tel: 416-970-3437 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

McLeod Custom Painting & Stain Russel McLeod / Tel: 905-679-3472 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Kobylski Construction Kamil Kobylski / Tel: 647-233-1958 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

London

Mutual Gain Consulting Inc Brittany Heath / Tel: 647-333-2496 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

In-Line Fence Inc John Kardux / Tel: 226-228-3757 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Ottawa R.W. Tomlinson Michael Mohr / Tel: 613-822-1908 Membership Type: Associate

Toronto 2024515 Ontario Ltd O/A Smith Excavating, Grading & Sodding Mike Smith / Tel: 905-936-2332 Membership Type: Chapter Associate David McEldon Landscape & Design Inc. David McEldon/Tel: 416-824-5263 Membership Type: Member Driest Wood Shavings Inc Robert Renzetti / Tel: 416-524-6452 Membership Type: Associate Don Chapman Farms Ltd Jim Chapman / Tel: 905-955-2238 Membership Type: Chapter Associate EN2 Development Corp Nuno Paul / Tel: 416-949-5229 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Res-Com Excavating Ltd Rose MacLeod / Tel: 905-235-5383 Membership Type: Associate Robinson Solutions Christopher Richard Tibay Tel: 905-926-8792 Membership Type: Chapter Associate Sebby Enterprises Matt Cinelli / Tel: 416-889-1163 Membership Type: Chapter Associate Stirling Contracting and/or John Sterling John Lawrence / Tel: 416-219-5565 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Upper Canada Ferri Painting Cathrine Ferri / Tel: 613-453-2752 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Waterloo Hayes Construction Inc William Hayes / Tel: 519-590-3810 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Windsor

G.W. Witty Welding Inc Gregory Witty / Tel: 905-853-8222 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Crimson Landscaping Partnership Ethan Preston / Tel: 519-981-1973 Membership Type: Member

Global Landscaping Inc Jerry Grella / Tel: 855-545-0029 Membership Type: Professional Member

Jobin Rock Farm Inc Paul Jobin / Tel: 519-791-0355 Membership Type: Introductory

Great Canadian Construction Ltd Cody DesRoches / Tel: 905-856-0444 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Quinlan Inc Todd Quinlan / Tel: 519-723-4690 Membership Type: Member

J-Oasis Landscaping Ltd Dan Mai / Tel: 647-883-6668 Membership Type: Professional Member

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

EDUCATOR PROFILE

Educating clients leads Allan Nason to a career in teaching What do you enjoy most about landscaping and horticulture?

Just the fact that it’s outdoors. It’s never the same day twice. You take something that didn’t look nice and turn it into something that’s totally beautiful. You can go back years later and say you had a hand in building it. There are not very many jobs in the world where you get to see the start and the end of things, and I think that makes the job way more satisfying.

Why is the SHSM program so important to the profession?

If there’s one thing Allan Nason tries to teach students in his green industries/ construction class, it’s how diverse the landscape and horticulture profession really is. Nason is currently teaching his fifteenth year at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School in Burlington, Ont., where the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) curriculum he teaches is something he helped to develop.

What experience/education do you have?

I worked between Connon CBV and NVK for 15 years, and plant ID was my specialty. I also did watering, weeding, order picking, shipping and receiving and customer service toward the end.

While at Connon I did my Horticultural Apprenticeship through Humber College.

Sean James was teaching the program and he also mentored me through the whole process of teaching and I was able to teach a couple of courses. In 20042005 I was invited to go to the Ministry of Education to help write the actual green industry curriculum that we teach now.

From there, I got offered a teaching job at the board and went to Windsor University, got my Bachelor of Education and I’ve been teaching ever since.

We were the first SHSM program in the province. I started that and we’ve been running since 2007. From there we were able to adapt the dual credit program with Humber so the kids are earning their high school and SHSM diploma and they are also earning college credits.

How has Landscape Ontario helped with your program over the years?

Our kids have to do 220 hours of actual on-the-job experience and the number of employers that have helped out with coop to do experiential learning has been great. I’ve had a great contingent of people through Landscape Ontario that have helped out through there. I honestly don’t think the course would be as good as it is without the backing of Landscape Ontario.

In addition to Sean James, who else inspired your career path?

Brent Vanderkruk and also Paul DeGroot from NVK. Paul was very knowledgeable and pushed me to be a little bit better. I have never met anybody as good at plant ID. I don’t know where I would be without him. He taught me it’s okay to not know everything, but it’s not okay not to ask. He was always there to help.

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What is the highlight of your day or your most memorable achievement?

I seem to get a lot of students that are having a hard time achieving a grade 12 diploma, so giving them something realistic they can attain and then seeing them being able to excel through that is amazing.

The best moment for me was being invited to LO’s Awards of Excellence three years ago and was presented with Educator of the Year. To have a huge organization like that see everything you are doing and knowing you are helping them out, it was a good moment. I’ve also won the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for my work with poverty and adverse kids (in 2012). It was a pretty touching moment as well.

What is the hardest part about being an educator?

The hardest thing is getting past the stigma that landscaping is not an actual career and it’s good for some students, but not for all. From 2006 on I am still dealing with that. People don’t give it a chance. Another aspect to that is because you don’t work 12 months of the year. If you can make a great income in 10 months, you deserve two months off. To me, that is also a great opportunity for learning. Over the years, teachers are starting to come around. If you can find a career that pays the bills and makes you happy, then you are much richer than someone who has all the money and is unhappy. The real kickback is when the parents come back and thank you for pushing the kids into the profession, and they then promote it to other parents.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

VOLUNTEER PROFILE

Audrey Partridge is proud to be involved in a wonderful profession What does your Board participation actually entail?

We actually take an active role in fundraising, knocking on doors and asking for money.

It has been tough to know if we should solicit funds during the pandemic, although members are all so busy. It’s like what happened during the 2000 recession, when there was so much demand for landscaping due to cocooning.

Do you see any other groups or industries with foundations as active as LO’s?

I do other fundraising for lots of causes, especially some that can tug on your heartstrings. Working for our OHTF is a bit tougher, but I don’t see any other industry working on the scale we do.

How did you get involved?

I was recruited by Hank Gelderman, who has a special way of getting volunteers.

He said, “We would be so honoured if you would join us.”

Audrey Partridge is a longstanding member of the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation (OTHF) Board, and a big believer in green career opportunities.

What advice would you give a landscape pro considering volunteering?

I would explain volunteering is all about what you will get out of it. If you associate with other successful people, you will succeed! If you are open to growth, you will soak it up. The volunteer environment is so enriching; you will find you connect with other volunteers, that you have similar struggles — and you can still laugh together when tough stuff comes by.

Has your Foundation work seemed any different since you retired from an active role in landscaping?

It is a little different now that I am a bit removed. But I value it, it keeps my mind going!

What will the Foundation be like in 10 years?

Well, those of us left will be using canes.

I hope to see new people eager to enrich the industry, and I have no doubt that will happen. They will be building on the work of astute, brilliant people including Neil Vanderkruk, Casey and Monica van Maris, Tony DiGiovanni, Hank Gelderman. They are all wise investors, who knew and know how to invest in people, property and the future.

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Do you get a chance to connect with scholarship recipients?

Oh yes, we review applicants’ resumes, and they are required to write an essay, which gives a peek into their desires, vision, and whether or not they are grounded. Once chosen, we meet at a reception, and sometimes we see them at industry events such as Skills Ontario.

What inspires you about the new talent entering the profession?

Their grasp of technology is amazing, and I am so impressed with their commitment to the environment — they are tigers! They have been raised properly to have that zeal.

Seeing their fresh new faces is like the first day of school, it’s lovely.

What action steps should up-and-coming landscape pros take to support the future?

First, I encourage all professionals to consider and implement all the educational opportunities within their own companies.

Then beyond that, do everything you can to promote green careers for our immigrants.

Do your part to support the Foundation by donating. Donate all you can, or at least some of it. Encourage your employees to go to school by sponsoring them, with a contract that pays their tuition based on their marks, as well as a time commitment to stay with your company. After all, this is a good industry! We get to work outdoors, close to nature, and create beauty forever.

We enjoy health benefits for ourselves by staying physically fit and working out aggressions, and we promote our environment’s health as well. How much more wonderful could it get? There is a vision, and we in the Foundation are trying.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

OHTF.ca

2020

ONTARIO HORTICULTURAL TRADES FOUNDATION

ANNUAL

MANDATE

REPORT

“To ensure a healthy future for the horticultural industry.”

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About the Foundation The Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation is the research and scholarship arm of Landscape Ontario. The Foundation’s mandate is to ensure a healthy future for the horticultural industry, through financial support of research and scholarships funded by interest generated on capital investments.

Supporting the Foundation The Foundation would like to thank all donors. A donation is an easy and effective way to benefit Ontario’s horticultural community and is tax-deductible.

How to support the Foundation Donations to the Foundation can be made online by visiting OHTF.ca and choosing Donate to the Foundation.

Also at OHTF.ca, under Foundation Brochures you will find various information booklets on how to support the Foundation in a number of ways outlined below. With a donation to the Foundation, you have the satisfaction of knowing that you are “making a difference and leaving a legacy” for the profession that you love.

You can support the foundation by:

a) Sponsorship: Join the Foundation by making a pledge — an annual donation or a one-time gift. b) Memorial Gift: This is a meaningful way to honour a friend, loved one or professional contact while also helping to support the profession. c) Legacy Gift: Earmark funds through your estate to sustain the horticulture profession. Contact your estate planner or lawyer to include this legacy provision in your will. d) Stewardship Program: Many Foundation sponsors share their expertise by speaking to groups and directing their honorariums to the Foundation.

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Officers and directors for 2020 President: David Turnbull Vice President: Mike Thomas Secretary: Bob Allen Treasurer: Hank Gelderman Directors: Brian Cocks

Tony DiGiovanni

Ben Kobes

Mark Ostrowski

Audrey Partridge

Tim Rivard

Rita Weerdenburg

Scholarship program Providing scholarships is particularly close to the hearts of Foundation supporters, who point with pride to the many recipients who are now successful industry members. A list of available scholarships can be found on the Foundation website at OHTF.ca.

The scholarship program continues to grow, and now boasts a number of scholarships supported by individual people and companies: - Bob and Ruby Allen Scholarship Fund - Casey van Maris Scholarship Fund - Hensbergen/DeGroot Fund - Horst Dickert Scholarship Fund - John/Ruth Wright Scholarship Fund -O J Müller Memorial Fund - Unilock/Landscape Designers Fund -O ttawa Chapter Val Kirshner Scholarship - Peter Olsen Memorial Fund - Russel and Karen Loney Fund - Tony DiGiovanni Scholarship Fund - Upper Canada Chapter Scholarship -W aterloo Chapter Green Industry Scholarship Introduced in 2015, a major component of the program is the Cullen Family Scholarships, distributing of over $20,000 per year. The program is designed to encourage and inspire leadership qualities in students who have a passion and enthusiasm for the landscape and horticulture profession, with candidates selected by their peers and teachers. Individual amounts are assigned to each school offering a horticultural program.

This year, the Foundation distributed a total of $54,850 in scholarships to students enrolled in horticultural programs across the province.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients.

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Scholarship recipient reception he annual scholarship reception was held in conjunction with Landscape Ontario Congress in advance of the LO Awards of Excellence Ceremony on the evening of Jan. 7, 2020. The reception provides an opportunity for the students’ parents, spouses, friends, and faculty to meet and to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the students.

At the reception, David Turnbull, Foundation President welcomed guests and congratulated the students on their achievements. Turnbull also introduced Dave Wright, Landscape Ontario incoming president; Tony DiGiovanni, Executive Director; and Mark Cullen, Cullen Family Scholarship sponsor.

Some other members of the Foundation Committee were also in attendance.

Following the reception, the scholarship recipients and their guests were invited to join the LO Awards of Excellence Ceremony where the students were called up to the stage and acknowledged for their achievements.

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2020 Scholarship Recipients Apprenticeship Program ($600) Brent Wursten, Mohawk College Bob and Ruby Allen Membership Scholarship ($500) Casey van Maris Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) Sequoia Death, University of Guelph Graduate Research Assistant Program ($6,000) College/University from High School Program ($1,000) Jenna Enter, University of Guelph Megan Ljubotina, Niagara Parks Sean Loose, Durham College Trevor McBrayne, University of Guelph Sam Ouellette, Niagara College Dawson Pacheco, Fanshawe College Hallie Phillips, University of Guelph Thea Ridland, University of Guelph Georgia Schoonderwoerd, Fanshawe College Horticulturist Scholarship ($500) Kelvin Devries, Niagara Parks Olivia Hart, Algonquin College Pamela O’Neill, Humber College Horst Dickert Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) Quinn Nolan, University of Guelph John and Ruth Wright Turf Management Scholarship ($2,000) Russel and Karen Loney Scholarship ($500) Tony DiGiovanni Scholarship ($1,000) Brad Richardson, Niagara Parks

Unilock Collaborative Communications Scholarship ($1,000) Shawntanna Atkinson-Gingrich, University of Guelph James Hughes, University of Guelph Dana Lim Hoye Yee, University Guelph Post-Graduate Scholarship ($1,000) Jacob Leach, University of Guelph Lindsey McCain, University of Guelph Post-Secondary Scholarship ($1,000) Saleem Akhtar Sial, Niagara College Jordan Bonal, Niagara Parks Tzitzi Rangel De la Rosa, Humber College Kerwin Ki-Hin Yeung, Niagara College MiJin Kim, Niagara College Chadwick Lewis, Algonquin College Zachary March, Seneca College Joseph Merrett, University of Guelph Bianca Olivieri, Algonquin College Nikhilkumar Patel, Humber College Cullen Family Scholarship Program ($2,000) Louise Daudt Pritz De Araujo (Horticultural Technician) Mattison Innis (Horticultural Technician) Alex Mozhzhukhina (Landscape Technician) Charissa Teal (Landscape Architecture) Catherine Thibodeau (Horticultural Technician) Robert Van Every (Landscape Design) Kaitlin Veitch (Horticultural Technician) David Watier (Environmental Landscape Management)

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Cullen Scholarship Apprenticeship ($1,000) Laura Delorme (Horticultural Technician) Cullen Scholarship Special Need ($4,000) Avery Lacroix, Niagara Parks

Research programs With part of its mandate to support research programs that help to ensure a healthy future for the horticultural industry, the Foundation provided financial support to the following initiatives: • Since administrative structure is already in place, the Foundation collects charitable donations for the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute (hohtribute.ca) . This inspiring campaign seeks to plant 117,000 trees for each of Canada’s fallen soldiers, assisted by the proud efforts of Ontario nursery growers and contractors.

• Grandtrees Walk Fund, for tree planting in the GTA. • JT Somerville Fund. Christmas tree industry.industry.

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Meet some of this year’s scholarship recipients Shawntanna Atkinson Unilock Collaborative Scholarship, $1,000 A graduate of the Landscape Design program at Fanshawe College, Shawntanna was recently accepted as an articulation student at the University of Guelph for Landscape Architecture. She would like to thank instructors Sara Bellaire, Barb Gaudet, and Linda Wideman for always pushing her to reach her goals and for helping to achieve this scholarship.

Louise Daudt Cullen Family Scholarship Program, $2,000 With a background in ecology and recently graduated from the Landscape Horticulture program at St. Clair College, Louise is keen to make a positive impact on the environment and in the people she is surrounded with, doing what she loves. She is thankful to professors and colleagues for the recognition and support.

Laura Delorme Cullen Family Scholarship Apprenticeship, $2,000 A student of the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture, Laura’s interest in plants started at a young age, but it wasn’t until later that she decided to pursue it professionally. Her goal is to use that passion to inspire people to contribute to the well-being of our planet, no matter their level of education or expertise. To facilitate our ability to do good for nature, for ourselves and most importantly, for everyone.

Jenna Enter College or University Scholarship, $1,000 A student of the Landscape Architecture degree program at the University of Guelph, Jenna was introduced to horticulture at a young age. She has worked in different forms of horticulture throughout her life and has had the opportunity to experience landscape design first-hand through her family’s landscape construction company. She looks forward to making her imprint on the landscape design profession.

Olivia Hart Horticulturist Scholarship, $500 Olivia is currently in her second year of the Horticultural Industries Diploma at Algonquin College. She is passionate about wildlife and edible gardening. Her goal after graduation is to design landscapes that emphasize native, edible, and pollinator-friendly plant species by opening her own sustainable landscape design business. She would like to thank the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation for helping students like herself to realize their dreams.

James Hughes Unilock Collaborative Scholarship, $1,000 James Hughes holds a Bachelors in Landscape Architecture and is currently a Masters of Landscape Architecture student studying at the University of Guelph. James has worked in residential design, golf course construction and playground design. His master’s thesis aims to answer the question, “Are theme parks examples of streetscape design best practices?”

Mattison Innis Cullen Family Scholarship Program, $2,000 A second-year student at Niagara Parks School of Horticulture, Mattison was raised on the family farm in Caledon, Ont., where his passion for horticulture came naturally. In secondary school, he was introduced to horticulture while enrolled in an Environmental SHSM program. Mattison has an affinity for arboriculture and environmental sustainability and looks forward to discovering the many amazing opportunities the landscape profession has to offer.

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Kerwin Ki-Hin Yeung Post-Secondary Scholarship, $1,000 Kerwin feels grateful to the Foundation for the financial support and for recognizing his hard work which serves as motivation. Kerwin would like to thank the Niagara College staff for teaching such an interesting and hands-on program, as well as his mom and my older brother. “I am proud to be her son and his younger brother.”

MiJin Kim Post-Secondary Scholarship, $1,000 Always thirsty to gain new experiences, MiJin is a student of the Landscape Technician program at Niagara College where she plans to broaden her horizons and learn more hands-on knowledge and skills. A landscape designer for more than 10 years in Korea, her dream is to create pleasant and beautiful green spaces for the socially weak and alienated.

Avery Lacroix Cullen Scholarship Special Need, $4,000 A third-year student at Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture, Avery started his journey into this field at a young age that began with pushing a mower, line trimmer and a blower around the neighbourhood. Avery fell in love with horticulture via a high school SHSM class led by educator, Allan Nason. Avery is grateful to receive this scholarship and is amazed at how diverse the industry is. He is also amazed at the amount of resources given to students in order to succeed in the profession.

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Jacob Leach Post-graduate Scholarship, $1,000 Jacob Leach holds an Honours B.Sc. in Zoology with a minor in Anthropology, and is currently a Masters of Landscape Architecture student studying at the University of Guelph. With a plethora of work experience regarding research, species at risk, and ecology, he has seen firsthand the impacts of habitat loss through human development. Jacob is excited to begin researching and designing ecological functional spaces that benefit both humans and native species.

Chadwick Lewis Post-Secondary Scholarship, $1,000 Chadwick would like to thank the horticultural industry for its diversity. After completing a co-op work term during a pandemic, he was convinced the industry is quite resilient and that there is a strong sense of community and camaraderie. He is eager to finish school and start working fulltime in this profession.

Dana Lim Unilock Collaborative Scholarship, $1,000 Dana Lim is completing her fourth year in the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) at the University of Guelph and also works as a designer for a pool construction company. Lim has worked for a garden centre, a landscape company and a landscape design company. She has experience in plant identification, hardscape, pool design and client-focused project management across the GTA. Informed by her outdoor and office training, she has enhanced her botanical knowledge, creative mind and technical software skills.

Megan Ljubotina College or University Scholarship, $1,000 A first-year student at the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture, Megan is thrilled to be learning the art and science of horticulture. She hopes to use the skills she develops to pursue a career cultivating diverse collections of plants, and helping people to experience firsthand how wonderful, fascinating, and essential plants are. She would like to sincerely thank Landscape Ontario for her scholarship.

Sean Loose College or University Scholarship, $1,000 Sean is truly grateful for having been selected as the recipient of a horticultural scholarship. Growing up in Toronto, Sean has spent the last two summers working in landscaping. As a child, he enjoyed being outside and this scholarship gives him the ability to further his knowledge and understanding of the natural world.

Zach March Post-Secondary Scholarship, $1,000 Zach March is a second year Environmental Landscape Management student at Seneca College with aspirations of furthering his education in the environmental sector. Zach is very grateful to receive a scholarship and would like to thank Jane Davey, as well as his other professors and peers, for making his first year so memorable. He looks forward to continued learning in this exciting industry.

Trevor McBrayne College or University Scholarship, $1,000 In his first year of study at the University of Guelph for Landscape Architecture, Trevor grew up on a farm in rural Chatham-Kent, where his passion for gardening and design first began. For the past four years, Trevor has run his own landscape maintenance and design business, and looks forward to what the future holds for him and his career as a Landscape Architect. He would like to thank the Foundation for selecting him as a recipient for the 2020 scholarship program.

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Lindsey McCain Post-graduate Scholarship, $1,000 Lindsey McCain is a graduate of the University of Guelph’s Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program, with several years of experience practicing in both the public and the private sector. She is excited to be returning to U of G to pursue her Master of Landscape Architecture, studying environmental and geographical inequalities in suburban landscapes.

Joseph Merrett Post-Secondary Scholarship, $1,000 With over 20 years professional experience as a Horticulturist with a Diploma in Horticulture (Planning and Design) from the UK, Joseph is currently conducting thesis research into the area of climate change policy at the University of Guelph in the third year of a master’s in landscape architecture. Joseph is very grateful for receiving the award and truly believes horticulture and landscape architecture have a massive role to play in the area of climate change.

Quinn Nolan Horst Dickert Memorial Scholarship, $1,000 Quinn Nolan is currently in his second year at the University of Guelph studying a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, as well as pursuing a minor in Ecology. In addition, he is a member of the varsity swim team at Guelph. He is passionate about incorporating native species into his designs as well as studying them through ecology. Nolan has also independently developed and built projects for clients using native vegetation and greenery.

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Bianca Olivieri Post-Secondary Scholarship, $1,000 Bianca would like to thank professors at Algonquin College, as well as the Foundation for continuing to inspire students to reach for their goals.

Her love for landscape design was sparked by her uncle, who designed amazing garden beds. In the future, she hopes to become a landscape designer who focuses on utilizing Canadian plant species and sustainable practices to create spaces that are not only beautiful, but more environmentally friendly.

Dawson Pacheco College or University Scholarship, $1,000 Dawson would like to thank his family, friends, teachers and classmates for supporting his educational journey. He would like to express gratitude to Roy Gucciardi, landscape architecture and horticulture teacher at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School, for inspiring him to pursue a career in Landscape Architecture.

This program has given Dawson the opportunity to create positive change, which is the reason why he is where he is today.

Nikhilkumar Patel Post-Secondary Scholarship, $1,000 Nikhilkumar is very thankful to Foundation committee members for selecting him for a post-secondary scholarship. A student of the Humber College Landscape Technician Program, Nikhilkumar enjoys working with plants and nature. His goal is to become a successful landscaper and own his own landscaping business.

Hallie Phillips College or University Scholarship, $1,000 Hallie Phillips is a first-year student at the University of Guelph in Landscape Architecture. She is thankful and honored to have received this amazing scholarship and says it will help to further her education in the field of horticulture.

Hallie is looking forward to learning more about the horticultural Industry over the next four years of her program.

Brad Richardson Tony DiGiovanni Scholarship, $1,000 Brad would like to thank Sue Clark and Darrell Bley for the encouragement and wonderful mentorship he received at the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture. He is excited to be moving from a biology research background to the more practical field of horticulture. Brad believes there are many modern problems which could be solved using natural solution

Charissa Teal Cullen Family Scholarship Program, $2,000 Charissa Tea is a third-year Bachelor of Landscape Architecture student at the University of Guelph, where her studies have been, and continue to be, a “complete joy.” She would like to thank the faculty for their excellent teaching that will position her on the path to a career she has always dreamed of. She says it is a great honor to be a scholarship recipient.

Thea Ridland College or University Scholarship, $1,000 Thea would like to thank the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation for awarding her a scholarship and helping fund her university education. Thea comes from a small town in Niagara, where she went to Blessed Trinity Secondary School. In high school, Thea took four years of design technology courses, where she learned a variety of skills from her teacher, David Antolin. These courses helped direct Thea to choose and pursue a degree in Landscape Architecture. Thea is currently enrolled in the first year Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program at the University of Guelph.

Catherine Thibodeau Cullen Family Scholarship Program, $2,000 Catherine is honoured to be one of the Cullen Scholarship recipients for 2020. As a second-year student in the Horticulture Technician program at Niagara College, she looks forward to pursuing different opportunities in the field in the coming years. She is particularly curious about botanical gardens, urban green spaces and urban agriculture.

Georgia Schoonderwoerd College University Scholarship, $1,000 After graduating high school, Georgia worked full-time for one year and explored different trades and very quickly became interested in horticulture. In her first year as a horticultural apprentice, she is passionate about her work and takes every day as it comes in order to be able to experience everything horticulture has to offer. In her first years as a technician, Georgia hopes to develop a sense of all aspects of the industry, but to proceed in the years to come with what she finds passion and fulfillment in.

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Kaitlin Veitch Cullen Family Scholarship Program, $2,000 Kaitlin is “so grateful to be recognized for my enthusiasm in horticulture in such a profound way.” Now a third-year student at the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture, Kaitlin is excited to use what she has learned to make a positive horticultural impact in the near future and hopes to leave the world better off — and to inspire others along the way to do the same.

Brent Wursten Apprenticeship Scholarship, $600 Brent has been working in the landscape industry for three years in his dad’s business, and hopes to take it over some day. He enjoys working outdoors and loves to transform and manicure properties to a client’s expectations.

The horticultural technician program at Mohawk College was especially helpful with broadening his knowledge of the basic skills of landscaping. He is thankful for the opportunity to receive this scholarship.

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FOUNDATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FUND BALANCES

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION Year End Year End Aug. 31, 2020 Aug. 31, 2019

Year End Aug. 31, 2020

ASSETS

$25,077 $8,545 Current

Bank $884,633 Casey van Maris Scholarship Fund $31,997 $31,954

Accounts Receivable $151,374 Crystal Lawn Care Fund $0 $2,199 $1,036,007

Long Term Cullen Family Scholarship Fund $11,273 $141 Investments $2,826,040

Dunington-Grubb/Sheridan Nurseries Research Fund$235,027 $227,522 Investment-Vineland Consortium $57,711

Accrued Interest Receivable $66,469 Grandtrees Walk Fund $226,936 $59,457 $2,950,220

Growers’ Group Research Fund $381,065 $368,896

TOTAL ASSETS $3,986,227 Hensbergen/DeGroot Scholarship Fund $26,442 $25,598

LIABILITIES Highway of Heroes (TFL) Fund $2,334,200 $1,745,831

Current Horst Dickert Scholarship Fund $0 ($137)

Accounts Payable and Accrued Charges $37,896 IPM Symposium Research Fund $186,771 $180,807

Accumulated Fund Balances JT Somerville Fund $10,357 $10,907 Fund Balances-Regular Funds $1,387,195

Fund Balances-Special Projects $2,561,137 John/Ruth Wright Scholarship Fund $66,155 $64,042

$3,948,331 OJ Muller Memorial Scholarship Fund $11,065 $10,711

TOTAL LIABILITIES/FUNDS $3,986,227 Ottawa Chapter Val Kirshner Scholarship Fund $72,012 $70,202

Peter Olsen Scholarship Fund $31,368 $30,366 STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS & FUND BALANCES

Robert/Ruby Allen Scholarship Fund $22,535 $21,815

Year End Russel/Karen Loney Scholarship Fund $9,744 $9,433 Aug. 31, 2020

REVENUES Scholarship Fund $85,043 $86,342 Interest/Gains (Losses) $144,541

Miscellaneous $1,349 Tony DiGiovanni Scholarship Fund $106,662 $104,235

Research Grants $0 Unilock/Designers Group Fund $10,362 $11,990 Donations/Funding $3,169,708

Waterloo Chapter Scholarship Fund $64,243 $67,822 TOTAL REVENUE $3,315,598

TOTAL FUND BALANCES $3,948,331 $3,138,678 EXPENSES Administration Fees/Expenses $377,198 Disbursed as Research Grants $0 Event/Sponsorship Expenses $2,073,896 Disbursed as Scholarships $54,850

Year End Aug. 31, 2019

General Fund

$691,859 $62,218 $754,078 $2,323,136 $57,711 $28,556 $2,409,403 $3,163,481

$24,803 $1,333,390 $1,805,288 $3,138,678 $3,163,481

Year End Aug. 31, 2019 $38,431 $57,246 $0 $1,598,691 $1,694,368 $230,372 $0 $586,192 $56,800

TOTAL EXPENSES

$2,505,945

$873,364

EXCESS OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES FUND BALANCES, BEGINNING OF YEAR FUND BALANCES, YEAR END

$809,653 $3,138,678 $3,948,331

$821,003 $2,317,675 $3,138,678

For information on the Foundation, including scholarship applications, supported research programs or to donate, visit ohtf.ca 22

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

PROFESSIONAL NEWS 2021

CONGRESS V I R T U A L

E X P E R I E N C E

Congress Connect promises a virtual extravaganza Landscape Ontario Congress Connect, January 12-14, 2021 will be an entirely online experience that promises to include the many features of the live, in-person gathering people have come to expect, plus the latest tools and technology to take the event even further.

Produced by Landscape Ontario’s Show Committee — an experienced team of volunteer industry professionals as well as the association’s events staff — the

goal of Congress Connect is to provide a virtual venue for those in the landscape and horticulture profession to network, learn, buy, sell and grow, amid public gathering restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Landscape Ontario’s show team has been researching new technologies and communications tools for months. Back in July, the association held its first virtual event, Snowposium, using an online platform.

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“There is a very steep learning curve for both staff, presenters and attendees,” says LO Director of Virtual Sales & Events, Heather MacRae, “and for our first truly virtual event, Snowposium was a tremendous achievement and a great success.”

Both organizers and attendees learned a lot from the experience, prompting the team to seek out an even better platform for Congress Connect.

Continued >

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO Show Committee Chair, Terry Childs sees Congress Connect as a great opportunity: “The virtual format can get everybody engaged, from every province, even people who are not in our trade.

Our suppliers will be providing yet more education, such as how to properly build a wall or set end block,

and that great information could even be sponsored for the general public! It really opens up the profession and shows what we do.”

Virtual marketplace Some major companies have already signed up and are building their virtual booth space using the many unique tools available within the platform.

Gaining popularity over the past few years, the exhibitor VIP Pass program allows exhibitors to invite clients and dealers and offer them specific and unique promotions.

Exhibitors can also display specific

products, including images, videos and spec sheets.

Virtual attendees can then browse a virtual booth space to view all of the information, plus chat with a booth rep, schedule a meeting, or meet in a video room.

New products Seeing the latest and greatest new products, supplies and technology is by far the biggest reason why people say they attend Congress, and Congress Connect will deliver. In the virtual New Product Showcase, exhibitors can include multiple images, videos and spec sheets.

In addition, weekly e-blasts featuring new products are being sent out to over 20,000 landscape professionals, and a new Product Connect Guide will also be available, featuring new products on the market from exhibitors on the virtual platform.

Congress Connect Conference Featuring the same lineup of world-class speakers you would expect at a live event, the Congress Connect Conference will return in full force in 2021 with the usual preshow learning and networking opportunities

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REGISTER AT HORTTRADES.COM/EVENT

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO on January 11, the day before the marketplace. Lawn care and maintenance pros will continue to get the latest updates while earning six CEUs by attending the IPM Symposium on Jan. 11.

The Designers Conference, also on Jan. 11 will feature topics and discussions relevant to those in the design profession.

Typically held the same day, please note the kick off event for LO’s Peer to Peer Network will also be held, but after the show on January 26.

Some of the many advantages of attending a virtual conference include easier access to handouts and references, the ability to rewatch videos and access them at a later date, and online chat that allows more communication with presenters, panelists and even other audience members. Content from Congress Connect will be accessible for a full year.

Live Series Attendees to the trade show only had access to a Live Series of free education right on the show floor. Congress Connect plans to continue this industry-wide learning experience. Stay tuned!

IPM Symposium January 11, 2021 Virtual Conference

How to participate Exhibitors and sponsors can reserve their space now via the Congress Connect website at LOcongress.com.

Online registration for Congress Connect and Conference, including the pre-trade show events will also be online in November.

For more information on attending, exhibiting, or becoming a sponsor at Congress Connect 2021, visit LOcongress.com or email showinfo@LOcongress.com.

City of Toronto awarded Champion of Trees by the Arbor Day Foundation

Presenting Partner

Supporting Partners

Mayor John Tory accepted the Champion of Trees Award on behalf of the City of Toronto on Oct. 1. The award, presented by the Arbor Day Foundation, recognizes the City for exemplary leadership in developing and implementing new policies and practices for tree planting and care, natural area stewardship and arboriculture.

The City was recognized for its leadership and commitment to advancing urban forestry through various initiatives including:

• ●• ●• ●•

P lanting more than one million trees across the city since 2005.

I nvesting $605.6 million in its urban forest from 2008-2018.

P lanting approximately 120,000 trees and shrubs per year.

E ngaging more than 23,000 volunteers in over 1,000 community planting and stewardship events since 2013. ●• Investing more than $3.62 million in private land tree planting and stewardship programs since 2016, resulting in approximately 25,000 additional trees being planted on private land, around 72,000 residents engaged, 36 projects funded and leveraging more than $6.5 million in matching funding from other sources. ● Becoming one of the first Canadian cities to undertake an i-Tree Eco (formerly known as UFORE) study in 2008 which was used to develop a comprehensive Strategic Forest Management Plan. ●Increasing Toronto’s canopy cover from 26.6 to 28 per cent in 2008 to 28 to 31 per cent in 2018 based on the 2018 tree canopy study.

Past award recipients from the Arbor Day Foundation include Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and the United States Forest Service. More information can be found at arborday.org/awards.

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locongress.com

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Living expenses covered for apprentices The Ontario government recently announced an additional $75 million in funding over the next two years to help apprentices cover living expenses during their in-class training.

The government is also appointing a five-member Skilled Trades Panel to provide advice and recommendations to the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) on developing a new approach to training and certification.

The announcement was made by Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development on Oct. 7.

Apprentices in Ontario also have access to funding that supports those who are ineligible for Employment Insurance while attending in-class training, as well a recentlyintroduced Tools Grant that varies depending on industry sector.

The new Skilled Trades Panel, chaired

by Michael Sherrard, will provide advice and recommendations to the Minister on the replacement of the Ontario College of Trades with a new approach to providing services, including compliance with

compulsory training and certification requirements. The panel will also provide guidance on the criteria and process used to make decisions on the classification and training for the trades.

infrastructure industries are asked to submit a proposal to office@orcga.com by Dec. 1. For details on the submission, visit ORCGA.com.

Ontario One Call launches professional locate administrator course

ORCGA announces virtual Damage Prevention Symposium for 2021 The Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA) will hold its annual Damage Prevention Symposium online February 2-4 and February 10-11, 2021.

The event gathers stakeholders in the province’s underground infrastructure, including utilities companies, legislators, technicians and excavating contractors to network, learn and discuss key issues and practices related to keeping underground utilities safe. The event includes the ORCGA annual general meeting, awards presentations and a trade show.

Those wishing to demonstrate their company’s innovations and expertise in front of the damage prevention and buried

A new online self-guided course is available 24/7 for those whose job involves requesting and organizing locates for a company that digs.

Ontario One Call’s Professional Locate Administrator Course (PLAC) is designed to create expert locate administrators and provides an in-depth understanding of how to effectively request and manage locates within the Province of Ontario. On average, the course takes about six hours to complete and the cost is $84.95 plus HST. Once a learner has successfully completed the program, they will receive a certificate of completion, which is valid for two years.

To register or find out more details, visit OntarioOneCall.ca/PLAC.

VIRTUAL NURSERY GROWERS SHORT COURSE

DESIGNERS CONFERENCE January 11, 2021 SUPPORTING PARTNERS

REGISTER TODAY February 17, 2021 HORTTRADES.com/event

LOcongress.com

PRESENTING PARTNER:

The 2021 Landscape Designers Conference is Presented with Recognition of the OALA. Sessions qualify for OALA Continuing Education Credits.

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SUPPORTING PARTNERS:

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

EXECUTIVE DESK

Our members care

T

Windsor, Day of Tribute in Ottawa, and many more.

In 2019 alone, the Toronto Chapter supported these projects:

here is something about this profession that seems to attract people who care. I am not saying this lightly. It is based on 31 years of observation.

I would like to share a few examples.

The Landscape Ontario Covid Task Force is now entering meeting number 83. What motivates this dedicated group of extremely busy volunteers to give so much of their time and resources to make sure our entire membership has the information they need to best deal with the pandemic? It’s because they care.

One of the projects conceived by the Covid Task Force is the Frontline Hero Garden Makeover contest.

Over 1,000 stories were submitted from individuals who chose to nominate a frontline worker who had made a difference in their life, or the lives of people in their community. Finalists were chosen, then 10 deserving front line workers were announced as recipients of garden makeovers. There will be one $5,000 makeover in each LO chapter, plus one grand prize provincial project valued at $25,000.

Each LO chapter needs volunteers, products, supplies, expertise, coordination and labour. Many individual members are contributing. In a recent email exchange between members of the Upper Canada Chapter, it was inspiring to read how the chapter has decided to go above and beyond the $5,000 allotment.

They obviously care a great deal.

In a much different community project the Green Cities Foundation (a recently formed charitable organization developed by the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association), is involved in a project that will transform an abandoned gas station parking lot in Hamilton, Ont., into a much-needed green space for children to play. They reached out to LO members, who characteristically responded. They also care.

There are hundreds of community-building projects that our members have been involved with over the years, including the St. James Park revitalization, Highway of Heroes Living Tribute, Legacy Garden in

• ●• ●• ●• ●• ●• ●• ●• ●• ●• ●• ●• ●• ●•

Bilton Laneway Bowery Project Cedarvale Community Garden The Church of St. Stephens in the Field The David Suzuki Foundation’s Butterflyway Project Donview Middle Health and Wellness Academy Guildwood Butterflyway Project Horticultural Societies of Parkdale and Toronto Laneway Garden Laneway Project Oakvillegreen Conservation Association Parkdale Village Business Improvement Area PARC The Seed Library Commons Sunnybrook Hospital

Every chapter of Landscape Ontario is involved in community-greening projects. Beyond the collective projects, I am aware of many members who support their community in their own special ways. We want to celebrate your contributions. Whether you are raising money for a local charity, or planting trees at a church or school, please let us know what you are doing.

Because we care.

I am always amazed and inspired by the contribution ethic of our members. Many participate in organized events through the Chapters, while many more contribute to their own special causes. The reality is the good works reflect a company’s culture and individual character, while also reflecting well on the entire profession.

The contribution ethic of our membership is inspiring. There is no better way to promote our profession than using the talents and skills of our membership to contribute to others.

Thank you for helping LO to shine.

Tony DiGiovanni CHT LO Executive Director

tony@landscapeontario.com

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

MEMBERSHIP

The power of putting people first

J

ack Welch, an American business executive, chemical engineer and writer, is credited as saying, “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” Welch was Chairman and CEO of General Electric between 1981 and 2001.

When he retired from GE, he received a severance payment of $417 million — the largest such payment in business history.

So why not take Welchs’ advice and help

your people grow by giving them the vision, respect, and autonomy they need to contribute at their full potential?

There’s no doubt in my mind that putting priority, focus, care, effort, and attention to helping your people grow will exponentially boost your business’ value over time. I’ve heard many of the great landscape business coaches say we aren’t in landscape business, but rather the people business.

This might sound like it could be applied

Great teams start with trust and one way to develop trust is when people feel they can speak up and engage in healthy discussion — even with the leader.

Tillsonburg, ON Specializing in field grown and potted cedars along with perennials, trees and shrubs of both deciduous and evergreen varieties.

519-688-0437

info@pottersroadnursery.com

PottersRoadNursery.com

to any industry (really it could for most), but here’s the thing: the landscape business has a people deficit. Since I began my career, the strategic focus for landscape and nursery trade associations across North America has always been about solving the people deficit. So, being a people business is especially true in our profession.

I’ll add that applying a people-first layer to leading your organization won’t solve this industry challenge, but it will be the ace in your back pocket when it comes to keeping great people you’ve worked hard to attract and retain over the years.

The first step in developing a people-

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first culture (and it’s something you can start doing today) is to be approachable.

The people in your company need to know they can come to you with ideas or concerns, and that you’re willing to listen and engage.

Being approachable means that you’re asking for input (and listening to what they have to say). While you may not be able to put all of their suggestions into action, you are fostering an environment to share in the development and contribute to the business. Take action where and when you can. If you can’t act on a suggestion, explain why. It goes a long way to making people feel valued and respected.

Great teams start with trust and one way to develop trust is when people feel they can speak up and engage in healthy discussion – even with the leader. When someone brings a concern to you or gives constructive feedback, it’s important not to instantly justify or defend. Rather, listen. Empathize with their situation and ask yourself what their real concern or criticism is. By listening, you just might surface an issue that you weren’t aware of.

The past eight months have been a real challenge for everyone. Now, more than ever, is the time to show your people how much you truly care about their growth and development. Not only will your people go the extra mile simply because they want to contribute to an organization that cares about them, it could very well be the difference between keeping your rockstars engaged or losing them to your competition.

Joe Salemi LO Deputy Executive Director and Director of Operations jsalemi@landscapeontario.com

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

SMART ABOUT SALT

Liquids gaining traction with winter maintenance pros

L

ike so many professions, the winter maintenance industry continues to evolve at an extraordinary pace.

In part, the changes are as a result of external challenges such as soaring insurance premiums, but it’s also a result of improvements in technology, products, and training.

One of the best examples of the positive change being embraced by winter maintenance professionals is the use of liquid de-icing materials. When we speak of liquids, we’re typically referring to brine or salty water.

Brine is simple to make and store, but it can also be purchased from a supplier.

Brines are useful for anti-icing before a storm or following after mechanical snow and ice removal.

Recent academic studies are confirming the use of brines versus solid/crystal salts can dramatically reduce the amount of product needed to ensure safety. This reduction is a bonus for our environment, and can also help to reduce costs for winter maintenance professionals as brines can be cost-effective. It should also be pointed out that the studies actually suggest improvements to safety as well.

For example, spraying brine on steps and walkways (instead of applying salt by hand) can provide better and more uniform coverage and can reduce some of the slipand-fall hazards that might occur due to an over-application of crystal salts.

The application of salt in a liquid form can also support winter maintenance goals when the temperatures drop by using a so-called “hot brine” which is achieved with other salts such as calcium chloride and magnesium chloride. This is another point in support of liquid salt application.

It’s a bit of an irony that liquids are gaining traction. We’ve always known that

it’s the salty water (brine) that does the necessary work and winter maintenance contractors are now taking better advantage of this reality. Moreover, it’s not uncommon for the runoff from stored salt to be captured and used in winter operations, again, potentially saving money and the environment.

The Smart About Salt Council (SASC) is a unique not-for-profit organization incubated through a governmentindustry partnership. SASC is dedicated to supporting all stakeholders involved in winter maintenance to adopt best management practices (BMPs) in a win-win model that supports safety, meaningfully addresses business concerns of contracts, owners/operations, procurement

professionals and alike, but also mitigates clear environmental concerns.

Those wishing to learn more about the unique programs and services offered by the Smart About Salt Council (SASC) are encouraged to visit smartaboutsalt.com, where you can register for training which is priced at $375 (less than the price of a cup of coffee a day) and “Register Intent to Certify” for $226.

Lee Gould Executive Director, Smart About Salt Council

lee.gould@smartaboutsalt.com

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

PROSPERITY PARTNERS

It’s November. Already.

E

give it serious consideration. To me, November is the best month to debrief the season and set a course for identifying where to improve, what to stop doing, what to start doing and what to not change at all.

The reality is that winter flies by. Many of you push hard to finish work before weather closes in. Some of you do snow/ ice management — for which this is the changing of the guard (and equipment). But in my opinion, it’s also a crucial time of year to debrief, assess, plan and prepare to implement new training and changed processes. Every year in March, I hear many say, “I just don’t know where the winter went… I wanted to put new things in place and haven’t got it done yet.”

What we all know for sure, is that we don’t know what spring 2021 will look like. And, that’s just going to have to be okay for now. Spring will come faster than we think it will from today’s vantage point.

Here’s something you can do no matter what spring brings: focus on what you can control. How can best prepare for either a Covid-free or Covid-restricted spring start? Take time now and ask yourself:

very now and then, I take the opportunity to share one of my own best practices from my 25-year experience as a landscape business owner. Over the past 16 years of writing this column, I’ve shared my ‘November Files’ process with you a few times, and always received great feedback from readers. At the risk of sounding somewhat repetitive, I decided to share it again, as we near the close of this unusual year.

And what a year it has been! Full of surprises — both good and bad — fraught with ‘new normals’ we’d have never imagined would be in our midst when most of us gathered at Congress last January.

Along with the weirdness of 2020, has emerged an amazing “we got this” pulse among business owners and Landscape Ontario Peer to Peer Network members I talk with regularly. What terrified us in April we’re taking in stride today.

There are many things you’ve learned between then and now.

It’s worth capturing.

As I write this, Ontario just recorded the highest case numbers of Covid-19 since the pandemic began. A long winter ahead may continue to challenge and impact our new definition of normal — which includes social bubbles and limits on gatherings.

So, what does this mean for your business? Your team?

Your clients? Your best practices? Your cash flow? Your season ahead?

Now is the time of year when I used to sit down and gather all of those thoughts and ideas I had throughout the season for making improvements or trying new ways of doing our work. When I owned Water’s Edge Landscaping, I used to have a ‘November’ file. It was a folder into which I chucked every scribbled-down idea describing spontaneous strokes of brilliance, articles, book titles, brochures, etc., that came across my desk or my mind throughout the season that I was too busy to deal with at that moment.

Each November, I’d set aside a half-day to go through the November file, note by note. I would prioritize each idea I had jotted down in the heat of the moment earlier that year, and

• W hat went really well this year?

• What ideas did I or my team bring forward that we’d ‘get to this winter’?

• What did we struggle with the most?

• What improvements could we make to tweak and continue to be better prepared, proactive and work effectively — while keeping everyone safe?

• What is my Plan A, B and C for 2021?

(Play a bit of ‘what if’).

• What do the ‘Red, Amber and Green’ budgets for 2021 look like?

We’re blessed to have businesses that change with the seasons. It gives us a chance to refresh and reset. Take a moment this month to count your blessings and show gratitude to those people and events that have contributed to a successful season and to everyone’s safety.

It’s November. Already. Make the most of it!

Jacki Hart CLM Prosperity Partners Program Manager info.peertopeer@landscapeontario.com

NEXT PEER 2 PEER SESSION IS JANUARY 26, 2021 30

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AND SNOW REMOVAL CLIENT BASE FOR SALE Owner of a Landscape Maintenance and Snow Removal Service in business for more than 30 has contracted an independent third-party (contact below) to accept offers and discuss the sale of an attractive block of clients which make up a substantial market share in the Burlington, Oakville, Stoney Creek and Hamilton areas.

Owner is looking to downsize and enjoy more time with his family and if a fair deal can be made, will divest himself of a number of his major commercial/residential clients. This small portion of his revenue generation totals $305,000 in annual contract revenues, not including any extra work. All contacts will be completed in the strictest of confidence. Interested parties will be required to sign a Non-Compete and Nondisclosure Agreement prior to any discussions taking place.

Contact Vanessa Stockham 905-537-2024

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THE GREATEST LANDSCAPES IN ONTARIO

CELEBRATING LANDSCAPE DESIGN CONSTRUCTION MAINTENANCE LIGHTING IRRIGATION

PRESENTING PARTNER

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SAVE THE DATE FEBRUARY 4TH, 2021 6:00 P.M. | VIRTUAL PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION 6:30 P.M. | VIRTUAL CEREMONY

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

CANADIAN SOLDIERS LIVE FOREVER Join us in planting 2 million trees along the 401 Highway of Heroes, a tribute to the men and women who fought for Canada in our wars, and a living memorial to the 117,000 who died for freedom.

You can participate in honouring our military, protecting the environment and beautifying North America’s most travelled highway. Visit hohtribute.ca or call 905-875-0021 to get involved.

Illustration by Rick Jacobson

Proudly supported by

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