Landscape Ontario - September 2020

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

September 2020

LO GROWS NEW

WORKFORCE

TALENT GROW team member Grace Bruch welcomes training participants

PM 40013519

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

September, 2020 • Volume 38 - No. 8 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

Engage your team in a plan for success

Features 4 Introducing the new GROW program 6 Association members to give back to frontline workers

Departments 8 14 15 18 23

Association News New Members Professional News Columns Advertisers

Editor Robert Ellidge rellidge@landscapeontario.com, 647-722-5645 Multimedia designer/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, Scott Barber, Darryl Bond, Grace Bruch, Amy Buchanan, Benjamin Buchmuller, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Cassandra Garrard, Meghan Greaves, Sally Harvey CLT CLM CAE, Keri MacIvor, Heather MacRae, Kathy McLean, Jeff McMann, Katarina Markovic, Joe Salemi, Ian Service, Tom Somerville, David Turnbull, Lissa Schoot Uiterkamp, 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

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in short supply. What is next spring going to look like? Will we be further into a global recession? Will there still be a demand for our services? Having a solid plan will allow you to weather the storm of uncertainty.

Not everyone is wired to be a strategic planner. If this sounds like you, then there are many resources out there that can help you to work through a strategic plan.

I have worked with several consultants over the years, all of which have helped me to get to where I am today. I started by meeting with the consultants on my own and working through the plan with them.

This became a top down approach that was hard to get buy-in from the rest of the team. When I built a management team and invited them to join the strategic planning process, I noticed there was almost immediate buy-in. There was a positive energy that was created during the process that made everything that much easier. My management team now meets quarterly to review our plan and build onto it for the next three months. We also meet with the entire team during the winter to share the numbers from the previous year and talk about the budget moving forward. Sharing the information with the entire team allows everyone to feel they have a part in the success of the company and themselves.

Before I hop in the boat for a run to our favourite fishing spot, I challenge you to build a plan with your team that will help you lead to success in the latter half of this year.

s I write this message, I am away from the office, on a summer vacation with my family. I can’t say that I am not working, because I am spending a few hours every day answering email, finishing quotes that I didn’t get finished last week, and working on designs that I feel like I never have time to finish.

Time management is tough when we are busy putting out fires. Having a great team reduces the need for firefighting and allows you to spend more productive time on being proactive.

Last week, my management team spent the day in a meeting room at a local conference centre, reviewing our last two quarters and looking forward to the next one. We didn’t get a chance to plan for Q2 because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the rush of work that followed, so we were long overdue. There is no excuse for not planning ahead, but sometimes you just have to put your head down and plow through it.

There is a lot to plan for now. There are a lot of unknowns on the horizon. Will there be a second wave after the kids go back to school? How are insurance rates going to affect the winter season? What will the weather be like this winter? Will we be able to get the materials needed this fall to finish off the projects in progress? Whoever thought there would be so much work that suppliers would run out of inventory?

Pavers, plants, lumber, and pool kits are all

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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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Andrea Annis, GROW Program Manager; Grace Bruch, Hamilton Regional Training Recruitment and Placement Coordinator; Jeff McMann, Lead Technical Training Instructor Toronto Region; Katarina Markovic, Lead Training Recruitment and Placement Coordinator; Benjamin Buchmuller, Grow Program Hamilton Regional Technical Training Instructor.

INTRODUCING THE NEW

GROW PROGRAM

By Sally Harvey LO Director of Education and Labour Development

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andscape Ontario has identified workforce development as a critical component of the landscape and horticulture industry’s competitiveness and sustainability. In 2018, the association’s updated Strategic Plan (HortTrades.com/ strategic-plan) outlined relevant and ambitious goals for the association. The workforce development related goals are summarized in the following graphic below.

Although LO has been actively working on these goals for years, the strategic plan inspired the association to explore a new grant program,

and we were notified in April that our application was successful. As a result, we are thrilled to announce that Landscape Ontario, in partnership with SkillsAdvance Ontario (SAO), funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario, has launched the new Get Ready for Opportunities at Work (GROW) program. This innovative and strategic training program will support the development and growth of three new pilot programs that include: new entrant worker training, a current employee development and advancement

W O R K F O R C E D E V E L O P M E N T S T R AT E G Y

APPRENTICESHIP AWARENESS

YOUTH

ACCESS

ENGAGEMENT

TO TRAINING TRAINING

LMI PROFILES

AND HIRING

AND PATHWAYS

HALL HUB

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO program, and an Employers of Choice program. The initiative will run as pilot programs in three regions: Toronto, Hamilton and Kawartha/Muskoka. The project truly supports achievement of numerous strategic goals all under one program. In summary, we will:

● • Attract and train new workers and place them with employers with in-demand jobs; ● • Offer professional development and advancement training to current workers in the profession; ● • Provide pathway guidance and supports to new and incumbent workers, and support them in pursuing development and advancement opportunities that includes registration in the Horticultural Technician Apprenticeship program; and ● • Offer and deliver an Employers of Choice program to increase competitiveness.

Three pilot programs

NEW ENTRANT WORKER CERTIFICATE TRAINING PROGRAM (FALL 2020 AND WINTER 2021): The program is designed to close the gap on in-demand jobs/talent requirements identified by employers. The program will provide a four-week basic technical and employment skills training program, serving employers in the three regions with 150 entry level workers who aspire to enter into a promising career in the landscape and horticulture profession.

The program is intended to attract youth, newcomers, adults, women etc., and provide training and employment opportunities to job seekers who may have experienced labour market challenges. It is anticipated that the fall cohort of new workers will support employers until the end of the season, and some may remain for winter work. The winter cohort will be ready to work in April 2021. The certificate program curriculum is being designed and developed based on feedback provided by employer members of the regional Program Advisory Committees in the three regions and based on current in-demand jobs. The training program for Toronto and Hamilton is currently taking place at Landscape Ontario’s head office and training facility (Aug.-Sept. 2020). We will expand the program to Kawartha/Muskoka and repeat Toronto and Hamilton in Winter 2021.

Employers who anticipate having entry level positions available this fall are invited to contact the program manager to learn more about this opportunity.

CURRENT WORKER DEVELOPMENT AND ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM (DEC. 2020-MARCH 2021): The current/incumbent worker program is intended to advance and upskill 50 nominated and eligible workers who will benefit from professional development opportunities. Employers in the three regions will nominate current workers and once approved and registered, they will be offered foundational supervisory training (in a remote learning format), focused on the pillars of supervising work and team members safely and effectively. In addition, participants will receive an individualized training plan and budget funded by the project, developed for and with them and their employers, and given the opportunity to pursue more courses and/or designations during the span of the pilot program this winter. The intention of this program is to help current workers to grow their careers in the sector and gain advancement and promotion with their current employer. It is also intended to provide employers with improved employee retention outcomes.

OPPORTUNITY FOR EMPLOYERS: Employers who anticipate having entry level positions available this fall are invited to contact the program Manager to learn more about this opportunity.

EMPLOYER OF CHOICE PROGRAM (DEC. 2020-MARCH 2021): The Employer of Choice program will support the 50 participating employers within the three regions (who agree to commit eight hours weekly) to build HR, Leadership and Diversity and Inclusion capacity within their firms to better support them in attracting and retaining a workforce of choice. This program seeks to enhance employer’s knowledge and capacity in terms of workplace operational practices and policies specifically related to: recruitment, on-boarding, training, development, and continuous improvement strategies. The program will be delivered in an on-line format and will introduce and share tools, policies and best practices with participants. Employers will participate in an assessment and benchmarking process (fall of 2020), followed by an eight-week experiential, contextualized learning program (Jan.-Feb. 2021). Intended results include: more effective recruitment and higher levels of employee engagement, productivity and retention so that firms can develop, grow and meet consumer demand.

Employers who are interested in participating in this program are invited to contact the program manager to learn more about this opportunity.

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GROW Program team and current opportunities

LO is delighted to have hired a strong core project team to date, comprised of technical instructors, training recruitment and placement coordinators serving the Toronto and Hamilton regions. The team is led by Andrea Annis, Program Manager.

At the time of publication, we continue to seek individuals who can fill vacant program positions required to deliver the GROW Program, including: Partnership Engagement Specialist, Incumbent Worker Program Coordinator, Technical Instructor (Kawartha/Muskoka), and a Recruitment, Training and Placement Coordinator (Kawartha/Muskoka).

Closing comments

LO wishes to thank SkillsAdvance Ontario (SAO), funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario, for their support of this project. This project will help to accelerate the strategic plan, as it checks off so many goals identified within the Workforce Development Strategy. The new entrant program will help to test the feasibility of the Hiring Hall Hub concept, create awareness about pathways to in-demand careers/jobs, and engage and provide youth and new workers to a very busy sector that has been challenged to find workers in a competitive environment.

The curriculum will support future new entrant development programs as well. The incumbent worker program and Employer of Choice program will help LO to build capacity in terms of increasing access to training and leveraging remote distance learning platforms. All new entrants and current workers and their employers will be introduced to the Apprenticeship program pathway, and LO’s Group Sponsorship program is ready to support those registrations. We are fortunate to have the recognition and support of government as we strive to build a workforce of choice who have the opportunity to work for employers of choice in a profession that enhances lives.

Stay tuned for more information from LO about the GROW program opportunities.

For more information about the program, please contact Andrea Annis at aannis@landscapeontario.com or Sally Harvey at sharvey@landscapeontario.com or visit GROWoutdoors.ca.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MEMBERS TO GIVE BACK TO

s r e k r o w e n i l t n o r f L

andscape Ontario will announce the 10 winners of the Garden Makeover Appreciation contest this fall. The initiative was designed by the association’s Covid-19 Task Force to celebrate the dedication of healthcare professionals and frontline workers in the fight against coronavirus.

Through social media and support from garden communicators, Landscape Ontario promoted the program and sought nominations from across the province until August 31, 2020. A subcommittee of the task force will meet with chapter representatives in mid-September to

select winners of nine $5,000 garden makeovers (one in each chapter) and the grand prize makeover worth $25,000.

Over 700 nominations have been received from every corner of the province. Here are three finalists who have gone above and beyond to help members of their community throughout the Covid-19 pandemic: Read the full story stories of these finalists online at landscapeontario.com/garden-makeover.

Lisa Fernandes

Dr. Anne Marie Zadjlik

Lisa Fernandes is a born caregiver, and her passion for helping people shines.

Fernandes is a Personal Support Worker (PSW) at Caressant Care Mary Bucke in St. Thomas, Ont., — a place she calls her second home. To Fernandes, her colleagues and residents are family.

“We are a big family in our very small home,” Fernandes says. “We are very protective of our family at Mary Bucke.” Fernandes recalls the day a younger coworker called her up and was in tears: “My parents are concerned about the spread of the virus and worried I could bring Covid home from work,” the coworker explained. The solution: “She moved in with me, and was with me for four months,” Fernandes explains. “It was an experience for me, because I’ve had two sons, so it was a learning curve, but she and I kept each other strong and safe. We made sure we did everything we possibly could to protect our family at Mary Bucke. We went grocery shopping once a month and got everything we would need. We washed everything down. We were so scared we would lose one of our residents, one of our family members.”

Fernandes says Covid-19 flipped their world upside down, but it also brought her, her colleagues and residents closer together than ever before.

Fernandes says her garden is work in progress, but that it brings her peace and tranquillity.

As a family physician and HIV-AIDS specialist, Dr. Anne-Marie Zajdlik has been battling pandemics her entire career. So when COVID-19 spread across Ontario, the Guelph-based doctor was ready.

“When I was starting to treat HIV positive patients in the early nineties, we still didn’t have a treatment,” Zajdlik, explained in an interview with CBC Toronto. “So the patients I was caring for were all dying. It was before 1996 when the drug cocktails were available, and we knew how the disease was transmitted, but there was still a lot of terror around whether or not the disease would be transmitted to healthcare workers. So what I had to learn to do was not to be concerned about the disease being transmitted to me, but to move forward and help as much I could with people who were living with the virus. So it seems natural to me, with that training, to run towards the fire and into the COVID-19 pandemic because that’s what I was trained to do.”

That doesn’t mean she wasn’t afraid. In fact, Zajdlik says she was terrified in March and April when case numbers surged.

“I remember being at the Guelph Covid-19 clinic the day Premier Doug Ford announced the case projections from Public Health Ontario,” she said. “It was overwhelming. But I know my colleagues and I were very focused on doing our jobs and ensuring our community had the best information possible to keep themselves and their families safe.”

An avid gardener who enjoys a spacious property in Rockwood, Ont., Zajdlik has also taken to social media to fight misinformation with scientific facts.

MEMBER SUPPORT

NEEDED

Once recipients are chosen for the 10 projects, Landscape Ontario’s dedicated members will mobilize to make these gardens a reality. Landscape Ontario is asking members to indicate support for one of their chapter garden makeovers. If you are able to contribute materials, products, labour or expertise to one of these worthy projects, visit HortTrades.com/hero and click on the Volunteer button. Details on the various projects to honour frontline workers will be communicated in the fall of 2020.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Beth Game Beth Game’s heart broke seeing patients pass away from Covid-19 without family by their side.

An Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse (ICU RN) at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, Ont., with over three decades’ experience, Game has seen just about everything, including the 2003 SARS outbreak. But the Covid-19 pandemic was very different.

“It was devastating to see people dying and they weren’t allowed to have their families with them,” Game recalled, fighting back the emotion in her voice. “So here we are, as nurses, sitting

with total strangers, holding their hands as they died.”

It was heart wrenching for Game and her colleagues. So they came up with an idea to show their support to both patients and their families.

“We came up with this idea to make matching little metal hearts that say ‘you’re never alone,’ that we could give to the patients and the next of kin, along with a card that says ‘our condolences, and we want you to know that your loved one did not die alone. We were with them and we held their hand as they passed away.’”

The whole ICU team loved the idea, and one of Game’s co-worker’s named Connie came up with the “knitting families together” title.

Not one to sit idle, Game loves to be outside, but has not had a lot of time to care for her own gardens.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

ASSOCIATION NEWS Green Cities Foundation provides hope in Hamilton this fall

The Green Cities Foundation is a community connecting plants and people for a greener healthier urban climate.

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, urban dwellers have been required to shelter in place and maintain social distance. As the restrictions on movement and gatherings are eased, citizens are moving outdoors and there is a growing realization that urban areas need more green, open spaces for people to congregate safely and enjoy the outdoors.

The Foundation is thrilled to announce St. Matthews House has been chosen as the first #GreenMyCity project in Hamilton, Ont., as well as three parks in the surrounding neighbourhood.

St. Matthew’s House is a non-profit charitable organization founded in 1967 by the local Anglican churches in inner city Hamilton with a focus on caring for vulnerable populations in the surrounding neighbourhoods. This project aligns with the Green Cities Foundation’s vision to help communities across Canada to improve green spaces in urban locations.

Working together with our major sponsor RBC Insurance, as well as the Barton Village BIA, Beautiful Alleys, The City of Hamilton, The Golden Horseshoe Chapter of Landscape Ontario and the Canadian

Nursery Landscape Association membership, the #GreenMyCity2020 project will create a natural landscape that will improve community health and well-being in the Barton Village Community.

Through this collective work, we are hoping to undertake a transformative project in this neighbourhood that will have a green legacy forever.

This project will:

●

● ●

● ●

• Green a part of the city that has more asphalt per capita than anywhere else.

• Bring together community partners from a diverse array of groups such as parents and children, seniors and youth, neighbours and faith groups, experts and learners to have a positive impact on the environment and create a space to live, grow and play.

• Remediate a brownfield that has sat idle for more than 50 years.

• Give 80 kids aged 0-4 a green playground in a deeply urbanized environment where access to greenspace is limited.

• Create spaces for growing food for vulnerable people.

• Bring a closer community presence to a street that is facing gentrification and urban renewal challenges.

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The natural playground design includes log structures, chalkboards, clusters of stumps, a xylophone and rolling hills. The new facilities will provide exciting places for children to discover nature, make art and music, climb and jump. The parking lot renovation will add space for community gatherings including bistro table seating areas, game tables and greenery. The restoration will encompass the Business Out of the Box project (BoB), a Women’s Entrepreneur Collective (WEC), an entrepreneur initiative to develop a small retail business through a collaborative model. The Native and hardy plant species will help create a buffer zone between the natural space and Hamilton’s busy Barton East corner: a healthy, sustainable green space in a dense urban environment that will reduce heat buildup, control air pollution, prevent soil erosion, and contribute to energy saving.

Together we can #GreenMyCity one green space at a time!

The rehabilitation project will start in the Fall of 2020. Volunteers will work together with residents of Hamilton to organize community garden clean ups, tree plantings, and turf maintenance in the surrounding Woodland, Birge and Birch park areas during our St. Matthew’s House build, carrying over into Spring 2021.

Alan White, Vice Chair of the Green Cities Foundation, has been instrumental in leading this project alongside Paul Brydges and Peter Guinane. “We hope that by building projects like this across Canada, we will help educate the public and our politicians on the value of green spaces and the impacts to the community that they can provide – helping to mitigate climate change by cooling our cities, improving the mental health of the residents, filtering water and improving stormwater management, and providing cleaner air to breathe.”

Please contact Rebecca Doutre at gcfdirector@gcfoundation.ca for more information or to get involved with this project, or visit gcfoundation.ca.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Awards of Excellence 2021 entries due Oct. 1 For over four decades, the Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence program has celebrated the most outstanding craftsmanship, design and innovation the green profession has to offer. Winning an Award of Excellence is a great marketing tool and can even boost staff morale.

The awards program truly reflects the level of professionalism — and the amount of money being spent on landscape services across the province. Over 200 awards were handed out for exceptional projects entered in last year’s program,, along with numerous individual awards recognizing those who have contributed over many years to elevate the industry through their passion, dedication, leadership and vision.

Entries for the Awards of Excellence: Construction, Maintenance, Design, Lighting and Irrigation programs are now open until Oct. 1. Open only to members of Landscape Ontario, all entries are submitted online at LOawards.com. On the website you will also find detailed information about the various categories, entry guidelines, eligibility requirements and submission details.

No extensions will be granted past the Oct. 1 entry deadline.

To enter, you will require a username and password to login. If you do not have a login, or cannot remember your password, the system will prompt you to either create a new account, or reset your password.

From there, you will find a step-by-step guide for submissions. You can always save-as-you-go throughout the entry process so you can go back in anytime to complete your entry.

Before you login, have the following information ready to complete your entry:

● • C ontact information of the person entering on behalf of the company. ●● • I mages of the project in hi-res .jpg format; minimum of six and maximum of 15. ●● • A point form project summary describing what you were trying to achieve with your project, including any quirks or conditions imposed by the property owner. ● You will be prompted to print an Authorization Signatures form during your submission. The client/property

owner needs to sign this form. Credit card information for payment. Please note your entry will not be officially submitted until payment is received.

All entries are judged by a panel of experienced industry experts, with winners announced during a virtual ceremony on

Jan. 12, 2021.

If you have any questions about the awards program or the entry process, or if you need help navigating the online system, please contact Amy Buchanan at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 2329 or e-mail awards@LandscapeOntario.com.

M. Putzer Hornby Nursery Ltd. FALL DIGGING IS STARTING SOON

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Snow and ice pros gather online at virtual event

Landscape Ontario’s Snow and Ice Management Sector Group held an association first on July 28 by hosting its Snowposium trade show and conference entirely online. The move from a face-to-face format for the annual event was due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Over 300 people took part in a number of online networking sessions, town

hall discussions on relevant issues, live speaker presentations and watched prerecorded demos.

The two town hall sessions featured a wide range of panellists who provided updates and possible solutions to the current insurance crisis. The interactive format allowed panellists to directly address questions and respond to top concerns of

participants. Halton Regional Police Vehicle Safety Unit’s commercial vehicle safety check was provided in video format, with officers available online to answer questions. A salt calibration video with BP Landscaping also provided a great resource for attendees.

The LO Snow and Ice Management Sector Group would like to thank the many sponsors, speakers, and exhibitors who supported the event. Many, including the attendees, had never taken part in a virtual event before. Organizers appreciated their patience as some glitches in the afternoon sessions were quickly taken care of.

Many of the exhibitors and sponsors showed a great deal of creativity showing products and services to attendees via the product showcase and virtual trade show.

Those registered for the event can still access the many features for a full year.

Attendees can watch all presentations, network with sponsors, exhibitors, other attendees and speakers, watch the video demonstrations and stop by the product showcase to find products they may need for the upcoming snow season.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Payments due for 2020-2021 membership Landscape Ontario sent annual dues renewal invoices electronically to all members of the association the week of August 17-21, 2020.

Members are reminded to pay the invoice upon receipt or risk losing access to the many benefits available as a member of the association.

If you did not receive your invoice, or update your contact information, please contact the LO office at 1-800-265-5656.

Payments can be made by phone with credit card in-hand, or using the secure online payment portal at HortTrades.com/dues.

In addition, LO’s membership services team has also created a great online resource at HortTrades.com/LOtogether that includes answers to frequently asked questions regarding dues renewals, plus video testimonials from members, blog posts, links to online payment and a full list of member benefits.

Payment by cheque can also be mailed to the LO office. Please do not bring payment in person as staff are still working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Latest plants on display

Davis Anders casts a vote for his favourite new plant at the University of Guelph’s Trial Garden site at Landscape Ontario in Milton, Ont. Over 50 people attended the two-day open house, Aug. 12-13, with over 100 others attending a two-day open house at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute, Aug. 13-14. A full plant list for each site can be found online at gfl.me/h8P7.

905-638-8599 | WALLACECHEV.COM | 801 MAIN ST. E, MILTON 11

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

In memoriam — Charles Egleston Charles “Chuck” Egleston passed away in his home at the age of 73.

Beloved husband of Linda (nee Williams) for 18 years. Loving father of Charlie (Jennifer) and Sam. Cherished Grandad of Raven May, Rhaia Jade and Ashon Charles. Dear brother of Lois and Brian (Elizabeth).

Remembered fondly by Ebony, Caleb and Seth also Emily and Harry. Deeply missed

by Sharon, Michael (Emily), Mabel, Wanda (Bill), Wade (Alanna), Sydney, as well as Julianne (Dave), Jennifer and Iona. His American cousins Drew (Sue), Paul (Tonia), Marsha (Don) feel the loss deeply.

Chuck had many lifelong friends. He was a ‘true’ friend who valued human connection. He had a profound impact on all who knew him — a kind and gentle man who brought energy and laughter to a room.

In memoriam — Bud Hebel Jr. Professionally, he was well known and respected by both golf superintendents and the lawn care operators in Ontario and Western Canada. He was proud of his accomplishments and always thought of his customers in a personal way and cared about each of them. In retirement, Chuck continued to mentor and advise his successors.

Those close to him knew of his deep appreciation and love for family, his passion for art and sports (especially golf), his keen sense of humour, great stories, and of course, his laugh. He aspired to be like his father, honest to a ‘tee’ and very proud of his family. His absence will be felt by all who loved him and all who were loved by him.

Donations to the St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation or the Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society would be appreciated by the family. Visit Chuck’s memorial page at henrywalser.com to share memories.

New plants arriving daily

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One of the people directly involved in the formation of Landscape Ontario has passed away.

Bud Hebel Jr. of York Nursery in Kitchener, Ont., passed away peacefully on June 30, 2020, in his 85th year.

Hebel served as president of the Ontario Nursery Trades Association in 1969, and served on its board from 1967 to 1972. On Jan. 11, 1973, Hebel Jr. was involved in the final meeting of the Unity Committee to present the unity package that would create Landscape Ontario. Later that month, it was accepted and the association became reality. He received the association’s Frank Ewald Jr. Award in 1969.

Loving husband of Janet (nee Shantz) Hebel for 62 years. Dear father of Chris, Gary (Debbie) and Steve (Susan). Beloved grandfather to Nicole (Frank), Jesse (Helen), Josh, Rachel and Ethan. Precious great-grandfather to Leyla, Elisha, Enzo and Jacob. Brother to Wally (Doris), both predeceased, and to Dave (Carol).

Predeceased by his parents Edwin J. Hebel Sr. and Frieda Hebel.

As an owner of York Nursery, Bud was one of the first to bring professional landscape contracting to the Waterloo Region. Bud had a passion and unique style in his award-winning landscape designs that was appreciated by both customers and local landscape peers.

An avid hockey fan of the Kitchener Rangers and the Toronto Maple Leafs, Bud was involved in the Waterloo Minor Hockey Association and played in the K-W Oldtimers Hockey League until he was 77.

He rarely missed the opportunity to see his sons and grandchildren play hockey or other sports.

Cremation has taken place, and Bud has been laid to rest at Parkview Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to Parkinson Canada, the Food Bank of Waterloo Region or the Salvation Army would be appreciated and may be arranged through the funeral home’s website at erbgood.com or by calling 519-745-8445.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

In memoriam — Joe Pepetone After a courageous and brave battle with congestive heart failure, Joe Pepetone passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on February 12, 2020, in his 82nd year.

Owner of Holland Park Garden Gallery in Burlington, Ont., Joe was one of the original members who initiated the Landscape Ontario Garden Centre Commodity Group in 1988. He was the inaugural chair of the new group and served on the board of directors until 2006.

Holland Park had its beginnings in Toronto where Joe grew up in his family’s small fruit and vegetable store — Pepetone’s — on Holland Park Avenue.

Joe Pepetone and his wife Anita first opened the doors to Holland Park in 1975 in Burlington, followed by a second location in 1990 in Dundas.

After Joe’s passing, Burlington mayor Marianne Meed Ward wrote, “You would be hard pressed to find a resident of Burlington who has not added to their garden, their lawn, their landscaping or their bird feeders by visiting this epic store. Every December, the dozens of decorated trees done up in magical and festive themes — some even upside-down — were a favourite of young and old alike. Their evergreen boughs and pine cones filled holiday planters and wreaths all over the city. Through the spring and summer, their countless perennials, shrubs and trees were loaded up into the trunks and hatchbacks of area residents, along with fresh topsoil, grass seed, decorative stones and garden decorations.”

The mayor went on to write, “Joe Pepetone will be missed in many ways by his loving family, his friends, fellow business owners, and our entire community. His life’s work not only beautified our city, but added to the very health and well-being of our environment in a lasting and sustainable way. I take heart in knowing that his wonderful legacy will live on in the gardens of our citizens for generations to come.”

Flags at City Hall were lowered in his honour.

In his March 2012 column in Landscape Ontario magazine, LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni wrote about Joe’s attitude towards the profession. “Years ago, I asked Joe Pepetone why he was so free with sharing business information at a Garden Centre Commodity Group meeting, when his competitors were sitting around the table.

‘It’s easy,’ he said. ‘Do the math. If I offer one good idea in a room with 10 competitors and they do the same, I receive nine ideas back.’”

Joe received Landscape Ontario’s Past President’s Award in 1992.

The award is determined by a committee of three past presidents of the association. The award goes to an individual who, over many years, has made outstanding contributions to the association and the profession.

Joe’s generosity and care for the community are demonstrated by the many donations to local charities, such as the time Holland Park Garden Gallery presented a cheque to Salvation Army Family Services for $2,850 that matched the number of food items and cash collected from Garden Gallery customers in the weeks before Christmas.

“The Salvation Army helps families in need all year and we recognized that with our customers’ help, we could help twice as much,” said Joe. Joe Pepetone was the loving husband and best friend to his late wife Anita (nee Hodder). Beloved father of Jennie Pepetone (John Vergados) and Peter Pepetone. Loved Papa of Spencer, Aaron, and Jason. Dear brother of Jim Pepetone (Margaret), Delores Simpson (the late Bob), and the late Jean Ingarra (Joe). Joe will be greatly missed by his nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

NEW MEMBERS Landscape Ontario welcomes the following newly approved companies and individuals to our community Durham Chapter CBX Corporation Owen Birchall / Tel: 905-424-4807 Member Type: Member CDR Young Aggregates Inc Derek Moore / Tel: 705-277-3972 Member Type: Chapter Associate Environmental Contracting Ontario Inc Rob Tayler / Tel: 416-799-4759 Member Type: Member Steve Snider Construction Inc Stephen Snider / Tel: 905-985-8201 Member Type: Associate Timbertek Inc Craig Barisheff / Tel: 289-338-2724 Member Type: Chapter Associate

Georgian Lakelands Chapter

R. Jeppesen Contracting Ltd Luc Bellerose / Tel: 705-691-1005 Member Type: Chapter Associate

JDR Specialized Services Inc Jeff Roth / Tel: 519-574-6343 Member Type: Chapter Associate

Galtor Property Services Inc Nick Gallo / Tel: 416-614-9955 Member Type: Member

Rhude Well Drilling Inc Ben Rhude / Tel: 705-507-5128 Member Type: Associate

K&E McNally Farms Eric McNally / Tel: 519-331-1804 Member Type: Chapter Associate

Georgina Sod Justin Rittgasser Tel: 905-473-7000 Member Type: Satellite

Service Excellence William Francis / Tel: 705-770-2111 Member Type: Chapter Associate

Rasco Environmental Inc Cedric Tomico / Tel: 519-521-7872 Member Type: Chapter Associate

Smart Insulation Systems Inc Tim Fitzpatrick / Tel: 705-715-3437 Member Type: Chapter Associate

Sanders Holdings (London) Ltd O/A Sanders Landscaping David Evans / Tel: 519-619-6218 Member Type: Member

Golden Horseshoe Chapter Aldershot Greenhouses Ltd Len Vander Lugt Tel: 905-632-9272 Member Type: Member

1558782 Ontario Inc Dale Harnden / Tel: 705-688-8462 Member Type: Chapter Associate

Anthony’s Excavating Central Inc & Elcho Farm Holdings Inc Anthony Aantjes Tel: 905-658-4106 Member Type: Chapter Associate

ARG Rentals Juan Crespo / Tel: 705-522-9444 Member Type: Chapter Associate

C R Lawns Inc Chris Warren / Tel: 905-971-2421 Member Type: Professional Member

Ballantyne Builds Jeff Ballantyne / Tel: 647-400-7116 Member Type: Chapter Associate

Carroll Contracting Davis Carroll / Tel: 289-776-5041 Member Type: Chapter Associate

Centis Tile & Terrazzo Inc Robert Centis / Tel: 705-561-2668 Member Type: Chapter Associate

Imperial Brick & Stone Chris Culhane / Tel: 905-802-2881 Member Type: Chapter Associate

Daro Vinyl Products Roy Gareau / Tel: 705-897-8914 Member Type: Associate

Kenwood Trenching & Excavating Ltd Kenneth Vanderwoude Tel: 905-522-2552 Member Type: Chapter Associate

Docks and Decks Unlimited Inc Roger Gainer / Tel: 705-523-2169 Member Type: Chapter Associate Equipment North Inc Steve Walter / Tel: 705-682-1120 Member Type: Chapter Associate JV Landscaping & Design Jorge Velazquez Tel: 705-718-4495 Member Type: Member Jeremy Cubit Tel: 705-790-7852 Member Type: Chapter Associate Profile Deck and Sheer Studs Ltd Jeff Hegmans / Tel: 705-725-2038 Member Type: Chapter Associate R&D Excavating Ltd Daniel Rice / Tel: 705-456-6854 Member Type: Member

Silvestro Landscape Construction Inc Frank Silvestro / Tel: 519-771-6977 Member Type: Member Twenty Creek Landscaping Jordan Vanderwoude Tel: 289-808-4556 Member Type: Member

London Chapter Bravo Property Care & Services Dylan Brubacher Tel: 226-977-4641 Member Type: Member Collier Homes Richard Collier / Tel: 519-633-9642 Member Type: Chapter Associate

Water Force Inc Darcy Ryksen / Tel: 519-539-0010 Member Type: Chapter Associate

Ottawa Chapter 10504408 Canada Inc O/A TLC Exteriors Chris Peter / Tel: 613-435-2520 Member Type: Member

Toronto Chapter 1223564 Ontario Inc O/A Dupont Contracting Alex Savoia / Tel: 416-741-4101 Member Type: Associate 1743214 Ontario Ltd O/A Detailed Landscaping & Property Maintenance Pedro Santos / Tel: 647-831-4501 Member Type: Professional Member 2545062 Ontario Inc O/A Poise Contracting Alex Sowsun / Tel: 289-242-6767 Member Type: Member Aquatic Weed Management Inc Justin Rittgasser Tel: 905-473-7000 Member Type: Satellite Armstrong Trucko Ltd Lee Armstrong / Tel: 416-891-8612 Member Type: Chapter Associate Castellano Contracting Inc Joshua Castellano Tel: 416-660-1349 Member Type: Chapter Associate Curbside Construction Ltd Tania Haleza / Tel: 905-886-9481 Member Type: Chapter Associate Future Green Inc Kenneth Wray / Tel: 416-428-9662 Member Type: Member

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Graystone Fill Management Inc Robert Gray / Tel: 905-873-6464 Member Type: Chapter Associate Instone Company Ltd Johnny Farruggio Tel: 905-990-9977 Member Type: Member JJNPR Enterprises Inc Justin Rittgasser Tel: 905-473-7000 Member Type: Chapter Associate Kenneth Morgan Pools & Landscaping Ltd Kenneth Morgan Tel: 416-882-6562 Member Type: Member MD Contracting Matthew Doelman Tel: 416-587-9150 Member Type: Chapter Associate North Home Landscape Management Breck Nordheimer Tel: 416-997-9632 Member Type: Member Ontario Filter Inc Murray McKerracher Tel: 905-564-1813 Member Type: Chapter Associate Quality Plus Grounds Care Ltd Mickey Sudar / Tel: 416-678-6003 Member Type: Member Terrace Land Property Maintenance Inc Maria Vaira / Tel: 416-433-4222 Member Type: Member Top Grade Landscaping Kim Winterton / Tel: 647-686-5854 Member Type: Sole Proprietor Yellow Vest Construction Jagit Singh Sandhu Tel: 905-650-4500 Member Type: Chapter Associate

Upper Canada Chapter Dynamic Contracting David Black / Tel: 905-872-2077 Member Type: Chapter Associate

Waterloo Chapter Arbro Concrete Forming Ltd Jerry Arthur / Tel: 519-323-7092 Member Type: Chapter Associate Belleview Landscapes Adam Braun / Tel: 226-789-4295 Member Type: Member Borth Excavating Rob Borth / Tel: 519-881-7664 Member Type: Chapter Associate Brandon Bowman Tel: 519-897-2648 Member Type: Chapter Associate Gerald D’Arcey Construction Ltd Bonnie Cowan / Tel: 519-338-2010 Member Type: Chapter Associate Impact Winter Maintenance Inc and/or Stroco Holdings Inc Ryan McCall Stroh Tel: 519-778-4634 Member Type: Associate Matcrete Contracting Inc Matt Jagelewski Tel: 519-889-1509 Member Type: Chapter Associate Meadow Acres Garden Centre Onnie Riengeutte Tel: 519-634-5479 Member Type: Professional Member Pioneer Tower Homes Inc Marko Podobnik Tel: 226-476-1778 Member Type: Chapter Associate Riverwood Landscape Colin MacMillan Tel: 519-279-6797 Member Type: Member Snyderdale Farms Adam Stanley / Tel: 519-496-3957 Member Type: Chapter Associate Twelve Estate Rentals Inc Kyle Ward / Tel: 226-929-8945 Member Type: Chapter Associate

Windsor Chapter Jetwerx Canada Inc Justin Thompson Tel: 850-625-9103 Member Type: Chapter Associate

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

PROFESSIONAL NEWS

Ontario government supports Highway of Heroes tree planting

(L-R): Col. Ryan Deming, Commander, 8 Wing; MCpl Trevor Vautour (ret.) and current Provincial Constable for Ontario Provincial Police; Ron and Barbara Johnson, Silver Cross Mother and Father (parents of Pte. Andrew Johnson); Hon. Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and MPP for Quinte West; Hon. Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation Ontario; Mark Cullen, Campaign Chair and Co-Founder, HOH Tribute; and Jim Harrison, Mayor, Quinte West.

The Ontario Government is honouring members of the Canadian Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country by providing $1 million to plant additional trees along the Highway of Heroes. Funding in support of this living tribute was announced on July 30, 2020 by Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation.

“This project commemorates the bravery, commitment and sacrifice of all the Canadian military personnel who lost their lives serving their country,” said Minister Mulroney. “Each tree planted along the Highway of Heroes will not only benefit the environment but will be a growing reminder that will inspire people for generations to come.”

In partnership with the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign, the province is providing the funding to support the goal of planting 117,000 trees along the highway, which represents one tree for every soldier who died serving Canada since Confederation.

Highway 401 between Glen Miller Road in Trenton and Keele Street in Toronto is recognized as the Highway of Heroes, representing the final journey of Canadian Armed Forces members who died in service to their country. Over 52,000 trees have been planted under the initiative since 2016.

Mark Cullen, Campaign Chair and Co-Founder of the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign said, “We’re incredibly thankful for our partners at the Ministry of

Transportation of Ontario. Without them, making this dream a reality would never be possible. This funding commitment from the MTO has us so close to accomplishing our goal of raising $10 million that we can now focus on completing our living tribute in the next two years. Our sincerest thanks to Minister Mulroney and Premier Ford for believing in our mission.”

For more information on the campaign, visit HOHtribute.ca.

Celebrate National Tree Day 2020 National Tree Day is a day for all Canadians to celebrate the many benefits provided by trees. Since 2011, the Wednesday of National Forest Week in September has been declared National Tree Day. This year, National Tree Day is September 23, 2020.

Visit TreeCanada.ca for resources and ideas that will help you to celebrate in your community this fall.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

National landscape award winners announced for 2020 1.

2.

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) recognized Canada’s top landscape projects via the National Awards of Landscape Excellence (NALE) on Aug. 12.

All entries for the national awards are submitted by the provincial trade associations based on their regional awards programs. All entries are judged by a panel of industry experts, with company names and locations redacted from each submission.

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s National Awards of Excellence program:

3.

Fossil Landscape Construction (1), Vancouver, B.C. Caterpillar National Award of Landscape Excellence for Residential Construction

4.

Yorkshire Garden Services (2), Concord, Ont. National Award of Landscape Excellence for Residential Maintenance

5.

Airo Landscapes (3), St. John’s, N.L. National Award of Excellence for Landscape Design

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Aménagement Côté Jardin (4), Montreal, Que. Caterpillar National Award of Landscape Excellence in Commercial Construction Wilco Contractors Southwest (5), Calgary, Alta.

National Award of Landscape Excellence in Commercial Maintenance The Goodman Labyrinth, Sask.

Caterpillar Green for Life Community Award Chestermere Community Park, Alta.

Caterpillar Green for Life Community Award

Association Membership Pricing

An online Q+A webinar with sponsors and winners took place on Aug. 19. Video segments featuring the winning projects are available on the CNLA YouTube page at YouTube.com/CNLA.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

ASLA announces Carter-Conneen as new CEO The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) recently announced the selection of Torey Carter-Conneen as its new chief executive officer.

“On behalf of the Executive Committee of the American Society of Landscape Architects, we are thrilled to have Torey join us,” said ASLA President Wendy Miller, FASLA. “Torey brings to ASLA a wealth of experience in organizational management and strategic planning, a fresh outlook, tremendous energy, and a lifetime of committed advocacy for a more just society. From the climate crisis, to racial injustice, to diversity and inclusion — Torey has the strategic vision necessary to tackle the tough issues facing the Society, the profession, and the entire design industry. Torey is, without a doubt, the creative, innovative, committed leader we need at this moment to move the Society and the profession forward.”

Torey has nearly 25 years of experience and expertise in strategic organizational development, tactical implementation, financial stewardship and administrative leadership. He has a proven track record as an innovator and thought leader in the association world, with an aptitude for pioneering strategies to shape organizational priorities, ensure financial stability, and invigorate member recruitment and retention programs.

“I want to thank the Executive Committee for welcoming me so warmly to the ASLA family and I look forward to contributing my expertise and experience to this esteemed and vibrant organization,” said Carter-Conneen. “I’m honored, humbled and incredibly excited to help the Society and the landscape architecture profession forge a new path forward to effectively address the growing challenges of the climate crisis, the urgent need for racial and social justice, and the stark realities and disruption of social norms caused by a global pandemic.”

Torey assumed his duties at the end of August.

CMYK

0/0/0/100

40/10/75/0

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Download the COVID Alert mobile app The Canadian government recently launched the latest tool to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus — the COVID Alert mobile app.

Available via the App Store or Google Play, once installed, the free app sends a phone alert if you may have been exposed to COVID-19. It also lets others know if you test positive without sharing any personal information.

Along with physical distancing, wearing a mask and other important steps, knowing what to do if you have been exposed to Covid-19 is another key way to protect yourself and your community.

In the event you may have been exposed to Covid-19, the app will also provide advice on what to do next and tell nearby app users if you test positive, without sharing any personal information.

The app does not collect, store or access any personal data, or health information COVID Alert is completely voluntary. You choose to download, use or delete it. The more people who use it, the more effective it will be in helping to protect each other and our communities.

For more details, visit Covid-19.ontario.ca.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

EXECUTIVE DESK

What we can do about insurance going up

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have been receiving many calls about massive insurance increases, especially from those in the snow removal sector. Many of you cannot even get insurance, even if you have a great claims record. There are two main reasons for this situation.

First, the insurance industry is global. That means that just as you purchase insurance to mitigate potential risks, insurance companies purchase reinsurance to mitigate their risks. The effect is that risks are spread out across many insurance companies. When global catastrophes happen, the payout affects the entire net of insurance companies. Recent global payouts have insurance companies wary of risk.

Second, contingency lawyers make it easy for the public to sue and therefore claims have increased exponentially. Insurance companies often settle rather than fight because it is cheaper. Eventually, this leads to increases or insurance companies decide they no longer want to insure risk-laden sectors such as snow removal.

LO has prepared a template for you to personalize and send as a letter to your local MPP (pictured here). You can download the template in the online version of this article at gfl.me/h8QN. Once personalized, you can find contact information for your local MPP online at ola.org/en/members/current.

Once you send a letter to your local MPP, we would also like you to be a part of a Twitter campaign to raise awareness on the insurance crisis. We have posted a handy guide online, including best practices, key messages and some suggested Tweets with the appropriate tags for you to customize. They are also available via the online version of this article.

GET THE TEMPLATES AND TWEETS TO HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT gfl.me/h8QN Tony DiGiovanni LO Executive Director

tony@landscapeontario.com

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

MEMBERSHIP

When opportunity presents itself

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interacting for many years. It has slowly been gaining momentum. Through the many face-to-face and online connections, members have received valuable advice, trusted suppliers and lifelong friends. For members, it has ultimately become the most important industry group they are a part of. Peers learn from others who are going through very similar challenges in their own landscape businesses. They become a support group for each other, offering advice and encouragement.

I’ve gotten to know this group well over the past year, and they truly do define the essence of what Landscape Ontario is today’s world..

Entrepreneurs in the profession know there’s opportunity in belonging to LO. For many, it’s a longstanding tradition, but why? The collective work of an entire profession to advance the industry will always be a foundational reason. But each and every one of our 2,600+ members also sees the opportunity that membership presents. A chance conversation can provide an opportunity that might open a door that was previously closed. A training course, conference or chapter meeting could provide the knowledge to inspire a new revenue stream, product or service.

For others, it might be the opportunity to participate in local community greening initiatives to give back.

There are opportunities to save money on vehicles, equipment, fuel, and insurance. Being a part of a trade association that has a unified voice to government and other allied partners is where the true value of opportunity is revealed.

Opportunity presents itself in many different ways — that’s especially true with Landscape Ontario. There are so many programs and initiatives that provide so many possibilities for opportunities. What is the most significant opportunity you see connected to your membership with Landscape Ontario? If you find yourself looking for an answer to that question, give me a call and let’s connect. Who knows, there might be a glint of an opportunity that comes to you just by having a conversation.

eing able to see an opportunity when others can’t is part of the pure spirit of being an entrepreneur. Some people just seem to attract opportunity, while others must put in hard work to create their own opportunity. In any case, opportunity recognition is a key defining characteristic of successful people.

Everything we encounter in life — every situation, every person, contributes to our ability to recognize opportunity. Dismissing experiences could mean missing out on the right set of circumstances. There is a grain of enormous value in everything, even things that might seem insignificant. As entrepreneurs, it’s in our nature to look for the hidden opportunity — that hidden spark.

At the beginning of Dave Wright’s Landscape Ontario presidency, he identified opportunity as a theme for his strategic vision — an interesting theme as 2020 continues to play out. No one could have ever predicted what a global pandemic would do to the world economy. Life presented many challenges and through these challenges opportunities have presented themself.

Our profession is now experiencing demand like never seen before. People have had time to truly evaluate how to use their outdoor spaces. They want to enhance their enjoyment of their property, and in many cases, extend their living space beyond the walls of their home. This has created an incredible opportunity for the landscape and horticulture profession to demonstrate our ability to significantly enhance outdoor living environments. With lots of media attention, we have leveraged the correlation between gardening and mental well being.

The sense of community within Landscape Ontario is very strong. I think this is clearly demonstrated by members of LO’s Peer-to-Peer Network. This community of around 300 landscape business owners began meeting online weekly during the height of the pandemic. The peer group has been

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

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

SMART ABOUT SALT

Smart About Salt Council supports winter maintenance community

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he Smart About Salt Council (SASC) is a unique, notfor-profit organization which was incubated through a government-industry partnership. SASC is dedicated to supporting all stakeholders involved in winter maintenance to adopt best management practices (BMP’s) in a winwin model that supports safety, meaningfully addresses business concerns of contracts, owners/operations, procurement professionals and alike, but also mitigates clear environmental concerns.

SASC has been in operation for just over a decade. During this time, the organization has developed robust and awardwinning training that is available online in both English and French, and in-person (when the Covid-19 global pandemic subsides).

SASC continues to expand the delivery of programs and services throughout North America, forging a partnership in 2019 with New Hampshire’s Department of Environmental Services (DES) to support their successful Green SnowPro program, which brings liability relief to those that are trained and certified.

The New Hampshire program is instructive in so far as for businesses (contractors and facility owners) the main benefit of the program, i.e. the liability relief from slip and fall claims, is predicated on using agreed BMP’s understood through training. It’s a program that is being closely followed and considered in many jurisdictions throughout Canada and the United States, as they strive to balance environmental issues, business concerns and public demands. Even as state and provincial governments review their options, we’re increasingly seeing procurement

efforts (tenders) requiring demonstration of knowledge, professionalism and application of BMP’s. In part, this is why SASC also offers its own certification, which like the New Hampshire, effort is tied to training.

Certified Smart About Salt Council contractors, owners and others must complete a mandatory basic “Essentials of Salt Management” training course every five years and a refresher course every two years. The course materials cover 13 teaching modules that focus around everything from salt science and weather, through to risk management and recordkeeping. The comprehensive nature of the training and certification is one of the reasons that when put into practice contractors can often achieve reductions in business insurance and a due-diligence defence against slip and fall claims.

SASC has also taken its efforts one-step further, developing and launching program verification efforts in 2019 that seek to support the winter maintenance industry in their efforts, provide a bridge in communication between parties (typically contractors and facility operators) and address public concerns. This industry-first program also provides SASC with insight into how BMP’s are being applied in the field and how training and certification efforts can be continually improved.

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. On the website contractors can also sign up for training. The cost is $375 (less than the price of a cup of coffee a day) and Register Intent to Certify is $226.

Lee Gould Executive Director, Smart About Salt Council lee.gould@smartaboutsalt.com

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

UNDERGROUND WORLD

The importance of safety is on the rise

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culture for each of us. Hopefully, this new reality will also give rise to the importance and value of safety in everything we do, resulting in fewer on the job accidents and deaths.

Has safety in your personal life taken on an increased level of importance and value? Will safety now become one of the most important elements in protecting employees and reducing the cost of accidents? This new safety culture will be better for everyone. Safety is of paramount importance in our lives. Let’s all stay safe!

he total value and importance of safety has increased over the last six months. On any given year, entire communities are faced with the challenge of personal safety when threatened by a natural disaster, such as a forest fire, flood, hurricane or tornado. But in 2020, the coronavirus pandemic made personal safety a priority to everyone on the planet, in every corner of the globe. Never before have so many people and countries been focused on creating and maintaining a culture of safety.

For years, Landscape Ontario and the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA) have tirelessly preached the safety message. When teaching apprenticeship students in the landscape program at Mohawk College, I always include a lesson about the four distinct cultures that exist in business. They are Profit (all decisions consider this), People (they need development and training), Production (products and services are superior) and Safety (every decision needs to consider this). Each culture is important and must blend together for a stable, successful and profitable company.

The Covid-19 crisis has taught governments and societies that our personal safety is paramount. To date, the virus has infected over 21 million people world-wide and been responsible for the deaths of just over 750,000. The safety of society has been top of mind for governments for most of 2020. The cost to society has been astronomical, the worry for families has been dreadful, the enormous effect on our seniors has been devastating. Schools, churches, restaurants, and other gathering places have been closed, so have office buildings. People are working from home, wearing masks in public and unemployment has gone through the roof. Safety and protocols are in the spotlight.

We now are very conscious of our individual and personal safety. Society has new rules. Our daily routines have new procedures. Public health officials and government stress special safety precautions, including social distancing, avoiding large groups, constant and proper hand washing, wearing masks inside public spaces, and more. Currently, officials are telling people these safety practices will probably be with us into 2022, maybe longer.

Not following these safety guidelines could have life and death implications. It puts safety on a whole new level of importance in our daily lives.

This new culture of safety should dramatically change both our personal and business lives. It extends to all of our activities and requires a new level of importance in the safety

Terry Murphy CLM

tvmurphy@ca.inter.net

Stam Nurseries Inc. 593836 Hwy 59, Burgessville ON N0J 1C0

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

PROSPERITY PARTNERS

Change is always a good thing

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his season will go down in our history books as one of the most surprising and challenging yet.

Together, we’ve navigated the ‘nonessential’ turmoil and crisis management of Covid-19 that weighed everyone down with uncertainty, panic and confusion. From the hundreds of conversations I’ve had with contractors, if I were to judge the success of adaptive strategies put in place, I’d say you all have earned your stress management stripes — most with gold stars aplenty!

Through the past few months, as the impact and shock of the pandemic phases of community engagement have smoothed out, I set out to learn which covid-required process changes actually turned out to be a benefit, and will continue going forward.

Through our bi-weekly video coffee chats in the Landscape Ontario Peer to Peer Network, I learned the pandemic shifted homeowner perception of the value in what we provide as a profession. It drove up demand for our products and services.

I asked members of LO’s Peer to Peer Network, “What have you changed as a result of the pandemic, that your team and company will keep in place going forward?”

• “ A set of tools for each employee,” replied Johann Bossers and Laurie Anne Stewart. The positive effect is that each employee takes better care of tools, leaves them behind less often, tries to fix them if something breaks, or at the very least, asks for a replacement immediately (as opposed to leaving it in the bed of a truck or in a dark corner of

the shop in a useless state of disrepair).

• “ Handwashing stations in our enclosed trailers,” commented Brian Cotter.

“Appreciated by all staff, and used regularly, these are turning out to be a must-have that was never on the radar before.”

• “ The expectation of patience from our customers,” stated Paul Barker. “In peak season, suddenly customers found patience and were willing to understand that we were doing our best. They didn’t move on or give their work to the first company who could show up. They waited their turn and trusted they were on a list. I want to see this respect continue.”

• “ Using cloud communication across the company,” offered Lindsay Drake Nightingale. “Communication has improved… it’s more effective and efficient.”

• “ Staff taking their own vehicles to site,” replied Lindsey Ross. “In many cases, it’s more convenient for them to have their own vehicle handy all day, and makes scheduling maintenance sites of various sizes more efficient. We don’t need to have the same size crew show up on every site all day. They can meet up mid-day on bigger sites, then split up to do smaller sites where appropriate.”

• “ Answering the phone when it rings,” commented Mo Von Roeder and Michelle Von Kent. “Through the pandemic, we were falling behind, and switched our process to make

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

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responding to phone calls a priority. It seems people want to talk to you more than ever. (as of July) We’re booking into fall for irrigation installations and customers are willing to wait for our professional high-service focus. Our sales are through the roof.”

This season has not been without its challenges. I also asked peer group members about managing creeping complacency on PPE and physical distancing. Their most common concern is a sudden spike of Covid-19 cases that could result in another shutdown of all non-essential businesses.

The epidemiologists have consistently shared statistics of the probability of a bumpy ride ahead… which is a great reason to keep your red, amber and green budgets in mind.

Yes, for many of you reading this, your sales are up and strong — which is great!

I’ll ask you to remember, as I did the Peer Network members, to continue reviewing your numbers at month-end (at the very least) EVERY MONTH. With uncertainty still lingering in the air, it’s important to have a Plan B and C, should things that are not within your control, create pressure on your company resources and cash flow.

I’m so very proud of our profession.

All of you have shown the grit and determination to keep moving forward in this unprecedented year! Pat yourselves on the back, celebrate successes and positive change and keep your eye on the prize — emerging successfully from this era as a viable company, with an engaged team, and with profit.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

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M Putzer Nursery

putzernursery.com

800-377-3363

Page 9

metalpless.com

866-362-1688

Page 10

Millgrove Perennials Inc.

millgroveperennials.ca

905-689-1749

Page 17

Newroads National Leasing

newroadsleasing.com

416-587-1021

Page 13

pottersroadnursery.com

519-688-0437

Page 23

Sipkens Nurseries - Palace Perennials

sipkensnurseries.com

866-843-0438

Page 13

Stam Nurseries

uxbridgenurseries.com

905-655-3379

Page 21

wallacechev.com

905-638-8599

Page 11

Connon Nurseries/NVK Holdings Inc. GoGPS

Metal Pless Inc.

Potters Road Nursery Inc.

Wallace Chevrolet

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

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