November 11, 2020
2020 Committee Reports
Landscape Ontario has a number of long-standing committees that help to both implement and oversee specific initiatives for the betterment of the profession, association members and the association. These volunteers lend their expertise, give feedback and make decisions that impact everyone in the profession. Their insight, dedication, forward-thinking and camaraderie exemplify the very nature of the association's mission — to foster a favourable environment for the landscape and horticulture profession in Ontario. These leaders help to steer the direction of the association and the profession. New committees are formed on an as-needed basis, and are sometimes absolved when objectives are met. Staff also sit on each committee to ensure proper communication and to provide vital information in the decision-making process.
Jump to: Building Committee, Canada Blooms, Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, Communications Committee, Show Committee, Human Resource Development, Pesticide Industry Council
Directors: Hank Gelderman CLT, Jorg Hermanns, Mark Humphries, Haig Seferian CLD, Marc Thiebaud, Rene Thiebaud, Bob Tubby CLM, David Turnbull, Neil Vanderkruk, Charlie Wilson
Last October, we opened the newly-renovated Landscape Ontario offices with great fanfare — looking forward to hosting hundreds, if not thousands, of members for committee meetings, one-on-ones and lots of training.
Fast forward 12 months and unfortunately, Covid-19 has delayed our hopes of providing these world-class facilities to our members. Most of the LO staff have been working from home. A few staff, including some from the CNLA (which owns 10 per cent of our building) have been coming in to attend to necessities in the building.
However, our committee has not been idle. A sub-committee of five landscape designers and architects have been working on the master plan for the landscaping. While Covid-19 has dashed our hopes of spending up to $1 million on the outdoor surroundings, we have received approval from Landscape Ontario's Provincial Board of Directors for $250,000 to improve the main entrance area of the building, as well as to finish the front entrance gates.
The first round of designs for the entrance has been submitted and now the design is being vetted for changes, cost efficiencies and final approval. We look forward to completing this work in spring of 2021.
The 24th edition of Canada was perhaps the most impressive show in the last 15 years. You will have to take my word for it. All of the gardens were finished, including the largest one ever built — a 6,500 sq. ft. natural playground constructed by Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds that used over 80 tons of sand and had 15 feet of elevation. You would have entered Canada Blooms through an immersive entry way with the scent of hyacinths and lilies and then under a 300 sq. ft. ceiling of Hawaiian tropicals. You would have seen 10 front and back yard gardens and 20 feature gardens. Please visit CanadaBlooms.com to see videos of all of the gardens. The Tony DiGiovanni Garden of the Year award was won by J. Garfield Thompson.
Unfortunately, eight hours before we were to open, the government of Ontario recommended that all large events in the province be postponed due to the spread of the Coronavirus. This was very difficult news for Canada Blooms, the garden builders, hundereds of volunteers and everyone who loves the festival. Additionally, despite or best efforts, Canada Blooms 2021 will be cancelled as well. The future of Canada Blooms is still to be determined, but many dedicated people are doing their best to make sure Canada Blooms 2022 happens.
Landscape Ontario members on the Canada Blooms 2019/20 Board were Lou Savoia (co-chair), Lindsey Drake Nightingale, Charlie Bancheri and Denis Flanagan.
Launch of the new and improved Landscape Horticulture Certification Program - https://cnlagetcertified.ca/ - structured to maintain high certification standards and streamlined to be more convenient and accessible.
Launch of the Canadian Landscape Standard (CLS) Second Edition – the single, authoritative resource for landscape construction projects across Canada, prepared by a joint standing committee of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA), and the Canadian Nursery and Landscape Association (CNLA). Members of the CSLA and CNLA receive a free subscription to the CLS as a part of their membership. If you have not received an email with the download link, please contact coordinator@csla-aapc.ca.
The Climate Change Adaptation Committee has created a Landscape Calculator, a tool to support the members to tell the story and manage the carbon sequestration data of trees, shrubs and grass. Our goal is to have a tool that will appeal to our members, the government and the general public to confirm how our products and services play a role in mitigating climate change. The calculator has been developed in partnership with the University of Guelph.
CNLA, LO and other stakeholders have been supporting an industry pricing study with the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, in partnership with the University of Guelph’s Consumer and Marketing Studies department. This study is being conducted to better understand the role of pricing in nursery plant purchasing decisions. This is a two-year study which started August 2020. Preliminary survey results showed that the majority of shoppers only looked at price as an after-thought. Further results of this summers customer survey will be reported in the near future.
Year two of the AgriMarketing program (April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020) afforded LO a payout of $64,778.68. (Initial allotment was $60,000). Canada Blooms was paid $28,539.98 (Initial allotment of $25,000). AgriMarketing is confirmed for the forthcoming year (April 1, 2020 - March 31, 2021).
The CNLA acquired Communities in Bloom in January 2020. CiB and CNLA share many of the same values that promote the greening of cities and foster environmental, economic and lifestyle benefits to Canadians. The CiB Foundation board is Chaired by Paul Brydges. For more information visit www.communitiesinbloom.ca.
The CNLA took over the administration of the Green Cities Foundation (GCF) in December 2019. This year, GCF has worked together with Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador on their “Forgotten Corner” project this August in Bay Bulls, NL, and has completed Phase one of the #GreenMyCity project in Hamilton, ON in November 2020 with support from the Golden Horseshoe Chapter membership of Landscape Ontario, with plans to complete the project in 2021. GCF is working with Landscape Alberta and Landscape Saskatchewan and other partners to build a “Healing Garden” at the Humboldt Regional Hospital. This garden will not only serve as a place of relaxation and tranquility for those receiving treatment and care at the hospital, but as a memorial for lives lost in the Humboldt Bronco’s tragedy.
For more information on the Green Cities Foundation visit www.gcfoundation.ca.
Members: Gerald Boot, Laura Catalano, Lindsay Drake Nightingale, Jeremy Feenstra, Mark Fisher, Marty Lamers, Bob Tubby, Nick Winkelmolen
In a year where members were isolated and most association events were cancelled or presented digitally, I think members should know how your Communications team has “turned up the volume.”
Every year, I stress the importance of our magazines, websites, Enews, digital communications and promotions. This year saw those important initiatives continue, with the added responsibility of keeping members informed during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Your team stepped forward to post hundreds, maybe thousands, of information items on a section of the Landscape Ontario website, the Covid-19 Resource Hub (horttrades.com/covid-19-resources). It quickly became the most credible and up-to-date resource for members in crisis. One member was even referred to our site by the Province.
In the spring and early summer, LO’s Covid-19 Task Force met daily, and members received daily email updates facilitated by the Communications team. The team also turned on a dime and learned how to host webinars, which were successful from the launch. The recorded webinars remain posted on the Hub. It’s hard to overstate the importance of these communications during our work stoppage and beyond.
During spring and early summer, our sales team felt it was inappropriate to actively sell our media properties, and instead phoned hundreds of our suppliers to ask how they are doing and to share LO’s resources.
Thanks to our very lean Communications team for their outstanding commitment and productivity!
Changes will continue into 2021. Both magazines have adjusted publication schedules. We have added new digital products including a newsletter to the Landscape Trades audience, custom emails, social media, digital retargeting and podcasts. A major overhaul is planned for LO’s databases and CRM systems, tying into specialized software applications for our varied business areas. In addition, long-serving team leader Lee Ann Knudsen has retired. Team member Scott Barber is taking over the reins, bringing experience in both landscaping and journalism to the table.
Thanks to our Committee members for sharing their valuable time and experience. We are looking for new members, and I invite interested members to contact me.
New Entrant Worker Program:
More demand than space.
39 Applications. Selection process underway
Water Smart Irrigation Professional Program Update
Secretary: Tony DiGiovanni CHT
Manager PIC: Tom Somerville
In 2000, the Ontario Ministry of Environment (MOE) implemented new requirements under the Pesticide Act (originally, Ontario Regulation 914). Under these new requirements, anyone who applied pesticides had to be either MOE licensed or have Technician Status. The new regulation required that all unlicensed assistants, working with licensed exterminators, must complete a basic pesticide safety course to acquire the Technician Status in order to legally apply pesticides. The Pesticide Technician Program (PTP) has been amended to reflect the changes brought about by the 2009 Cosmetic Ban on pesticides (Regulation 63-09).
The PTP was established as the “basic pesticide safety course” to acquire Technician Status and meet the new requirements. The PTP is a two-part basic pesticide safety program that incorporates both a practical component and an academic exam in the training requirements.
The Pesticide Industry Council (PIC) was formed on behalf of the pesticide industry and has worked with MOE since 2000 to meet the requirements and administer the Pesticide Technician Program.
PIC is a council that has representation from Hydro One, Ontario Golf Superintendents Association, Professional Lawn Care Association of Ontario, Urban Pest Management Council, Crop Protection Institute, International Society of Arboriculture, Ontario Parks Association, Ontario Vegetation Management Association, Structural Pest Management Association, University of Guelph and Landscape Ontario.
This is the 20th year the PIC has administered the Pesticide Technician Program and the eleventh year working within the Cosmetic Ban on pesticides (Regulation 63-09).
In the 2019-2020 season, approx 1,000 technicians cards were generated through the Pesticide Technician Program (PTP) program.
Jump to: Building Committee, Canada Blooms, Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, Communications Committee, Show Committee, Human Resource Development, Pesticide Industry Council
Building Committee
Chair: Karl StenssonDirectors: Hank Gelderman CLT, Jorg Hermanns, Mark Humphries, Haig Seferian CLD, Marc Thiebaud, Rene Thiebaud, Bob Tubby CLM, David Turnbull, Neil Vanderkruk, Charlie Wilson
Last October, we opened the newly-renovated Landscape Ontario offices with great fanfare — looking forward to hosting hundreds, if not thousands, of members for committee meetings, one-on-ones and lots of training.
Fast forward 12 months and unfortunately, Covid-19 has delayed our hopes of providing these world-class facilities to our members. Most of the LO staff have been working from home. A few staff, including some from the CNLA (which owns 10 per cent of our building) have been coming in to attend to necessities in the building.
However, our committee has not been idle. A sub-committee of five landscape designers and architects have been working on the master plan for the landscaping. While Covid-19 has dashed our hopes of spending up to $1 million on the outdoor surroundings, we have received approval from Landscape Ontario's Provincial Board of Directors for $250,000 to improve the main entrance area of the building, as well as to finish the front entrance gates.
The first round of designs for the entrance has been submitted and now the design is being vetted for changes, cost efficiencies and final approval. We look forward to completing this work in spring of 2021.
Respectfully submitted,
Karl E. Stensson
Chair, 2020-2021
Karl E. Stensson
Chair, 2020-2021
Canada Blooms
The 24th edition of Canada was perhaps the most impressive show in the last 15 years. You will have to take my word for it. All of the gardens were finished, including the largest one ever built — a 6,500 sq. ft. natural playground constructed by Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds that used over 80 tons of sand and had 15 feet of elevation. You would have entered Canada Blooms through an immersive entry way with the scent of hyacinths and lilies and then under a 300 sq. ft. ceiling of Hawaiian tropicals. You would have seen 10 front and back yard gardens and 20 feature gardens. Please visit CanadaBlooms.com to see videos of all of the gardens. The Tony DiGiovanni Garden of the Year award was won by J. Garfield Thompson.
Unfortunately, eight hours before we were to open, the government of Ontario recommended that all large events in the province be postponed due to the spread of the Coronavirus. This was very difficult news for Canada Blooms, the garden builders, hundereds of volunteers and everyone who loves the festival. Additionally, despite or best efforts, Canada Blooms 2021 will be cancelled as well. The future of Canada Blooms is still to be determined, but many dedicated people are doing their best to make sure Canada Blooms 2022 happens.
Landscape Ontario members on the Canada Blooms 2019/20 Board were Lou Savoia (co-chair), Lindsey Drake Nightingale, Charlie Bancheri and Denis Flanagan.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lou Savoia
Co-Chair 2019/20
Lou Savoia
Co-Chair 2019/20
Canadian Nursery Landscape Association
Launch of the new and improved Landscape Horticulture Certification Program - https://cnlagetcertified.ca/ - structured to maintain high certification standards and streamlined to be more convenient and accessible.
- 100% Canadian owned and operated
- Aligned with Red Seal Occupational Standards
- Emphasizes safety and safe practices
- Technician hands-on practical test delivered through VALID-8, a world-class web-based solution
- Written tests delivered through Mettl, an online examination system with live proctoring features
- Option to transition previously earned designations
Launch of the Canadian Landscape Standard (CLS) Second Edition – the single, authoritative resource for landscape construction projects across Canada, prepared by a joint standing committee of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA), and the Canadian Nursery and Landscape Association (CNLA). Members of the CSLA and CNLA receive a free subscription to the CLS as a part of their membership. If you have not received an email with the download link, please contact coordinator@csla-aapc.ca.
The Climate Change Adaptation Committee has created a Landscape Calculator, a tool to support the members to tell the story and manage the carbon sequestration data of trees, shrubs and grass. Our goal is to have a tool that will appeal to our members, the government and the general public to confirm how our products and services play a role in mitigating climate change. The calculator has been developed in partnership with the University of Guelph.
CNLA, LO and other stakeholders have been supporting an industry pricing study with the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, in partnership with the University of Guelph’s Consumer and Marketing Studies department. This study is being conducted to better understand the role of pricing in nursery plant purchasing decisions. This is a two-year study which started August 2020. Preliminary survey results showed that the majority of shoppers only looked at price as an after-thought. Further results of this summers customer survey will be reported in the near future.
Year two of the AgriMarketing program (April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020) afforded LO a payout of $64,778.68. (Initial allotment was $60,000). Canada Blooms was paid $28,539.98 (Initial allotment of $25,000). AgriMarketing is confirmed for the forthcoming year (April 1, 2020 - March 31, 2021).
The CNLA acquired Communities in Bloom in January 2020. CiB and CNLA share many of the same values that promote the greening of cities and foster environmental, economic and lifestyle benefits to Canadians. The CiB Foundation board is Chaired by Paul Brydges. For more information visit www.communitiesinbloom.ca.
The CNLA took over the administration of the Green Cities Foundation (GCF) in December 2019. This year, GCF has worked together with Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador on their “Forgotten Corner” project this August in Bay Bulls, NL, and has completed Phase one of the #GreenMyCity project in Hamilton, ON in November 2020 with support from the Golden Horseshoe Chapter membership of Landscape Ontario, with plans to complete the project in 2021. GCF is working with Landscape Alberta and Landscape Saskatchewan and other partners to build a “Healing Garden” at the Humboldt Regional Hospital. This garden will not only serve as a place of relaxation and tranquility for those receiving treatment and care at the hospital, but as a memorial for lives lost in the Humboldt Bronco’s tragedy.
For more information on the Green Cities Foundation visit www.gcfoundation.ca.
Respectfully Submitted,
Paul Brydges
CNLA Representative 2020
Paul Brydges
CNLA Representative 2020
Communications Committee
Chair: Hank GeldermanMembers: Gerald Boot, Laura Catalano, Lindsay Drake Nightingale, Jeremy Feenstra, Mark Fisher, Marty Lamers, Bob Tubby, Nick Winkelmolen
In a year where members were isolated and most association events were cancelled or presented digitally, I think members should know how your Communications team has “turned up the volume.”
Every year, I stress the importance of our magazines, websites, Enews, digital communications and promotions. This year saw those important initiatives continue, with the added responsibility of keeping members informed during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Your team stepped forward to post hundreds, maybe thousands, of information items on a section of the Landscape Ontario website, the Covid-19 Resource Hub (horttrades.com/covid-19-resources). It quickly became the most credible and up-to-date resource for members in crisis. One member was even referred to our site by the Province.
In the spring and early summer, LO’s Covid-19 Task Force met daily, and members received daily email updates facilitated by the Communications team. The team also turned on a dime and learned how to host webinars, which were successful from the launch. The recorded webinars remain posted on the Hub. It’s hard to overstate the importance of these communications during our work stoppage and beyond.
During spring and early summer, our sales team felt it was inappropriate to actively sell our media properties, and instead phoned hundreds of our suppliers to ask how they are doing and to share LO’s resources.
Thanks to our very lean Communications team for their outstanding commitment and productivity!
Changes will continue into 2021. Both magazines have adjusted publication schedules. We have added new digital products including a newsletter to the Landscape Trades audience, custom emails, social media, digital retargeting and podcasts. A major overhaul is planned for LO’s databases and CRM systems, tying into specialized software applications for our varied business areas. In addition, long-serving team leader Lee Ann Knudsen has retired. Team member Scott Barber is taking over the reins, bringing experience in both landscaping and journalism to the table.
Thanks to our Committee members for sharing their valuable time and experience. We are looking for new members, and I invite interested members to contact me.
Respectfully submitted,
Hank Gelderman
Chair, 2020-2021
Hank Gelderman
Chair, 2020-2021
Human Resource Development
GROW (Get Ready for Opportunities at Work) ProgramNew Entrant Worker Program:
- Recruitment underway- is proving to be a struggle
- Planning on Hybrid delivery for Muskoka/Hamilton/Toronto
- Seeking Technical Instructors for Softscape Install & Maintenance and Hardscape programs
- Constant pivot based on COVID-19
More demand than space.
- 55 Applications. Selection process underway
39 Applications. Selection process underway
Water Smart Irrigation Professional Program Update
- Training planned for March 2021. ( Likely virtual)
- Extensive update to the WSIP Data Manager underway and ready in January 2021
- Planning a webinar to review new DM with WSIP contractors.
- Peel and York Region funding for the WSIP program will end December 2020.
- Virtual delivery scheduled for Feb. 2021
- Program expansion discussions underway with Ottawa & London
- Virtual FLP Pro Dev event planned for late Jan 2021
- Exam re-writes expected to resume over winter months
- Peel & York funding to end March 2021
- Completing apprentice registrations for January 2021
- 70+ new level 1 apprentices registered/are in-process Nov. 13/2020
- Over 130 Employers registered to date
- Working with the Colleges and Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development to align class lists
- Fanshawe, Mohawk and Humber classes will be full, while Algonquin numbers are lower this year
- Supporting apprentices & employers with training Standard completions
- Supporting apprentices with grant applications and completions
- Supporting employers with access to Tax Credit ( AJCTC)
Respectfully submitted,
Sally Harvey
Sally Harvey
Pesticide Industry Council
Chair: Gavin DawsonSecretary: Tony DiGiovanni CHT
Manager PIC: Tom Somerville
In 2000, the Ontario Ministry of Environment (MOE) implemented new requirements under the Pesticide Act (originally, Ontario Regulation 914). Under these new requirements, anyone who applied pesticides had to be either MOE licensed or have Technician Status. The new regulation required that all unlicensed assistants, working with licensed exterminators, must complete a basic pesticide safety course to acquire the Technician Status in order to legally apply pesticides. The Pesticide Technician Program (PTP) has been amended to reflect the changes brought about by the 2009 Cosmetic Ban on pesticides (Regulation 63-09).
The PTP was established as the “basic pesticide safety course” to acquire Technician Status and meet the new requirements. The PTP is a two-part basic pesticide safety program that incorporates both a practical component and an academic exam in the training requirements.
The Pesticide Industry Council (PIC) was formed on behalf of the pesticide industry and has worked with MOE since 2000 to meet the requirements and administer the Pesticide Technician Program.
PIC is a council that has representation from Hydro One, Ontario Golf Superintendents Association, Professional Lawn Care Association of Ontario, Urban Pest Management Council, Crop Protection Institute, International Society of Arboriculture, Ontario Parks Association, Ontario Vegetation Management Association, Structural Pest Management Association, University of Guelph and Landscape Ontario.
This is the 20th year the PIC has administered the Pesticide Technician Program and the eleventh year working within the Cosmetic Ban on pesticides (Regulation 63-09).
In the 2019-2020 season, approx 1,000 technicians cards were generated through the Pesticide Technician Program (PTP) program.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Somerville
Manager, 2019-2020
Tom Somerville
Manager, 2019-2020