July 2012

Previous Issues
Association News

New program helps teach horticulture in Kitchener

Rob Tester of TNT Property Maintenance in Kitchener has set up a program to help local high school students learn about horticulture and environmental stewardship.

Stormwater management workshops planned this summer

The opportunities will include emerging trends in stormwater management such as rain gardens, permeable paving and rainwater harvesting for irrigation purposes.

Designs By The Yard blooms on Annette Street

The retail stretch along Annette Street in Toronto is getting a boost with the opening of Designs By The Yard, an upscale garden design studio and boutique.

Industry Auction at Putzer Nursery

The Growers Group annual fund-raiser is all set for July 19.

Blue Sky Nursery owner makes a difference

For the past four years the owner of Blue Sky Nursery in Beamsville, Alice Klamer, has served on the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Board and sponsored fundraising events.

Western Landscape Services helps students appreciate trees

Western Landscape Services of Elginburg, near Kingston, just launched its fifth annual Plant a Tree, Make our City Cool school program.

Knippel Nursery donates to community groups

Knippel Nursery of Gloucester supports the community through donations of plant material.

Great schedule of summer events

The summer of 2012 promises to deliver more great events for LO members, with lots of golf and baseball tournaments and barbecues.

Expo offers many professional development opportunities

By Kristen McIntyre CHT
It’s July. It’s hot. You are tired and your staff needs motivation. Look no further! Give them something to look forward to – sign up for Expo and get tickets for everyone to Planning for Profit!

Caterpillar offers savings on new machines

Save $250 on your choice of select Cat Work Tool attachments.

Recent member benefit updates

Petro-Canada no longer owns Certigard.

LO member begins new mission in Ecuador

Landscape Ontario member Vince Vetro has added a new title to his resume, that of executive director of The David/Jonathan Project and The Lending Journey.

Awards programs allow members to shine

By Kristen McIntyre CHT
LO’s Award of Excellence program provides an exclusive opportunity for our members to showcase their talents, and allows the association to shine a light on the best of our best.
Industry News

Bill to establish one-call centre passes

Bill 8, known as the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, 2012, is now law.

Hamilton council requests change to pesticide ban

The City of Hamilton approved a report from its public works committee on June 14.

Ontario well-represented in national recycling event

In Ontario nearly 20 garden centres signed up for the project this year, adding to the national total of 50 participants from eight provinces accepting recycling plastics at their garden centres.

Employers required to post safety poster

The poster summarizes workers’ health and safety rights and responsibilities and the responsibilities of employers and supervisors.

Seasonal workers face new rules for EI

The federal government’s amendments to Employment Insurance will take effect in early 2013.

Banking hours is an Alternative to EI

A strategy to tackle the issue of retaining valued employees in seasonal work is banking hours.

Grow Me Instead project has official launch

The Grow Me Instead Guide highlights a variety of native and non-native plants that do well in gardens and are non-invasive in Ontario.

Rules change on terminating employees

By Michael Thomas
A recent decision issued by the Ontario Court of Appeal appears to have raised the cost of terminating employees.

Agricultural Adaption Program expires March 2014

The current Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP) will expire March 2014.

Many Ontario members travel to snow and ice event in Buffalo

For its 15th anniversary edition, the Snow and Ice Management Association’s (SIMA) Snow and Ice Symposium returned to Buffalo, N.Y.

LO hosts its own snow show

Association sector group to hold conference for snow pros this September.