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.

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Jump to: Building Committee, Canada Blooms, Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, Communications Committee, Show Committee, Human Resource Development, Pesticide Industry Council

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Building Committee

Report to follow.

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Canada Blooms

Report to follow.

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Communications Committee

Report to follow.

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Human Resource Development

Report to follow.

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Pesticide Industry Council

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 PTP has been amended to reflect the changes brought about by the 2009 Cosmetic Ban on pesticides (Regulation 63-09)).  

The Pesticide Technician Program (PTP) was established as the “basic pesticide safety course” to be able to acquire Technician Status and meet the new requirements (Ontario Regulation 914). The PTP is a two-part basic pesticide safety program that incorporates both a practical component and an academic exam in the training requirements. Pesticide Technician Status is good for two years.

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. Landscape Ontario agreed to be the administrator of the Pesticide Technician Program on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Environment under the guidance of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

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 Horticultural Trades Association.

This is the 23rd year that the Pesticide Industry Council has administered the Pesticide Technician Program and the 14th year worked within the Cosmetic Ban on pesticides (Regulation 63-09).  

In the 2023 season, approx 1,065 technicians’ cards were generated through the Pesticide Technician Program (PTP) program. This is a slight increase from years past (COVID).