Landscape Ontario Magazine - Landscape Ontario

June 2012

Previous Issues

President's Message

What’s wrong with Employment Insurance?

By Phil Charal

It appears our federal government is looking to amend Employment Insurance (EI).

Member Profile

Pride and passion are keys to 80 years at Moore Water Gardens

Moore Water Gardens in Port Stanley is celebrating 80 years of business success over three generations.

Feature

Results of salt treatment study expected in 2014

A study of salt treatments on parking lots and sidewalks, scheduled for completion in 2014, will be the first in the world to develop an application standard.

Pilot project testing new tracking system

A by-product of the parking lot salt study (see page ) has resulted in a new tracking system for landscape and snow and ice maintenance companies.

Association News

Royal City Nursery marks 50 years

Guests, dignitaries and customers helped members of the Olsen family celebrate 50 years of business for Guelph’s Royal City Nursery on May 5.

World’s best stone craftsmen coming to Hanover

Some of the best dry stone craftsmen in the world will gather in Hanover for three days, from Sept. 28 to 30.

Gro-Bark trailer promotes green industry

A billboard that measures over 50 feet long and 14 feet high is moving across the Greater Toronto Area each day, promoting Landscape Ontario and the green industry.

Sheridan leverages its award

A new sign at Sheridan Nurseries’ Georgetown location informs the public about its national distinction as Grower of the Year.

Earthscape donates and educates

Mark Schwarz of Earthscape Ontario in Elmira wrote a blog about his company’s work at the Elmira District Secondary School, which was completed in two phases in 2010 to the spring of 2012.

Integra Works owner helps his community

James Solecki of Integra Works in Port Sydney volunteers for local community efforts.

Kimmick Landscaping donates service

Michael Martins of Kimmick Landscaping in London, has donated a great deal of lawn and garden maintenance and landscaping service to community buildings, schools and churches.

Contractors’ barbecue

Georgian Lakelands Chapter had a great turnout for its annual Contractors’ Barbecue, despite cool temperatures.

Members in the News

Appearances by many member companies in recent news articles.

Members find GM discount worthwhile

One of the most popular benefits among members of Landscape Ontario is the General Motors discount of up to $12,000 on GMC vehicles.

Students test talent at Skills Canada

Skills Canada - Ontario took place on Apr. 30 to May 2, at RIM Park in Waterloo, with over 1,800 student participants competing at elementary to post-secondary levels.

Domoney to headline Expo 2012

The U.K.’s most dynamic garden celebrity, David Domoney, is the keynote speaker opening LO’s Expo trade show this October.

Industry Auction: All you need to know

Readers of this month’s Landscape Ontario magazine will find a full-colour brochure inserted with this issue highlighting the annual Industry Auction.

Volunteer Profile

Ed Hansen believes volunteering is a privilege

Ed Hansen of Hansen Lawn and Landscape Gardens in Ottawa believes that everyone should be obliged to volunteer at some point in their lives.

Urban Tolerant Trees

Serviceberry offers multi-seasonal interest

Serviceberries are found across Canada. There are five or six species. It can be multi-stemmed or grown with a single trunk.

Industry News

Promotion celebrates National Tree Day

Although only a few companies have confirmed participation in National Tree Day on Sept. 26, the enthusiasm by organizers is high.

Eye tracking technology for horticulture

A few weeks after the FedDev announcement, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre announced more high-tech research to help the industry.

OEA defending employers in WSIB cases

The Ontario Employer Advisor (OEA) is ready to take on its new mandate to represent employers who have been accused of a health and safety reprisal under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Exhibit showcases centuries of horticultural education

If you are in downtown Toronto this summer, take time to visit the historical exhibition of British and Canadian works on horticulture at the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library at the University of Toronto.

Vineland receives funds for robots and frost protection

The Government of Canada announced $2.5 million will be coming to Vineland Research and Innovation Centre to support the development of innovative horticultural technologies.

Trees for Life book inside

Included with this issue of Landscape Ontario magazine is a free copy of the new 32-page book Trees for Life: 52 Tips for a Greener World.

Push on to implement One Call legislation

Bill 8, the Ontario One Call Ltd. Act, will return to the Ontario Legislature for a third reading.

Horticultural apprenticeship registrations available

Registration takes place at a Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) office.

Guard against online predators

LO’s IT manager Ian Service has provided some good advice on protecting yourself from online predators.

EI amendments coming in 2013

The federal government has announced amendments to Employment Insurance.

Guelph scientists clone elm trees

Scientists at the University of Guelph say they have the ability to clone American elm trees, which have been found to survive repeated epidemics of their biggest killer — Dutch elm disease.

Blue ash may resist emerald ash borer

The city of London is examining suggestions that the blue ash may be resistant to the emerald ash borer.

Membership

LO’s brand is your brand

By Helen Hassard

Have you ever noticed that when you’re looking to buy something, or suddenly take an interest in something particular, you begin to see it everywhere?

Underground World

Underground hits down significantly

By Terry Murphy CLP

Underground hits in a category called “Green Industry” by the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA) are down some six per cent in 2011 from the previous year.

Safety And Training

More reasons to be proud of our youth

By Sally Harvey CLT, CLP

Ontario students excelled again at the Skills Canada competition held from Apr. 30 to May 2 at RIM Park in Waterloo.

Contractors’ Column

Green roof and wall conference

By Arthur Skolnik

This is the busiest time of year for landscape contractors.

Public Relations

A tree trip to remember

By Denis Flanagan CLD

A fundraising event in Goderich helped raise awareness of the massive tree planting program that was initiated following the devastating tornado that wreaked havoc on August 21, 2011.

Executive Desk

People will afford what they want

By Tony DiGiovanni CHT