Our History - Cor Vanderkruk

On January 24, 1973, at the close of the Ontario Horticultural Trades Congress, after members of the Ontario Nursery Trades Association, the Ontario Landscape Contractors Association, and the Ontario Garden Maintenance and Landscape Association had voted overwhelmingly to support the concept of unity within Ontario as a horticultural industry, Landscape Ontario officially came into being.
That historic event at Toronto’s Skyline Hotel was the culmination, according to then newly-elected LO President Glenn Peister, of years of effort by unselfish, far-sighted people who sought to improve and promote their chosen vocation.

Unity within the horticulture industry was always seen as a desirable objective, but there were many obstructions along the way that had to be overcome before the end result was finally achieved. As early as 1961, following meetings with representatives of the OLCA and the Nursery Sod Growers Association (formed in March of 1960), Keith Laver of the ONA (later ONTA) reported to the Canadian Association of Nurserymen that liaison was being established with all groups in Ontario.

That same year saw a joint undertaking between the ONA and OLCA to present short courses for members at the Ontario Agricultural College (now the University of Guelph). The groups also worked together with the College to develop the ODH Correspondence Courses. Invitations were extended to attend one another’s conventions, tours, field days and other events. In early 1964 J. V. Stensson, Chairman of the ONTA’s Committee on Liaison with Sod Growers, etc., reported that renewed efforts ought to be made to bring the three groups (ONTA, OLCA and NSGA) together with local autonomy for each group, and the committee would welcome proposals from each group as to how this might best be accomplished.

Efforts were made to have the OLCA and NSGA combine with the ONTA’s Sixth Annual Convention in January, 1965, but the plans did not materialize. A small step forward did take place, however, when the ONTA invited the Presidents of the other two associations, and their wives, to attend. A write-up by Art Drysdale on the ONTA Convention appeared in the March issue of the OLCA News Bulletin, and included a further pitch for a joint convention. That summer OLCA members were invited to attend the ONTA’s Annual One-Day Tour and Landscape Group Field Day. By 1965 also, steps were being taken by the OLCA to bring the newly-formed Ontario Garden Maintenance and Landscape Association into their organization.
In 1966 the ONTA agreed to co-operate with the OLCA to initiate an apprenticeship training program. John Northwood, then President of the OLCA, attended an OGMLA general meeting to speak about a closer liaison between the two organizations. The OLCA was also interested in having a greater rapport with the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects, and John Northwood attended their 1967 Annual Conference. In his final President’s Message in the OLCA News Bulletin before turning the job over to his successor, Bruce Evans, he again stressed the need for cooperation among all associations with a common interest, including town planners, the nursery industry, landscape architects, landscape contractors, garden maintenance and other groups in related fields.

Bruce Evans was invited to address the 8th Annual Convention of the Nursery Sod Growers Association of Ontario in March, 1968, and the OGMLA was sufficiently impressed with his remarks on “What’s Ahead for 1980 in Landscape Contracting” that they reprinted the entire article in their Newsletter. The OGMLA also welcomed Bruce Evans, along with ONTA President Peter Nielsen, to the banquet at their 1968 Annual Convention. At that gathering, Sid Queripel reported attending a meeting of the OLCA and others, including the Ontario Shade Tree Council and the NSGA, with a view to developing a solid front to deal with problems of education within the industry.
      Articles were already being freely exchanged between the various groups for publication in their individual newsletters. In March, 1968, an informal meeting was held in the offices of the Ontario Department of Agriculture and Food to discuss ways and means to amalgamate the information disseminated through the newsletters into one publication. Representatives were in attendance from the Canadian Nursery Trades Association, the ONTA and the OGMLA. It was pointed out that other groups were welcome to submit relevant articles and information about events for publication in the CNTA’s Canadian Nurseryman magazine, and it was generally agreed that for the time being members of other organizations could simply purchase subscriptions to it if they so desired.

Also in 1968, a move was afoot among the various organizations to hold a combined convention and trade show. The OGMLA Newsletter of October, 1968, refers to a letter from OLCA President Bruce Evans inviting them to join the OLCA, ONTA and others in considering such a venture for 1969. It took the exhibitors, however, to push the idea through. They pointed out the advantage of being able to set up for one large show that would reach a larger audience, instead of several smaller ones, and their argument paved the way. It would be another year before it materialized, but in January, 1970 the first Allied Horticultural Trades Congress was held. Under the Chairmanship of Associate Member G. R. (Dick) Sale, of Glen D. Ogilvie Ltd. in Caledonia, it proved to be the event that would finally bring about the unification of the landscape trade associations in Ontario.

Following the success of the first Congress, the Presidents of four associations - Ontario Nursery Trades Association, Nursery Sod Growers Association of Ontario, Ontario Garden Maintenance & Landscape Association, and the Ontario Landscape Contractors Association in cooperation with the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects - agreed to form a small group that would get together on a regular basis to discuss matters of common interest. The Ontario Horticultural Landscape Council held their first meeting on March 31, 1970 at the Ascot Inn in Rexdale. Dena Heather, Secretary of the OLCA, acted in a similar capacity for the Council. Werner Berger, President of the OLCA, was chosen by those present to chair the meeting, with successive meetings to be chaired by representatives of the other groups on a rotation basis. At that inaugural meeting each President gave a brief outline of the structure of their association, its objectives and some of its problems. Members then passed the following motion: “To establish a Horticultural Landscape Trades Council as a governing body to act as a unifying force to the common interest of the horticultural landscaping industry relating to provincial issues.”

One of the first stumbling blocks to eventual unity occurred shortly thereafter, when members decided at the June meeting to change the name to “Allied Landscape Trades Council.” Although two representatives of the ONTA were at that meeting, and approved the change, ONTA President Frank Fitzelle was not in attendance. At the following meeting, in August, he raised several objections put forward by his association, having to do with the word “landscape” not embracing the entire industry. After considerable discussion, it was finally agreed to revert to the original name of “Ontario Horticultural Landscape Council.”

The October meeting was chaired by Lloyd Murray, then Executive Secretary of the ONTA. He explained to the group that the magazine Canadian Nurseryman, which had grown out of the ONA Newsletter, had been a national magazine since 1965. Though still published out of the ONTA office, it operated under the joint financial support of both the ONTA and the Canadian Nursery Trades Association. He stated that the Editor, Art Drysdale, wished to put forward a proposal to the Council for a combined magazine with a new name and Canada-wide coverage. The proposal appeared in the December issue of the magazine, and generated considerable discussion at the December meeting. Art Drysdale attended the February 1971 meeting of the Council, where a motion was passed seeking approval of the proposal by each participating association, and setting January 1972 as a possible starting date for a new magazine. Subsequently both the OLCA and NSGA indicated a desire to be involved. The OGMLA, however, declined the invitation, stating their members were “not at all interested in participating in a national magazine if it would be at the expense of the provincial magazine.” - an apparent reference to their own publication, of which they were justifiably proud.     It was suggested their members could subscribe on an individual basis at a cost of $6.00 per year, and most indicated they would do so. Discussions with the ONTA and CNTA continued over the next couple of years, but when unity was finally achieved and Landscape Ontario came into being in January, 1973, it was the OGMLA publication, renamed Landscape Ontario, that was chosen as the official voice of Ontario’s horticultural industry.

Another important step occurred in 1970, when Werner Berger asked the Council to agree in principle to choose an Executive Director to coordinate the activities of the different associations. He pointed out the advantages of having an umbrella association, and gave as an example the American Association of Nurserymen. He further suggested that Robert Lederer, who headed up the AAN and was scheduled to speak at the forthcoming Congress, might talk with members of Council about what was necessary to accomplish this move. In March of 1971, on a motion by Howard Stensson (ONTA) and seconded by Peter Laven (OLCA), it was agreed “that this Council go on record as recommending to each Association that they work towards the formation of a common association embracing all present groups.” On a subsequent motion by Bruno Mettel (OGMLA) and seconded by Howard Stensson, it was decided to “go to the membership of the various groups and get their approval to set up by-laws for an umbrella association.”

By 1972, another move was under consideration that could have a bearing on the future unity of the four Ontario associations, and it acted as a catalyst to move matters forward. Under the heading of “Task Force 2000”, the Canadian Nursery Trades Association was proposing to set up a national office in Ottawa to represent all regional associations. The intention was to change their name to Landscape Canada, and to hire an Executive Vice President, with the aim of creating a better liaison with government departments and legislators, expanding promotional campaigns aimed at the consumer, and improving communications with members of regional associations. The anticipated annual budget would be in excess of $30,000, as compared to their current one of $13,000. To finance it, they were suggesting annual dues at a rate of $1.50 per thousand dollars of sales, with a minimum of $100, to be collected by the national office who would then remit 40% to the regional groups. At the present time, the regional nursery trades associations were collecting their own dues, and remitting 35% to the national office.

At a special meeting of the Ontario Horticultural Landscape Council on April 6, 1972, two formal proposals drawn up by Casey van Maris for the amalgamation of the four member associations were presented. One plan simply recommended an umbrella organization with each organization remaining basically the same, but cooperating in a combined newsletter, meetings, social activities, government representation, education, and the Congress. The other recommendation gave a much more detailed outline, with all associations integrating into one main group to be called Landscape Ontario or any other acceptable name. The group moved to accept the former proposal at that time, and also agreed to have the Presidents of the OLCA, OGMLA and NSGA each write to the ONTA expressing their concerns about Task Force 2000 and the adverse effect its adoption could have on the hoped for unity they had been working for ten years to achieve. They requested the opportunity to be present at the Special General Meeting being held in June when ONTA members were being asked to vote on the Task Force proposals.

The June meeting, however, failed to attract a sufficient number of ONTA members to permit a deciding vote. Casey van Maris (OGMLA) attended, accompanied by Neville Richards, an advertising, marketing and communications consultant who was currently Administrative Editor of the OGMLA magazine, The Landscape Gardener. He spoke on behalf of both the OGMLA and OLCA, urging that the possibility of unity within Ontario be considered immediately. The ONTA passed a motion to participate in unity meetings, and D. Burke McNeill, Extension Horticulturist (Nursery) with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, agreed to act as neutral chairman of a steering committee made up of two representatives from each of the four allied associations.

The first Unity Committee meeting was held at the OMAF office in Milton on July 27, 1972. Present were delegates from the OLCA, representing 67 members, the OGMLA with 206 members, and the ONTA with 120 members. Invited, but did not attend, were representatives of the Nursery Sod Growers Association and the Canadian Nursery Trades Association. Quoting from the minutes, “The chairman, Burke McNeill, outlined the purpose of the meeting, which was called to present and discuss each association’s views on unity, and if there was mutual agreement to proceed as quickly as possible toward preparing proposals for unity in one association.”

From the discussions, it appeared all three groups present were in favour of unity in principle. To summarize, the main benefits to be derived included: 1. Education; 2. One well-produced magazine, eliminating duplication; 3. Convention (already a reality but could be improved upon); 4. One executive secretary, again eliminating duplication; 5. Joint meetings; 6. Public relations; 7. Government representation.

It was felt that any form of a new unified organization should allow for some degree of autonomy to let individual groups deal with matters of specific concern. On the topic of finances, it was agreed that Burke McNeill should obtain and analyze the 1971 financial statements of each association to determine total membership, revenue that could be available, as well as determining where savings could be made by cutting out duplicate expenditures.

The group agreed to report back to their associations, and to meet again on August 30. Meanwhile, the ONTA Board of Directors moved to advise the CNTA that the Task Force 2000 proposals had not been ratified by Ontario region, and that they would not be reconsidered until the unity question had been resolved.

On August 30, representatives of the three groups met to report on the reaction of their various boards, all of whom had expressed approval to move ahead in some manner. Burke McNeill presented his findings on the financial aspects of an umbrella association, of which the bottom line was that a combined reduced budget appeared to be possible, and should generate a surplus of 1.5%. After much discussion, it was decided to work out a definite proposal based on suggestions put forward by the OLCA, as follows: A. A constitution for the council (as yet unnamed) would be prepared to give that body jurisdiction over - 1. Allied Horticultural Trades Congress 2. Public relations (newsletter, etc.) 3. Government representation 4. Education 5. Legal representation 6. Dues collection 7. Establishing an office and hiring a full time executive secretary and assistants. B. That each association in the council would remain a legally constituted association for a period of two years, after which time these associations would cease to exist. C. That the dues structure for this organization be based on Workmen’s Compensation records, this structure to include a minimum and possibly a maximum amount of dues payable. D. That initially the directors to the council be appointed by each of the participating associations to serve for a period of two years. Following the dissolution of the associations all directors would be elected from the floor. E. That delegates from each association obtain estimates of the labour costs of their respective association for the next meeting.

That meeting was scheduled for September 7 in the OMAF office in Milton, for the purpose of working out a proposal. The OGMLA, however, was one step ahead. Their representatives arrived with a complete agenda and 12-page proposal, prepared by Neville Richards. It included a budget figure of $78,800 for the first year of operation.

The group went over the proposal point by point, making changes where appropriate. One of the most significant was in the list of suggested names for the unified association. The original proposal offered six possible names, all beginning with the word “Canadian’, e.g. Canadian Association of Horticultural Trades, Canadian Landscape & Nursery Association, etc. These same names were included in the revised proposal, but substituting the word “Ontario” for “Canadian”. They also added an eighth suggestion, quite different from the rest. It was “Landscape Ontario.”

On September 12, Burke McNeill sent copies of the amended proposal to representatives of each association, along with a covering letter urging them to have it discussed and hopefully approved by their general membership before the Unity Committee next met on November 16. The goal was to have a constitution and dues structure ready for approval by members at the Allied Horticultural Trade Congress in January.

Two items in the proposal were brought into question by the ONTA. The first concerned the suggested fee structure, which was based on a levy on nursery stock sales. Members also felt the budgeted amount of $6,500 to be remitted to the CNTA indicated a lack of support for the national association . In view of these objections, Burke McNeill convened a special meeting of the Unity Committee, along with several members of the ONTA, to iron out the problems. As a result, two further amendments were made to the proposal, namely that fees would be a levy on labour, based on Workmen’s Compensation figures, and that the amount remitted to the CNTA be increased to $15,000.

In a further letter dated November 7, Burke McNeill opened by stating “We have reached the point of no return.” He went on to say that all association members had now approved or had the chance to approve the proposal, and he urged committee members to come to the November 16 meeting prepared to discuss the following topics: - Appointment of a temporary secretary, treasurer, and chairman; - Arrange for a constitution to be prepared; - Establish an accurate budget and dues structure; - Make plans for establishing a permanent office & employees; - Name for the new association; - Consider recommendations from participating associations.

He also asked that each association present accurate estimates of the total labour costs so they could get the dues structure resolved as quickly as possible. “Until now,” he went on, “we have enjoyed rather informal meetings, but from now on we have to get down to business. We have a lot of work to do in the next 60 days.”

When the Unity Committee met on November 16, the first item of business was to appoint D. Burke McNeill as Chairman and Neville Richards as Secretary, to serve in those temporary positions until elections were held at the Congress in January. Next came the selection of a name. “Landscape Ontario” was the clear choice, with “Ontario Horticultural Trades Association” a second choice only if it proved impossible to register the former. Eventually, Letters Patent proclaiming the new organization as Landscape Ontario were granted by the Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Ontario.

Dues were next on the agenda. After considerable discussion, members approved a motion by Casey van Maris (OGMLA) that the basic dues structure for 1973 be 40 cents on each $100 labour as reported to Workmen’s Compensation, with a minimum of $60 and maximum of $1500. Associate member dues were to be $100. He also recommended that minimum and maximum dues in 1974 be increased to $100 and $2000 respectively. A revised budget of $79,800 was prepared, and on a motion by Glenn Peister (OLCA) it was agreed that interim finances be equally split three ways between the participating associations on all accrued expenses until Landscape Ontario was duly formed and approved.

Things were moving quickly now. By November 20 Fred Grespan, Comptroller of McLean-Peister Limited in Kitchener, had been hired to prepare a draft Constitution for the new horticultural trades association. It was to be ready for examination by committee members at a meeting on December 11. At that time they also planned to discuss and act on the position of Executive Director, and clarify the financing and operation of the various chapters in the proposed new association. A further meeting was held on December 20, when members added another article to the draft Constitution and By-Laws concerning the establishment of a new magazine, to be called Landscape Ontario but adopting and expanding the existing format of the OGMLA’s The Landscape Gardener.

The magazine was to be wholly owned and operated by the Landscape Ontario association under the direction of a Magazine Committee. It was also agreed at that meeting to advertise in the Globe and Mail for the position of Executive Director of Landscape Ontario.

On January 11, 1973, the final meeting of the Unity Committee was held in the OMAF office at Milton. Those present were Don Salivan and Casey van Maris (OGMLA), Peter Laven, Glenn Peister and Bill DeLuca (OLCA), and EJ “Bud” Hebel Jr., Marc Thiebaud and Neil VanderKruk (ONTA). Once again Burke McNeill acted as Chairman. One matter that came in for lengthy discussion was the OGMLA’s request for a reimbursement of $15,000 for their magazine The Landscape Gardener, should their group decide to opt out of unity within the prescribed time limit outlined in the Constitution (two years). Since the ONTA and OLCA both indicated a willingness to turn over their assets to Landscape Ontario with no thought of having these returned should either decide to opt out in the two-year period, it was felt the OGMLA should be prepared to do the same. As it turned out, the subsequent success of Landscape Ontario ensured the continued participation of all three associations, so the matter became irrelevant.     
Several other points were made, including a motion by Bud Hebel that the Constitution be printed and distributed to each participating Association, to be voted on at their annual meetings to be held January 21 and 22. It was further resolved that if unity was accepted, the total group would meet on January 24 to elect a Board of Directors.

At long last the day of decision was at hand. During the Congress members of the Ontario Garden Maintenance and Landscaping Association, the Ontario Landscape Contractors Association and the Ontario Nursery Trades Association held their Annual General Meetings, and each group voted to accept the new Constitution. Finally, on January 24, 1973, the long sought-after unity of Ontario’s horticulture industries became a reality, and Landscape Ontario was born.