CNLANEWS
Landscape associations in Atlantic Canada sign harmonization agreement
Landscape Nova Scotia, Landscape New Brunswick/P.E.I., and Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador are excited to announce the signing of a harmonization agreement to enhance collaboration among Atlantic Canada’s landscape associations. This milestone collaboration represents a unified effort to strengthen services and foster growth in the region’s landscape sector. By pooling resources and expertise, Landscape Nova Scotia, Landscape New Brunswick/P.E.I., and Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador are working toward a more cohesive and prosperous landscape community in Atlantic Canada. While this collaboration fosters greater efficiency, each association will retain its autonomy regarding branding, finances, Boards, annual general meetings and individual memberships within the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA). Dan Coleman, president of Landscape New Brunswick/P.E.I., said the sharing of resources and retention of autonomy among each respective Atlantic Canada provincial association is a “Win, win, win as far as I’m concerned.” Coleman also added, “We haven’t lost any of our autonomy. We are still Landscape New Brunswick and P.E.I., and will still focus as a Board on issues we have in our provinces.” A management committee, composed of two representatives from each Atlantic association, will oversee the harmonization process. The committee will manage a joint staffing and administration budget and explore collaboration in education, expanded sponsorship opportunities, events and trade shows within the region. David Thompson, chair of the management committee, said the harmonization agreement is a significant step toward greater opportunities and efficiencies for the Atlantic associations. “We’re excited to work together as a
Industry professionals gather at HortEast, Atlantic Canada's annual horticultural conference and trade show.
region, offering enhanced member services and creating new collaborations that benefit our industry,” Thompson said. Steve Smith, president of Landscape Nova Scotia, said the development is positive and will lead to even better communication among the east coast associations. “It brings our three Atlantic CNLA representatives to the table, our three association presidents together, and that alone I think will bring some positive things for all three associations and for the region,” Smith said. Kevin Nauss, who is Landscape New Brunswick and P.E.I.’s representative of the CNLA Board, said the harmonization is “a no- brainer.” Discussions about a harmonization
of the Atlantic Canada provincial associations have been ongoing since the day he joined the CNLA Board 10 years ago. While in attendance at HortEast in Moncton, N.B., on Nov. 13, 2024, Nauss reflected on his time on the HortEast planning committee, and how the eastern Canada trade show’s success in growing annually is a testament to collaboration between the Atlantic provincial associations. “We’re all brothers and sisters here,” Nauss said. “We need each other, and we have so many similarities.” Jan Loner is now the new Atlantic executive director. The search for additional staff support is underway, and the CNLA office is providing interim assistance.
Stan Kochanoff, past president of CNLA (1985-1986) and Landscape Nova Scotia, passed away suddenly on November 21, 2024. Kochanoff was also a co-chair of Communities in Bloom in Windsor, Ont., and volunteered as a national-level judge. Just this past summer, Kochanoff led a project for the Green Cities Foundation at Hope Blooms where 100 volunteers planted 20 trees at Uniacke Square at Murray Warrington Park in Halifax, N.S. Born in 1938, Kochanoff continued planning and planting throughout his more than 50 years in the industry until he passed away. In memoriam: Stan Kochanoff
FEBRUARY 2025 | 47
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