Landscape Ontario magazine is the voice of Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association — a people magazine for a thriving organization with intense member involvement. Landscape Ontario is also a timely business magazine, addressing specific green industry issues with authority. Landscape Ontario contains industry news, association news, industry issue features, profiles, event announcements, extension bulletins and more.
May | June 2025
More than MAINTENANCE TEAM MEMBERS AT PRISTINE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE LEAD EXPANSION
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MAY - JUNE 2025 | 1
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May | June 2025 • Volume 43 - No. 03 HortTrades.com Landscape Ontario’s mandate is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable environment for the advancement of the horticultural profession in Ontario.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Features
Supporting excellence within our community A s we dig into this latest issue of Landscape Ontario magazine, I’m thrilled to plant some exciting news right at the forefront! As many of you know, the scholarship application deadline for aspiring horticulture and landscape professionals is fast approaching on June 30. I encourage all students to seize this opportunity to invest in their education and futures. Additionally, I am thrilled to announce the entry period for the prestigious Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence program will open online July 1. This is a wonderful chance to showcase your hard work and creativity, recognizing the exceptional talent within our community. The resilience of our industry has been remarkable to witness. Despite the challenges we've faced, I have seen firsthand how our community continues to thrive, adapt and support one another. It’s a testament to our collective strength and determination. We truly are stronger together. A big shout out to the dedicated team at Landscape Ontario, working tirelessly behind the scenes to provide the resources, support and services you need to excel in your endeavours. We are always striving for excellence, and our commitment to your success is always pushing us forward. Thank you for your continued support and for being a vital part of this incredible community. Let’s keep pushing boundaries together and fostering a landscape that inspires future generations. Remember, together we can grow great things — let’s keep our roots strong!
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Member Profile: Pristine Property Maintenance
Departments
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Association News New Members Volunteer Profile Professional News Columns
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President - Ed Hansen Past President - Lindsay Drake Nightingale Vice President - Lindsey Ross Second Vice President - Jeff Olsen Treasurer - Pam Cook
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department - Landscape Ontario 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 Canada Phone: 905-875-1805 ISSN 1928-9553 Publications Mail Agreement No. PM40013519 Views expressed are those of the writer concerned. Landscape Ontario assumes no responsibility for the validity or correctness of any opinions or references made by the author. Copyright 2025, reproduction or the use of whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Published 6x per year. Rates and deadlines are available on request. Subscription price: $43.51 per year (HST included). For subscription and address changes, please email subscriptions@landscapeontario.com COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Gerald Boot CLM, Vanessa McQuade, Lindsay Drake Nightingale, Jeremy Feenstra, Mark Fisher, Hank Gelderman COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT Communications Director - Penny Tantakis Editor - Robert Ellidge Creative Director - Mike Wasilewski Managing Editor, Multimedia - Karina Sinclair Graphic Design Associate - Aisha Shaikh Account Manager - Greg Sumsion Account Manager - Liz Lant Digital Marketing Specialist - Laura Fox Communications Coordinator - Angela Lindsay Accountant - Joe Sabatino Staff contact info: HortTrades.com/contact
Ed Hansen LO President ed@eandlconsulting.ca
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ASSOCIATION NEWS
Young talent shines at 2025 Skills Ontario Competition
their landscape design by hand or using Dynascape software. Secondary competition medallists: Gold: Alexis K (Niagara District School Board) Silver: Maya B (Niagara District School Board) Bronze: Mateo M (Halton Catholic District School Board) Post-secondary competition medallists: Gold: Monica L (Humber College) Silver: Taylor C (Humber College) The Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation (Foundation) provides monetary support totalling $6,600 to the gold, silver and bronze winners. The Foundation is the research and scholarship arm of Landscape Ontario with the mandate to ensure a healthy future for the horticultural industry. Each year, the Foundation awards a variety of scholarships to students enrolled in landscape and horticulture programs across Ontario. THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS AND SUPPLIERS The competitions would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers who give many long hours to support
Judges were very impressed by the students’ dedication and determination to complete their landscapes. Congratulations to the secondary competition medallists: Gold: Cole V and Grayden C (Durham District School Board) Silver: Cameron C and Jonathan T (Trillium Lakelands District School Board) Bronze: Matteo V and Jesse P (Niagara Catholic District School Board) Congratulations to the post-secondary competition medallists: Gold: Matthew L and Yike Y (Algonquin College) Silver: Allyson M and Cody S (Mohawk College) Bronze: Beth-Anne M and Olivia H (Mohawk College) Best of luck to Matthew L and Yike Y of Algonquin College who qualified to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition in Regina, Sask., May 29-30. LANDSCAPE DESIGN COMPETITION The secondary and post-secondary Landscape Design competitions are a one-day event where students receive a base plan, site photos and a list of requests from a client. They can complete
Canada’s largest skilled trades and technologies competition took place at the Toronto Congress Centre May 5-6, 2025. With over 20,000 visitors each year, the Skills Ontario Competition provides Landscape Ontario with its largest opportunity to connect with youth and promote the many viable and rewarding career opportunities in the landscape horticulture trades. The competition offers a unique opportunity for top secondary and post- secondary students to demonstrate they are the best of the best in their field. Over two and a half days, they impress educators, family, friends and prospective employers. Winners are awarded with Gold, Silver or Bronze medals, plus the opportunity to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition. HORTICULTURE AND LANDSCAPE COMPETITION In teams of two, students follow a prepared landscape design to construct a miniature landscape with both hard and softscape components. The secondary school competition is a fast-paced, one- day competition. The post-secondary school competition includes a larger, more complex design and takes place over two days.
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Materials/Supplier Sponsors: Greenhorizons Sod Farms, NVK Nurseries, Techo-Bloc, Miller Compost, Dufferin Aggregates, Lockhart Excavation, Conestoga Roofing, Creative Landscape Depot, Dynascape. VISITOR ENGAGEMENT Landscape Ontario’s Youth Engagement team also led a hands-on workshop for grades seven and eight students to introduce them to the landscape horticulture trade. Students learned about the benefits of urban trees, why planting native tree species is important and received hands-on experience scarifying, soaking and planting a Kentucky coffee tree seed. Students
Crew App Crew App BE A PART OF NEXT YEAR’S COMPETITION If you are interested in supporting our industry at the Skills Ontario Competition in 2026, please contact Christy Sebastian at 1-800-265-5656 x2318 or csebastian@landscapeontario.com. took their planted seeds back to their classrooms with instructions for care and eventual transplanting. The LO team also provided a Career Exploration Showcase booth to promote landscape horticulture careers. Staff and members were able to connect with students, parents, educators and employment service providers to share opportunities, programs and resources for youth considering our industry.
Horticulture and Landscape: Rob Tester (Tech Chair), Darren Murawski, Rob Bowers, Jason Falco, Thomas Blatter, Colin MacMillan, Eckhard Lutz, Michael LaPorte. Landscape Design: Beth Edney (Tech Chair), Jordan Weir, John Bright, Heather Jerrard, Rieley Mykytulk, Chris Tourney.
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Growing financial support for Ontario students
Students enrolled in landscape and horticulture programs across Ontario can apply for financial support through a growing number of scholarships offered through the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation (Foundation). The deadline to apply is June 30, 2025. Each year, the Foundation, together with the Cullen Family Scholarship Program and various Landscape Ontario Chapters, provides over $60,000 to registered apprentices and students enrolled in accredited post-secondary programs. For 2025, two new scholarships have been added by Landscape Ontario’s Waterloo Chapter (see sidebar). In addition to the financial reward, those selected to receive scholarships are also listed in the Foundation’s annual report and recognized on stage at the annual Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence ceremony in January. STUDENT APPLICATIONS Students can apply at OHTF.ca for one or more of the many post- secondary school or apprentice scholarships ranging in value from $500 to $1,000. A number of memorial scholarships are also available that cater to students pursuing a career in a specific area, such as: landscape design, property maintenance, turfgrass management, or that have a passion for native plants. EDUCATOR NOMINATIONS Horticulture educators can recognize outstanding students by nominating them for one of three special scholarships under the Foundation program at OHTF.ca/nom2025. Here you will also find the nomination form for the Cullen Family Scholarship Program
that awards $2,000 to apprentices, $3,000 to students, plus a $5,000 need-based scholarship. In 2024, the program awarded $51,000 to students pursuing a career in the profession. The deadline for all nominations is June 30, 2025. CRITERIA AND DOCUMENTATION Before applying online, students should check the eligibility requirements and application criteria for each scholarship. Some will require a brief essay or written submission and all applications require documentation for proof of address, program enrollment or acceptance, as well as a copy of their transcript. A full list of eligible programs and institutions, plus details on application requirements and documentation, can be found online at OHTF.ca/scholarships.
Chapter scholarships
Several Landscape Ontario Chapters organize events each year where proceeds help fund local scholarships.
Waterloo Chapter Registered apprentices and students who reside within the geographic boundaries of the Chapter can apply for a $2,000 or $1,000 scholarship. Visit ohtf.ca/scholarships for full details and eligibility requirements.
Upper Canada Chapter Three $1,000 scholarships are available to students who reside within the Chapter’s geographic boundary.
London Chapter Fanshawe College students with the highest GPA in the Horticultural Technician Program (Level 2) and the Landscape Design Program (Level 4) can apply for a $1,000 scholarship.
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Golden Horseshoe Chapter helps support cancer patients
Representatives from Landscape Ontario toured the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre on Mar. 4 where they also presented a cheque for $3,000 to support the Hamilton Health Science Foundation. The money was raised by the Golden Horseshoe Chapter’s 2024 golf tournament. Pictured left to right: Fiore Zenone, Golden Horseshoe Chapter; Cristina Lopes, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation; Scott Laporte, Golden Horseshoe Chapter; Joe Salemi, Landscape Ontario.
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Chapter Challenge participants celebrate community impact
Congratulations to the Landscape Ontario Chapters that have joined the Chapter Challenge with Trees for Life! Muskoka North, Ottawa, Durham, Toronto and Waterloo chapters have all shown incredible leadership and civic engagement by planning creative, hands-on projects that give back to their local communities. From preparing sites and planting trees to organizing events that foster camaraderie, these Chapters are making meaningful connections and setting an inspiring example for others. Trees for Life is proud to sponsor the Chapter Challenge and celebrate the outstanding efforts of these local leaders. If your Chapter is interested in taking part but could use a bit of help getting started, reach out to Denis at denis@treesforlife.ca. Let’s keep the momentum going and show how our industry can grow stronger, greener communities across Ontario.
Trees for Life partnered with Conservation Halton and the Town of Milton to hold an Earth Day Celebration Event at Area 8 Conservation Area in Milton, Ont., on Apr. 26. Several Landscape Ontario staff joined local volunteers to plant 300 trees and shrubs, followed by an afternoon of activities, entertainment and food to mark the occasion.
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In memoriam — James Abdee With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of James "Jim" Abdee in his 87th year, on Mar. 29, 2025. Jim’s dedication, vision and hard work built Country Downs Landscaping in Claremont, Ont., from the ground up. After learning the trade alongside his father, he set out on his own in 1969 from the trunk of a car, turning his passion for landscaping into a thriving business. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence became the foundation of his success. Jim was more than a business owner; he was a mentor, a leader and an inspiration to those who worked with him. Even in his later years, working behind the scenes, his presence was felt in every aspect of the company. He cared deeply about his employees and the community, always leading with integrity and kindness. Jim is survived by his two sons, Gary and Jason, who own and operate Country Downs Landscaping, as well as two daughters, Susan and Sandra. Jim’s smile, warmth and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice or to chalice.ca, an organization close to Jim’s heart.
In memoriam — Douglas Coote Douglas (Doug) George Coote passed away at Hotel Dieu Shaver Hospital in St. Catharines, Ont., on Feb. 13, 2025. He was 74.
Doug spent his adult life in Niagara raising his family and working in the landscaping industry. Many homes and businesses across the region adore his landscape designs. He was passionate about the sector and began volunteering for Landscape Ontario in 2003. In 2009, he began a 10-year tenure on the
association’s Show Committee, where he helped to plan and build Canada’s largest horticultural trade show and conference. Doug was a fixture at the show, helping to supervise and work on a crew that assisted show exhibitors with unloading trucks and vehicles and setting up feature areas of the show. Doug was the beloved husband of the late Barbara (Nee Shaw) (2022) for over 52 years and a devoted father to Paul (Maria), Sean (Rachelle) and James. He was the adored Papa of Briar, Ethan, Miya and Levi, the dear brother of Donna Brown and Chuck (Lynn), and brother-in-law to Ron and Karen Shaw and Betty and Dave Ruzylo. Doug is fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family thanks the staff at Shaver for their kind care. As an expression of sympathy, those who wish may make a memorial donation online to the Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Foundation at foundation.hoteldieushaver.org.
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Member survey conducted on diversity, inclusion and belonging
or “darling” on the job site, and assumptions that women lacked technical knowledge. Some respondents reported experiencing racism that impacted their access to information or resources. Others described feeling excluded or misunderstood due to cultural or language differences. A few participants noted barriers linked to invisible disabilities or mental health challenges, such as being passed over for promotions or training. One respondent reflected on the lack of understanding around neurodiversity in the workplace and expressed a desire for training to help managers better support
and about 14 per cent were employees. Many respondents expressed interest in all suggested learning topics, suggesting a broad appetite for growth and awareness. One person shared, “Within my company, I feel safe, but I fear I’ve been mistreated by many other landscapers. It would be good to have mandatory DEI training.” Those interested in learning more stated webinars (36 per cent) as their ideal method, with downloadable resources (23 per cent) and in-person workshops (18 per cent). Several respondents mentioned incidents of gender bias. Examples included being called “sweetheart”
The Landscape Ontario Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) Committee recently conducted an online survey to gain insights about what members may want to learn in regards to diversity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace. The anonymous survey ran March 5 to April 15 to provide the DIB Committee with feedback on future events, workshops and resources that would be most helpful to LO members and landscape business owners. The survey was completed by 72 individuals. Of these, 58 per cent were business owners/employers, 23 per cent were a supervisor/team lead/foreperson
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neurodiverse employees. Additional comments described experiences with ageism, elitism and appearance-based discrimination. One person mentioned hearing homophobic slurs at a networking event. Some respondents expressed concern that diversity initiatives may be perceived as superficial if not backed by meaningful action. One suggested that workplace standards and shared expectations for behaviour could help foster inclusion. Some survey participants voiced skepticism about the need for formal DEI programming. One respondent emphasized hiring based on "character, morals and merit" and preferred to keep personal matters out of the workplace. The DIB Committee appreciated feedback to shape future initiatives. There is no single approach that will suit all members, but the goal is to provide interested business owners, employees, contractors and students within the LO community with relevant support they need to learn and flourish. The full analysis of the survey, all of the insights shared by respondents and will use the including graphs and individual comments can be found online at gfl.me/hbTi.
Help rename Landscape Ontario magazine Landscape Ontario magazine has been the trusted voice of Landscape Ontario since 1973. To coincide with the association’s new strategic plan and refreshed logo (and new website coming soon!), it's time for you, our faithful members and readers to give our publication a new name. Landscape Ontario is a community of like-minded industry professionals who are passionate about landscaping and horticulture. The magazine is dedicated to sharing stories of members who help to green our communities, mitigate climate change and provide healthy spaces for our minds, bodies and souls. Landscape Ontario magazine is your connection to the leaders and volunteers whose vision and commitment help to propel our industry and our association into the future. So who better to ask for a more fitting name than you‽ We’re also looking for ideas on a possible tagline to complement the name. Phrases used in the past have included, “The voice of Landscape Ontario” and “The voice of Ontario’s horticultural industry.” So check out the new strategic plan (landsapeontario.com/strategic- plan), put on your thinking cap (or give generative AI a whirl) and submit your short, catchy, relevant name for the magazine that best describes the LO community. The winning name will be chosen by members of LO’s Communications Committee in mid-July and the winner will receive a $100 gift card. Submit your new name suggestion for the magazine online by June 30, 2025 at gfl.me/hbTh.
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Snowposium expands to two-day event
Snowposium, Canada’s largest conference and trade show for snow and ice professionals, will return to The International Centre in Mississauga, Ont., this July as a two-day event. Take advantage of the new full-day conference on July 22 and follow up with the trade show on July 23 to stay on top of key trends and updates in the industry. An initiative of Landscape Ontario’s Snow and Ice Management Sector Group, Snowposium is a must-attend event for snow and ice contractors, municipal managers, property managers and suppliers to the industry. The full-day conference on day one will feature a keynote speaker, hot breakfast and lunch, education sessions, an industry update and networking breaks. A full conference pass is $250 for a
Landscape Ontario member or $275 for a non-member. The pass includes parking, Rogers Centre as they take on the New York Yankees. The fee of $145 for an LO member or $160 for a non-member includes transportation by bus, the option of private or regular seating, plus overnight parking. VIP CODE SNOW25 FOR A FREE TRADE SHOW PASS JULY 22-23 | SNOWPOSIUM.CA full access to the conference (July 22) and trade show (July 23), plus an Exhibitor Bingo Card for a chance to win $1,000. Grab a ticket to the special VIP Night for an evening event on July 22 to attend the Toronto Blue Jays game at the
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VOLUNTEER PROFILE Levelling up Windsor By Julia Harmsworth
The desire to bring these opportunities to others motivated Desmarais to join the Windsor Chapter Board. “I thought to myself, ‘You know, for all the courses I’ve taken and everything I’ve gotten out of LO, maybe I should give back,’” she explained. Desmarais took over as chapter president in 2021. Her first order of business was increasing the board’s membership. “It’s honestly just pounding pavement and making phone calls,” she said of the process. “Every time I find myself on the phone with another landscaper and I can steal five minutes of their time, [I] talk about LO and becoming more involved, the benefits of it and working together.” Now, seven professionals sit on the
Landscape Ontario Windsor Chapter president Liana Desmarais is on a mission to bring more opportunities to southwestern Ontario. As the owner of Plantscape, a full-service landscape design, build and maintenance company in Windsor, Ont., Desmarais feels it’s time to give back to the association that helped her settle into a new industry. Back in 2016, Desmarais’ father, Victor, passed down the family business without any warning. With an established 12-year career in finance and limited knowledge of landscaping, she quickly took advantage of the many learning opportunities at Congress to supplement her business savvy with landscaping knowledge.
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Desmarais also spoke to the benefits of sharing training costs, like WHMIS, between companies. It’s cheaper for multiple organizations to run one session for all their employees — plus, you don’t have to worry about losing a staff member you just invested in training, because there are more qualified people out there to hire. “You’re improving the entire industry instead of just your own company,” Desmarais said. “So when I’m hiring somebody, if they did work for a another landscaping company, they may have participated in the training my staff have already been through! If you think about it as a whole, it’s just better for everybody.” Upskilling is very important to Desmarais, who believes properly trained professionals are happier and do better work. She’s participated in LO’s GROW Employers of Choice program and encourages participation amongst her team. In addition to increasing Windsor’s board membership, she wants to bring more awareness to GROW and apprenticeship in southwestern Ontario. She worked with the LO GROW staff to run a GROW Training for New
Windsor Chapter Board. Desmarais enjoys sharing knowledge, ideas and camaraderie with her fellow board members. She believes each landscaping company in Windsor is unique — no one’s a competitor. “Plantscape is not the landscaper for every client, but there is a landscaper out there in Windsor for every client,” she said. When a client requests a job she can’t do, she picks up the phone and dials a fellow member company. “That’s the kind of industry I want to work in,” she said. In addition to her role on the Windsor board, Desmarais is the chapter's representative to the provincial board of directors and sits on several of the association's committees. Above all, her favourite thing about being so involved with Landscape Ontario is the sense of community. “I have friends now across the province that I have their personal cell numbers for, and if I’m struggling on a job, or I’m struggling with hiring somebody, or whatever it might be, I can reach out to anybody,” Desmarais explained. “They’re sounding boards for me, voices of reason, and I very much appreciate that. That to me is invaluable.”
Workers session out of the Unemployed Help Centre (UHC) of Windsor’s facility in fall 2024. The program trained 12 participants, two of which Plantscape later hired. Desmarais’s biggest goal for the Windsor Chapter is to have its own training facility in southwestern Ontario to run programs like GROW. She’s in the final stages of site planning, but hasn’t broken ground yet — that’s on her 2025 to-do list. “It’s such a great program to be able to work and learn at the same time,” she said. “The GROW program is such a phenomenal program that’s available to all employers, and it’s free. Why more people don’t take advantage of it is a mystery to me.” It’s been a challenge increasing engagement so far from the GTA, but the Windsor community is coming together. The chapter recently sponsored one of its first events back in February: a one-day horticulture symposium run by a local club in Wheatley, Ont. Desmarais recalled advice from former LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni: “It’s all cycles, Liana. And you’re on the upswing in Windsor. Just keep at it. Don’t lose faith. It’s going to come together.”
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Member Profile
Member Pro le
Pristine Property Maintenance From cutting lawns to industry leader
By Julia Harmsworth
J on Agg, owner of Pristine Property Maintenance (PPM), started cutting grass when he was 12. From there, Agg attended the University of Toronto (Scarborough) for arts and culture, where he spent most of his time working on the student union — foreshadowing his intense commitment to Landscape Ontario. Upon graduation, he wasn’t sure what to do with his degree, but he saw an opportunity to make a living doing what he enjoyed growing up: landscape maintenance. He founded Pristine Property Maintenance (PPM) in 2005 and he’s never looked back. What started with one condo corporation, a real estate office, a Montessori school, plus the 20 houses he serviced as a teenager, is now a 160-person, 100-vehicle operation servicing the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) from their head office in Ajax, Ont. A second division in Brighton serves clients in eastern Ontario. The company’s client list is now 400 condominiums strong. PPM’s key services are grounds and snow and ice management for condominiums and municipal properties — the skills Agg started developing in his youth. The company also offers hard and softscape construction, tree services, irrigation, waste management, and fertilization and weed control. “We started out as a fairly small, one-crew company, and then two crews, and then four crews and then eight crews. We grew really fast once we got into the condominium world,” Agg explained. The business doubled each year for about 10 years, seizing opportunities as they arose. In the last five years, it has doubled again — largely through partnership with Hydro One. PPM now takes care of 500 hydro sites across the province. In 2016, the company bought a landscaping yard in Lindsay, where they now sell mulch, aggregates and soils. In 2022, they joined forces with two smaller companies in Brighton to expand eastward. They have staff in Huntsville, servicing Hydro One facilities and several banks, plus an employee overseeing the company’s northern division in Ottawa. The eastern expansion was spearheaded by PPM’s general manager,
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whose family moved to Brighton. The company is unusually flexible; if a staff member sees potential in a different area (geographically or department-wise) and wants to shift their role, “we’re happy to let them run with that,” Agg said, as long as it’s profitable. When asked about his approach to managing such a large staff scattered across the province, Agg said it comes down to trust. “I have awesome people I work with. My management team — I have a story of how each one came to work with us,” he said. “We’ve got good people who have the same mentality as I do in a lot of ways, or have the opposite mentality of me in some ways, and keep me grounded.” PPM is team-driven, striving to promote crew leaders from within. Agg works hard to find the best professionals to partner with. He’s happy that, as owner, he doesn’t have to wear 50 different hats. He can focus on what he’s good at and his staff can do the same. He’s a big proponent of formal training and has seen great success hiring graduates of LO’s GROW program. “I’m really lucky I have great staff who can steer the ship when I’m not there,” he added. This is especially important for Agg, who spends a lot of his time volunteering with LO to level up the industry. He does a lot of work specifically on the insurance crisis — which is what initially motivated him to get involved with the association. Frustrated by the rates insurance companies charged PPM, Agg helped start the Self-Insured Retention (SIR) Group, which works to lower insurance rates. The SIR Group and LO’s Snow and Ice Sector Group — which Agg represents on the association’s provincial board — started the Academy of Snow & Ice Control (ASIC), an accredited training program for snow and ice professionals. “[We want] to get it to the point where it’s an accredited industry, where if you did everything right — you followed the standards, you had trained employees, you documented [a job] properly — how could you possibly get sued?” Agg said. Bad lawsuits frequently take small companies out of the industry, he explained, even when they’ve done nothing wrong. He's working with LO to get the provincial government involved, meeting with individual ministries to get the message out: “That if they don’t do something, snow people will slowly get out of the business, and our province will economically shut down when it snows, because there will not be enough people to keep businesses open,” he said. Snow and ice management should be considered an essential service, Agg argued, and receive more respect. That’s where accreditation, standardization and education come in — becoming more professional will result in higher wages. He wants people to want to enter the industry and to afford the equipment, training and insurance necessary to do so. He wants it to be more accessible. All this advocacy is tough work, but Agg said he gets “such satisfaction” out of it. “I love seeing the good that can come from it. I see that if you’re actually involved and put the time in, you can see a lot of return on that investment,” he said. His dreams for PPM are equally ambitious. He’s focused on steady, smart growth through opening new divisions. The company is beginning to invest in electric equipment, too. Six of its crews will be battery-operated this summer. And PPM will continue to do maintenance — something that still makes Agg happy after all these years.
Continued >
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PROFESSIONAL NEWS Provincial law requires locates before digging
• Only 33% of homeowners are aware of Ontario One Call and that requesting locates is a free service. • 1 in 4 professional contractors did not request a locate in their last project. Ontario One Call and Landscape Ontario partnered early this spring to raise awareness about dig safety and are asking everyone to help spread the message: "Click Before You Dig — It's the Law." Together, the two organizations are working to protect homeowners and contractors by sharing unified messages, educational materials and joint events. "Digging without a locate puts people, property and essential services at risk. At Ontario One Call, we are dedicated to ensuring every project starts with safety first. It's not just about following the law, it's about protecting lives, preventing service disruptions and keeping communities safe. Before you break ground, take the first step: Click Before You Dig," said Jim Keech, president and CEO of Ontario One Call. Every day, homeowners and contractors accidentally hit underground utilities, causing gas leaks, power outages and water main breaks. These incidents lead to emergency repairs, road closures, evacuations and even explosions. Ignoring this step doesn't just put lives in danger, it can result in hefty fines and legal liability for damages. Requesting utility locates is free and it's the law in Ontario. Homeowners
The practice of digging without requesting locates is leading to a heightened risk for public safety, essential services and critical infrastructure across Ontario. A locate, using flags or spray painted lines on the ground, indicates the location of gas, electrical, telecommunications and other buried utilities. Despite it being the law, many people (including property owners and contractors) do not request locates, putting lives at risk and leading to costly damage. New data from November 2024 Ontario One Call Awareness Research reveals a dangerous trend: • 1 in 4 residential digging projects results in accidental damage to underground infrastructure.
• 57% of homeowners don't realize that a locate is legally required before any digging.
THE
PODCAST
Hear more about the importance of getting your locates before you dig in an episode of the Landscape Ontario podcast. gfl.me/hbTg
20 | LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
and contractors must submit locate requests at least five business days in advance for a single property project and ten business days for projects involving multiple properties or areas without a civic address. Once requested, Ontario One Call notifies infrastructure owners, who then send representatives to mark the locations of buried utilities. "This is about safety and liability for contractors as well," said Joe Salemi, executive director of Landscape Ontario. "Increasing understanding that locates are needed even for digs under a foot deep or when replacing existing structures like decks, posts and trees, will ensure that both the contractor and the infrastructure are protected. Knowing where utilities are located keeps our people working safely today so they can return home at night and come back the next day." With the digging season in full swing, Ontario One Call and Landscape Ontario urge anyone planning an outdoor project to Click Before You Dig. For more information or to request a locate, visit OntarioOneCall.ca.
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Landscape businesses win Bootstrap Awards
Ext.tech and Green Carbon Products were recognized at the annual Bootstrap Awards held May 6 at the Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata, Ont. Presented by The Ottawa Network with support from Wesley Clover, the annual awards recognize successful entrepreneurs in the National Capital Region who have been in business for less than seven years and have received no more than $500,000 in investment funding. Several categories recognize winners that demonstrate creativity and innovation. Ext.tech received the SaaS Award for its comprehensive landscape management software that streamlines operations for green industry businesses. The software suite includes features for scheduling, invoicing, customer management and real-time project tracking, helping clients reduce project management time by 40 per cent. This Ottawa-based, Canadian-owned company has rapidly become a vital resource in the landscape management community. Green Carbon Products received the Green Award for its work to improve soil health and reduce emissions from common wood residue disposal practices such as open burning, chipping or decomposition. Their process transforms wood residues into high-quality biochar using mobile pyrolysis. The carbon-rich biochar is then used in agriculture and horticulture which locks away carbon for centuries while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Green Carbon Products aims to empower communities to turn locally available wood residues into practical, climate- resilient solutions. The awards are supported by sponsors SaaSCan, Paterson & Company, PureColo, Capital Angel Network, Gifford Carr Insurance, and Smart & Biggar, with support from community partner Invest Ottawa.
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MAY - JUNE 2025 | 21
New bonding requirements around pools and spas
An amendment to Subrule 3) b) requires the construction of a copper grid made of No. 6 AWG bare copper conductor with suitable connections at all points, arranged in a 300x300 mm pattern and extending 1.5 m from the outside of the pool shell around the pool's circumference. The grid must be between 100-150 mm below grade. Pool water must also be bonded via a corrosion-resistant conductive surface and located where it is not exposed to physical damage or dislodgment during normal pool use and be connected by a No. 6. Cu. bonding conductor. The ESA recommends all pool installations to be designed and built to the 29th edition (2024) of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC), however, the ESA will continue to accept installations based on the 2021 OESC requirements up until Oct. 1, 2025. Notifications issued on Oct. 1, or after, shall comply with the 2024 OESC requirements. A list of frequently asked questions on the new requirements is available in the OESC Bulletin 68-7-16 issued May 2025. ESA customer service is available to answer questions at 1-877-ESA-SAFE. For links to the new requirements and latest Bulletins on the ESA website, or to purchase a copy of The Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC), visit the online version of this article at gfl.me/hbSK. Workplace violence and harassment and mental health resources available Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) has a number of free resources, templates and online training sessions scheduled throughout 2025 to provide workers, managers, employers and supervisors with knowledge, tools and resources on workplace violence and harassment and mental health. Workplace violence and harassment Workplace violence and harassment have become pressing concerns for businesses across Ontario, with a noticeable rise in both organized crime and disruptive behaviour. These threats pose serious risks to employees' well-being, organizational culture and overall productivity — costing companies millions annually due to injuries, legal penalties and lost efficiency. Free resources available on the WSPS to help businesses combat workplace violence and harassment include: • Workplace Violence Policy Sample Form • Violence and Harassment Reporting Form • Workplace Violence Assessment • Developing Workplace Violence and Harassment Policies and Programs: A Toolbox Mental health WSPS also offers a variety of mental health training that provides essential knowledge and skills to identify and control mental health hazards in the workplace. Mental health training enhances employee well-being, boosts productivity by reducing absenteeism, promotes a positive workplace culture by reducing stigma and discrimination, and ensures legal compliance with workplace safety regulations. Links to the various online training and free resources can be found via the WSPS website at wsps.ca or in the online version of this article at gfl.me/hbTm.
Effective May 1, 2025, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is implementing new bonding requirements around all pools and spas. A number of significant amendments have been made to enhance safety by mitigating potential electrical hazards and providing clear, practical guidance for compliance with these latest standards. Storable pools, spas and hot tubs require a copper ring consisting of a minimum No. 6 AWG bare copper conductor and constructed so that securement around the pool is made 450- 600 mm from the outer contour of the pool shell at a depth of 100-150 mm below grade.
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22 | LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
EXECUTIVE DESK
Investing in our future workforce
W e have experienced some pretty significant economic uncertainties over the past few months. Some segments of our industry have seen slowdowns and challenges. One thing remains constant though — a need to nurture our existing workforce and invest in our future. The recent Landscape Ontario Peer to Peer Network Spring Summit held April 4 at our home office in Milton, Ont., underscored the importance of investing in training, apprenticeship and staff development within the landscape trades. Discussions highlighted successful strategies and tangible outcomes from prioritizing workforce development while adopting a people-first culture strategy. I had the privilege of talking to the staff at International Landscaping during their spring kickoff about careers in the landscape trades, with much appreciation to Baldo Gucciardi for inviting me to be part of their fantastic event. Attending the event affirmed the importance of investing in training — much of the International Landscaping team was engaged and appreciated knowing they are part of a much larger community of professionals in the landscape trades. After participating in several events within the landscape community over the past few months, I have observed the most prosperous companies are those committed to cultivating their workforce and investing in their long- term potential. Several key themes emerged:
positive company culture. Ultimately, you're fostering the long-term health and prosperity of your organization. Landscape Ontario is committed to supporting its members in developing and implementing effective workforce development strategies for people at all stages of their career. For students, the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation (ohtf.ca) offers scholarships that help offset the cost of formal education and apprenticeship. LO proudly supports apprenticeship and helps you to access financial incentives to support your people as they complete their apprenticeship journey. We are dedicated to recruiting passionate people to the landscape trades and getting them employed with you (such as LO’s GROW program: growtraining.ca). Finally, resources, workshops and networking opportunities provide a way for you to invest in your most valuable asset: your people. To me, it's clear that investing in our workforce is not just a trend but a fundamental necessity for the continued growth and success of the landscape trades. By prioritizing training, apprenticeship and long-term development, we empower our people and build a stronger, more resilient and more prosperous future for all. Landscape Ontario remains dedicated to supporting you, our members, in this critical endeavour by offering resources and opportunities to cultivate the talent that drives our industry forward.
Commitment to training: Companies investing in
comprehensive training programs see significant improvements in their employees’ skills and they experience less turnover. Apprenticeship: Apprenticeship programs provide hands-on experience and valuable skills development for new entrants to the field. There are also opportunities for those who have been part of the landscape community for some time to challenge the exam. Long-term vision: Successful companies view workforce development as a long-term investment rather than a short- term expense.
Investing in your workforce offers many substantial benefits that contribute to the overall success and sustainability of your business. Prioritizing your people leads to increased employee retention, as valued and well-trained staff are more likely to stay with a company that invests in their growth. This investment translates directly to improved quality of work, as skilled and engaged people deliver superior results. Further, a commitment to workforce development enhances your company's reputation, making you a more attractive employer for top talent and cultivating a stronger, more
Joe Salemi CAE LO Executive Director jsalemi@landscapeontario.com
MAY - JUNE 2025 | 23
Toronto Chapter Making a difference in 2025 MEMBERSHIP
L andscape Ontario’s Toronto contributions, dedicated community service and highly successful events. The members’ efforts have not only strengthened their own community, they have also extended support to others further afield. As landscapers across the province are focusing on their busy season, board members of the Toronto Chapter are setting their sights on another successful golf tournament in August. One of the Toronto Chapter's standout Chapter has had a remarkable year marked by significant charitable achievements is its commitment to charitable giving. Led by David Hlady, the Chapter’s annual Bursary Program has demonstrated a profound dedication to supporting local projects. Shifting from a single large contribution, the chapter chose to distribute grants of up to $1,500 each to multiple small-scale projects across the Greater Toronto Area. This strategic approach allowed the chapter to make a broader impact, touching numerous neighbourhoods and community initiatives. In addition, the chapter’s collaboration with the Marner Assist Foundation for the “Give-A-Gift 2024” toy drive saw the collection of cash, gift cards, books and toys for children in need — showcasing the generosity of this inspiring group during the holiday season. Spearheaded by Wendy Ladd, the toy drive was supported by member businesses and the Landscape Ontario home office, highlighting a collective spirit of giving. Community service has been another cornerstone of the Toronto Chapter’s activities. Last year’s tree and shrub planting day at Sunnybrook Hospital is a prime example. Led by David Milne
and Rohan Harrison, members spent an afternoon enhancing the hospital grounds and healing gardens, providing a valuable green space for patients and visitors. This event, made possible by generous plant material donations, showcased the chapter’s dedication to improving local environments. Last summer, the chapter partnered with the Marner Assist Foundation to help the MacTier Public School’s Parent Council realize their goal of building a new, accessible playground in MacTier, Ont. Members donated a significant amount of IPEMA-certified playground mulch for the park’s surfacing. Finally, the year has been filled with highly successful Toronto Chapter events that fostered camaraderie and provided valuable educational opportunities. In March, Jonas Spring hosted the MTO Trailer and Truck Safety meeting at Toronto Plant Market, providing a space for local members to refresh their commitment to safe and legal vehicle operation. Earlier in the year, a meeting focused on conflict resolution with speaker Jeff Carolin taught members valuable tools for resolving conflict with clients, employees or peers. Looking ahead, the chapter’s annual golf tournament is scheduled for Aug. 14 at Nobleton Lakes Golf Club in Nobleton, Ont. Last year’s tournament was sold out, so interested members will want to register early. Find a link at horttrades.com/golf-2025. None of the incredible services and accomplishments listed here would be possible without the outstanding efforts of the Toronto Chapter’s volunteer board. Their commitment to improving their industry and community is truly inspiring. Be sure to thank these board members when you see them.
TORONTO CHAPTER BOARD PRESIDENT Jon Durzi , Miller Compost VICE PRESIDENT Wendy Ladd , Jim Pattison Lease PROVINCIAL BOARD REPRESENTATIVE Jonas Spring , Ecoman SECRETARY David McEldon , David McEldon Landscape & Design Inc. DIRECTORS Shane Adamson , SDA Building Services Inc. Aaron Harpell , Parkdale Green Thumb Enterprises Daniel Domingues , Aquaman Irrigation Marcelo Manfrini , Elite Concrete Rohan Harrison , Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre David Hlady , Figure 4 Landscapes David Milne , Quercus Gardens Shada Morris , Foré Marc Green , The Backyard Urban Farm Company STAFF SUPPORT Lisa Pascoe , Landscape Ontario If you feel inspired to contribute to the incredible good this chapter does, please reach out to me at the email below. Whether you wish to join the board or contribute to a specific project or event, there are many ways to help — and help is always welcome.
Evan Dickson LO Director of Membership Services edickson@landscapeontario.com
24 | LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
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