The following is a summary of Landscape Ontario’s Provincial Board meeting minutes:
November 16, 2005
President’s Report
Gerald Boot welcomed board members, including Ron Swentiski as the new Designer Commodity Group rep. He also thanked Gregg Salivan for his two-year participation as a Member at Large. Hank Gelderman was also thanked for his service as Landscape Contractor rep. He will be replaced by Phil Charal. Finally, Boot announced several recent staff changes at Landscape Ontario. Wendy Jespersen is now an associate editor in the publishing department, Kristen McIntyre is the liaison for the chapters and Awards of Excellence and Beverly Benjamin is now membership and certification coordinator.
SCIP
Terry Murphy reminded members that now is the time to sign up for the Safe Communities Incentive Program (SCIP). The government has a mandate to increase their review of firms’ safety practices, so it is important to ensure everything is in order.
Finances/Annual Report
The annual report is included in the December issue of Horticulture Review. The new allocation reporting structure was explained to board members who were asked to contact the treasurer or controller with any questions.
Election of the Executive Committee
Nominations and elections were held with the following results. Members take their new positions at the Annual General Meeting on January 11, 2006.
President: Bob Tubby
1st Vice President: Bob Adams
2nd Vice President: Tom Invten
Treasurer: Sally Harvey
CNLA representation
Bill Stensson has been asked to sit on the CNLA board as the LO representative. Joan Johnston was thanked for her service as the previous representative.
Beechwood Cemetery Rejuvenation Project
LO members provided $20,000 in value to the six-acre National Military Cemetery in Ottawa during a day of intensive maintenance and repair. Chris Lemcke thanked all the members for their generous donations of time, labour and supplies.
Chapter revitalization
A sub committee was formed to develop a financial model for chapter revitalization, to report back to the board in February 2006.
Cancellation of Canada Blooms in Ottawa
A letter was received from the Ottawa chapter board and they have decided to delay the presentation of a garden show next spring due to lack of sponsorship funding. The Ottawa chapter will continue to work toward the creation of a garden show, but not under the Canada Blooms name.
CLP Training
The seven CLP study guides and CLP brochure were circulated. It was felt important that all board members provide an example for the rest of the membership, and become CLP certified. Tim Kearney challenged other board members to be prepared to write the CLP exam at Congress 2006.
Great Lakes Conference
Tony DiGiovanni, Bob Tubby and Bob Adams attended the conference in New York. Membership consists of all the horticultural trade associations surrounding the Great Lakes. Landscape Ontario is the only Canadian member. LO is hosting next year’s Great Lakes Conference from September 28-30, 2006.
Chapter Meetings
Each chapter representative summarized recent meetings and events within his chapter.
Commodity Groups
Lawn Care: The Ottawa City council recently voted not to have a pesticide by-law. Chris Lemcke recognized Thom Bourne and Chris Villeneuve for all their time and hard work in Ottawa.
Interiorscape: the group is working on an interiorscape category for the CHT designation. Sally Harvey attended the November certification meetings in Orlando.
Designers: Kent Ford represented the Designers Commodity Group at the North American certification meetings in Orlando. The US is interested in adopting the CLD process. Designers are also working on creating a designer contract for consulting fees.
Garden Centres: The revitalized group is planning a one-day Garden Centre symposium to be held before Garden Expo 2006. They are also organizing a garden centre tour for June 2006.
Snow and Ice: Concern over the application of anti-ice solution by the Ministry of Transportation. Several accidents occurred and the Ministry recently closed down southbound lanes of the 400 to recreate the situation to determine the cause of the accidents. Education of liquid ice melter application is required.
Growers: Winter dinner meeting is scheduled for January 26 at the Quality Hotel in Oakville. The annual Short Course will be held on February 8, 2006 at the Royal Botanical Garden.
