LO enews September 23, 2020

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September 23, 2020

Working together to improve the profession
"The benefits of working collectively [through Landscape Ontario] were obvious to me from the start… I liked the approach, that it is a collection of people who are individually determined to improve their own businesses, while simultaneously improving the industry we work in. There are a lot of people who put a lawn mower in the back of a truck, and call themselves a landscaper, and by the definition of the job, yes they are, and we can’t belittle that. But there’s an opportunity for [everyone in the profession] to develop that ethic, that mentality, and to bring a superior quality to the industry, and I think that’s what LO is so focused on. We are trying to show that this is a skilled profession that requires training and a whole hell of a lot of hard work, and if we can elevate the status of our profession, it does nothing but good things for our businesses."

Watch the full interview with Chris on LO’s YouTube Channel.

Chris Muller
OJ Muller Landscape Contractor

Peer to Peer Virtual Summit, Sept. 24-25
This year’s two-day event has been transformed into a virtual half-day workshop on Operational Efficiency with Frank Bourque and Arden Urbano, PLUS a virtual half-day workshop on Exit Strategies and Succession Planning with Mark Bradley, Frank Bourque, Jacki Hart, David Wright and Brian Cotter. Register online.

LO is hiring technical training instructors
Landscape Ontario is hiring part time and full time Technical Training Instructors to support the delivery of a new entrant landscape horticultural training and employment program that launched in September 2020 and will continue during the winter of 2021 across three regions (Hamilton, Muskoka/Kawartha regions). Learn more at HortTrades.com.

Continue your investment with LO
First and foremost, we want to thank you for your continued investment with Landscape Ontario. Without your loyalty and support, we would not be able to continuously provide the Landscape Ontario community with valuable benefits and actively develop our profession. Put simply, you make what we do possible. If you haven’t renewed already, please renew your membership now!

Enter Awards of Excellence projects by Oct. 1
Entries for Landscape Ontario’s Awards of Excellence program are open to all members until Oct. 1. Winning an award is a great boost for your team and a great marketing tool for your company. Extensions until Oct. 15 will be provided on a request basis. Enter online via LOawards.com.

Join LO’s Garden Makeover Team
Over the next two weeks, Landscape Ontario’s Covid-19 Task Force will be selecting recipients of the Garden Makeover Program. We need your help to make these garden makeovers a reality this fall and into next spring. Volunteer to join the garden makeover team ! Learn more about the program and read the stories of the first four finalists at: LandscapeOntario.com/hero.

Are you prepared for a second wave of Covid-19?
As Covid-19 cases increase across the country, now is the time to ensure your workplace policies and procedures are in place and contingency plans are made in case of another lockdown. Workplace Safety and Prevention services provides 12 ways to prepare your business.

Minimum wage to increase on Oct. 1
Minimum wage rates in Ontario will increase 25 cents on October 1, 2020 to $14.24 per hour. Learn more.

Provide feedback for the new Employer of Choice Program
Landscape Ontario will be offering an 8-week applied, on-line training program for our members to strengthen and showcase our industry’s employee and workforce practices in order to help attract and retain a sustainable and competitive workforce.We are looking for specific feedback from members to inform some of the content and design of the program. The survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and will be used to inform the program design.

Box tree moth resources for landscape pros
Box tree moth has been spotted in Etobicoke and it has the potential to defoliate and create dieback on boxwood plants. At the moment, all sightings must be reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Visit HortTrades.com to learn more.

Register staff now for the Horticulture Technician Apprenticeship Program
Now is the time to get your staff registered for the Horticulture Technician Apprenticeship Program. In-class training is provided through Algonquin, Fanshawe, Humber and Mohawk Colleges. Apprentices can now take advantage of new Tools Grant on top of other financial incentives for apprentices and their employees. Full program details at horticulturetechnician.ca.

GROW Program offers skilled workers this fall
Landscape Ontario, in partnership with SkillsAdvance Ontario (SAO), funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario, is delivering an innovative training program that will develop in-demand new entrant workers to the profession in the Toronto, Hamilton and Muskoka/Kawartha regions. Interested in hiring an entry-level GROW Program graduates this fall? Apply to be an employer partner online.

Order safety materials for trucks and equipment
Order up to 10 "Don’t let your guard down" decals at no cost. Simply email Meghan Greaves or call 1-800-265-5656, ext. 2301. Bundles of 100 decals can be ordered at cost for $32.25 per 100. The decals measure eight by 2-1/2 inches. The LO Covid-19 Task Force encourages members to place as many as possible on equipment and trucks. Posters promoting safety and featuring basic action points have also been developed, and are posted for free download. Versions in English, Spanish and French are available, as well as artwork to paste into email signatures.

Ottawa accepting bids for landscape architectural services
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has posted a Request for Standing Offers (RFSO) for Heritage Conservation Landscape Architectural Services in the National Capital Region. The closing date is Oct. 15. Details online at HortTrades.com.

LO’s COVID-19 Resource Hub includes guidance for working safely
LO’s resource centre now includes key health and safety protocols, supplementary resources, and a list of PPE suppliers as guidance to update your health and safety policies and procedures. Be sure to check out the Safe Work Protocols page, the Posters and Signage page and the Business Continuity page for the latest updates.

LO SEMINARS

Professional Development Guide 2019-2020

Professional Development Seminars

Watch for full seminar listings early this fall.

Virtual Peer to Peer Summit, Sept. 24-25
Construction, Maintenance and Design Awards deadline, Oct. 1

Visit the Events page at HortTrades.com

QUICK LINKS for LO ACTIVITIES

Not a member? Sign up here
Pay your member dues online
Free magazines and LO e-news for employees and students
LO member cost savings programs
New pending members

Details on advertising in LO enews

Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association
7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 Canada
1-800-265-5656
rob@landscapeontario.com
HortTrades.com

With more than 2,500 professional members, Landscape Ontario is the province’s premier horticultural trades association. Our mission is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable climate for the advancement of the horticulture industry in Ontario.