The following is a report on the Provincial Board meeting held March 9, 2006 in Toronto at Canada Blooms.
President’s Report
Bob Tubby welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the new Irrigation Commodity Group representative, Steve Macartney. He advised the board that the Canada Blooms Board of Directors would join the meeting. He commented that the Canada Blooms show was running very smoothly.
Membership Challenge program
Beverly Benjamin, LO’s membership coordinator, distributed membership challenge information to all chapter and commodity group reps. Bob Tubby has challenged every board member to recruit one new active member this year.
Regional Municipality of Durham – Landscape Industry Land Uses
There is concern that new bylaws could force some members to move their business from their current locations. Bylaw changes are a long-term process, so the situation will be monitored.
Certification
The board supports all levels of certification and professional development. It was noted that Horticulture Review is now publishing study tips for the CLP test.
Ontario Association of Landscape Architects
Ongoing concerns of OALA regarding the CLD designation are being addressed. Both associations will meet to find a solution.
Canada Blooms
Bob Tubby noted the high number of volunteers and the talented garden builders. Concerns about the show included communication issues and the location of the LO booth.
Web development
Dave Stewart has agreed to chair a committee to develop a plan for the web site.
CNLA Report
Bill Stensson reported that CNLA will be reviewing the Canadian Nursery Standards.
Congress
The show will run January 9 – 11, 2007 at the Toronto Congress Centre.
Chapters
Durham: The last chapter meeting attracted almost 50 members. The topic was MTO regulations. Chris Lemcke also spoke about the pesticide issue and the Toronto bylaw.
Georgian Lakelands: The annual chapter trade show held in March was very successful.
Golden Horseshoe: The chapter held a successful nursery tour at Connon Nurseries, CBV in Waterdown. Elections will be held at the March meeting.
Ottawa: Green Trade Expo was very successful with more than 1,200 attendees. The chapter is sponsoring a free seminar for LO members only (foreman, lead hands, supervisors) on how to become a better leader.
Toronto: The Landscape Lecture Series was well attended. The Toronto chapter’s pubic lecture in November will feature Janet Rosenberg.
Upper Canada: The chapter participated in the Kingston Gardening Festival. The LO booth distributed copies of the New Plants magazine.
Windsor: The Windsor chapter held the Winter Blooms garden show. More than 400 people attended the daytime event and 100 attended the evening program. The chapter will do the show again next year.
Commodity Groups
Designers: The group is promoting the CLD program beyond Ontario.
Garden Centre: The group will hold a garden centre symposium in conjunction with Garden Expo in October.
Grounds Maintenance: The group will be meeting in April.
Growers: The Short Course was successful with 160 in attendance. The next event is the Growers Auction at Connon Nurseries, NVK in September.
Interiorscape: The group will partner with the designers group at the IIDEX show in September. Plans are underway for the 3rd Annual Conference & Trade Show at LO in October.
Irrigation: The group is working on a strategic plan in order to address potential municipal water bans.
Lawn Care: The pesticide issue is ongoing in all areas of the province.
Snow and Ice: The group is working with SIMA on a seminar to be held in September.
The next board meeting will be held on June 21 in Milton.
