Landscape Ontario update April 30, 2020

 

Today’s press briefing with Premier Ford was the most hopeful so far. It mentioned the government is preparing over 60 guidelines for sectors of the economy that will be allowed to operate very soon. We will be one of the 60 sectors.  Here is a link to the guidelines.
 

Landscape sector-specific guidelines are not included yet. Please stay tuned. 
 

The government also hired 58 new inspectors to ensure compliance with the guidelines.  Fines for non-compliance will start at $750.  
 

In the meantime you can continue to prepare by updating your safety protocols, policies, procedures and staff training. You will find many resources here. Please also attend the EIO Solutions webinar tomorrow at 10 a.m. The focus will be on  preparing your company to work safely. Register here. 

 

We have also invited the Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) to join our Town Hall on May 12, to review the Guidelines.  

 

It was good to hear Premier Ford mention the value of gardening in his press conference. Here are his exact words: 

Reporter: City TV on behalf of Pam Seatle: "Garden centres are very concerned because they have a narrow window to sell plants that have a small life span and need to get into the ground. Do you have any sense of when you might open up garden centres? Not to mention the fact that people need something to do and for many it’s mental health.” 

Premier Ford: "I agree 100% with you. Good news is coming very very very shortly. That’s what I can say right now. But I agree, nothing is better than going to the garden centre, grabbing some plants, going to the back yard and planting the flowers. I said the same thing at Cabinet. It is good. It gets people outside and a lot of people are avid gardeners. I know my parents were. We need to do it at our own house. But we need to get going. So just stay tuned.”  

Tonight City TV did an excellent article on the importance of opening garden centres. Frank Ferragine was an excellent spokesperson on behalf of our entire profession. Thank you Frank! Check out the piece here.

Let’s Plant Hope. Good news is coming soon.  If you missed this video from yesterday, please follow the link for some inspiration. We shall persevere.