LO enews June 3, 2020

Many member companies are reporting their best May ever, but it could all go away if members "blow it" on safety protocols. LO’s Covid-19 Task Force met yesterday, and a key concern was helping members reinforce the importance of masks, distancing and other measures. Take advantage of the safety info here, and keep up the safe work!

Sincerely,
Landscape Ontario’s Covid-19 Task Force

April LO magazine now online In this issue: Kathy Thomas of Green Thumb Landscaping started her business in 1971 and continues to change pace with the industry. Peer to Peer group and members say thanks to association for Covid-19 leadership role, plus news for the profession, monthly columns and more. Read the June issue of LO magazine.

Snowposium survey ends today!
Plans for the 2020 annual Snowposium are underway and we want to hear from you. What topics would you like to hear about? Who in the industry would you like to hear? What types of exhibitors are you looking to connect with? Answer just a few quick questions about the July 28 event via our online survey today.

What type of employee do you require?
In response to industry feedback and demand, Landscape Ontario is gearing up to launch a new entrant recruitment and six-week training program for entry level staff that is planned to launch in July 2020. We are seeking feedback about your interest in participating in the program and your interest and availability to inform its design and delivery, so that it meets/exceeds your needs. Please complete this survey to share your interest in the program.

Toronto Chapter virtual Shop Talk, June 3
Landscape Ontario’s Toronto Chapter is pleased to host the next instalment of the Shop Talk Sessions. Just because we’re social distancing doesn’t meet we can’t still talk. No agenda, no guest speakers, just your chance to get together with fellow business owners to talk shop. Come hear about what your colleagues have done right and wrong, and how they learn from it! Register for the Zoom Meeting now.

EIO Solutions webinar series, June 5
This is live and interactive webinar series hosted by EIO Solutions is for Landscape Ontario members to get relevant information during the COVID-19 crisis. Stay informed with help from Legal, Ministry of Labour, and EIO HR experts. Register for free online.

Ganaraska Conservation RFQ due June 15
This Request for Quotes is an invitation to prospective contractors to provide written quotes for the renovation of garden beds and paths at the Town of Cobourg Water Conservation Garden. The garden is located on Lakefront Utility Services property. Get the full details online.

LO’s COVID-19 Task Force Town Hall Webinar, June 9
Landscape Ontario’s COVID-19 Task Force Town Halls are shifting to 5 p.m. Join in for the latest news and to ask the Task Force questions on Tuesday, June 9 at 5 p.m. Watch previous Town Halls or listen to the audio. Register for free online.

Scholarship application extended to July 31
Ontario students enrolled in landscaping and horticulture programs have until July 31 to apply for a one of the many scholarships available from the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation and Cullen Family Scholarship Program. A full list and application form are available online at OHTF.ca.

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.

Pre-apprenticeship program seeks applicants
The Pre-apprenticeship Horticulture Technician program for Women is a Free-tuition training program funded by the provincial government in partnership with Humber College and Landscape Ontario. To learn more about this training opportunity interested candidates are required to register and attend a virtual information session.

Province add supports to apprentices
The province is investing in Ontario’s first Virtual Action Centre, an online counselling and training portal, to support laid off and unemployed hospitality workers, and is helping apprentices by providing grants to purchase tools, protective equipment and clothing for their trade, along with forgiving previous loans to purchase tools. Full details online.

Revised Canadian Landscape Standard now free for LO Members
The Canadian and Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) and the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association recently launched the updated Canadian Landscape Standard and announced that the digital edition is now free for all association members. Get your copy of the CLS today.

Feds announce changes to Canada Summer Jobs Program
The Federal government announced flexibilities have been introduced to Canada Summer Jobs Program for 2020. See all the program changes on the government of Canada’s website.

Adopt-A-School Program Refresh Survey
The ‘Adopt-A-School’ Program is going through a refresh with the goal of doing just that! The program is intended to provide relevant supports to educators while also connecting employers to the future workforce. Please take this five-minute survey to inform how this program can best support your company and the development of future landscape horticulture professionals!

Connect with members of your sector online
A number of Landscape Ontario sector groups have set up private, online Facebook discussion boards that allow members to connect in order to ask questions, share ideas and be social online. Join the discussions online being held by Landscape Contractors, Growers, and Garden Centres.
 

Watch for full seminar listings early this fall.

Visit the Events page at HortTrades.com

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.

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