LO this week: March 16, 2011

Durham Chapter this week
Add the Durham Chapter page and the LO events calendar to your bookmarks


Chainsaw training, Mar. 21-22

The Ministry of Labour requires that all landscapers using chainsaws on
the job be trained on safe operation. This two-day seminar satisfies
that requirement. The second day will be spent in the field, working on
techniques and safe operation while cutting trees. The seminar will take
place at Direct Landscape Supply, 935 Bloor St. E., Oshawa, each day
from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost to LO members is $230, and for non-members
it is $384. Click here for more information, or to Register.

Standard First Aid with Level A CPR, Mar. 24-25

This two-day practical first aid course meets WSIB requirements and
prepares participants to administer first aid for common landscape
injuries. Every landscape crew must have a member with first aid
training to assist injured workers. Level A CPR training is included.
Participants must bring a blanket. Cost to LO members is $150, and to
non-members it isd $220. The course will take place at St. John
Ambulance, 64 Colborne St. E., Oshawa, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both
days. Click here to learn more about the course, or register.

Georgian Lakelands Chapter this week
Add the Georgian Lakelands Chapter page and the LO events calendar to your bookmarks


Georgian Lakelands Chapter meeting, Mar. 23

Are you ready for the roads? Get your spring update directly from MTO!
Join the Georgian Lakelands chapter at Innisbrook Golf Course, 2957
Lockhart Road, Barrie, for the annual MTO meeting. Networking and
registration will start at 1 p.m., with coffee, tea, and snacks.
Chapter elections will be held during the meeting. To register or for
further information, contact at lexi@landscapeontario.com, or
1-800-265-5656, ext. 2317. To view the brochure, go to Georgian Lakelands.

Chainsaw training, Mar. 28-29

The Ministry of Labour requires that all landscapers using chainsaws on
the job be trained on safe operation. This two-day seminar satisfies
that requirement. The second day will be spent in the field, working on
techniques and safe operation while cutting trees. The seminar will take
place at RAC Recreation, 6654 8th Line N., Waubaushene, each day from
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost to LO members is $230, and for non-members it is
$384. Click here for more information, or to register.

Check out Georgian Lakelands Facebook Page.

Golden Horseshoe Chapter this week

Add the Golden Horseshoe Chapter page and the LO events calendar to your bookmarks

Golden Horseshoe Chapter meeting,
Mar. 24
The Golden Horseshoe Chapter welcomes you to its annual spring MTO
meeting, which takes place at Hamilton Builders’ Supply, 1067 Barton St. E., Winona,
from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This meeting will feature Ian Walters of the MTO and J. Paul Lamarche. Don’t miss out
on this popular meeting! Contact Helen Hassard at 1-800-265-5656, ext.
354, or helen@landscapeontario.com for more information.

Compact excavator safe operator training, Mar. 24

This course is designed to provide written, oral and practical
instruction on the competent use of excavators, and meets the competent
training specifications as outlined in the OH&SA Review of the
Occupational Health and Safety Act, and particular regulations that
pertain to excavator operation. Learn legislative requirements,
equipment inspection including manual identification, safe operating
practices, hazard awareness including specific worksite hazard
awareness, fuel safety awareness and operator responsibilities.
Participants will review control mechanisms on various excavators and
have a written test and practical evaluation on an excavator of your
choosing. The course takes place at Bobcat of Hamilton, 370 McNeilly
Rd., Stoney Creek, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants are required to
bring PPE, work boots, gloves, etc. Cost is $221, and lunch is not
included. Look here for more information  ALLAN: NEED A LINK HERE, or to register.

Skid steer certification training, Mar. 31

Individuals who want to learn how to operate a skid steer safely and
correctly should attend this seminar. It will include instruction on
basic operator safety, inspection, and equipment characteristics in
accordance with applicable OSHA regulations and equipment manufacturers’
guidance. Each participant will receive classroom evaluation and
demonstrate proficiency in a simulated job-site environment.
Participants are required to bring PPE, work boots, gloves, etc., for
this seminar. Cost is $221, and the course runs at Bobcat of Hamilton,
370 McNeilly Rd., Stoney Creek, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Look here for more
information, or to register.

Peel Halton job fair, Mar. 30

Employers have the opportunity to recruit and interview potential
candidates on-site at the Peel Halton Job Fair at the International
Centre, Hall Five, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga. The event begins at
10 a.m. and runs to 4 p.m. The one-day job fair serves the Peel and
Halton regions. For more information, go to Job Fair.

London Chapter this week
Add the London Chapter page and the LO events calendar to your bookmarks

Workplace and vehicle safety seminar, Mar. 30

This seminar is a must for everyone in the landscape industry. A
Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (formerly Farm Safety)
representative will discuss WHMIS, safe operation of landscape equipment, back safety and present a safety slide show. An MTO representative
will also explain current vehicle weight classifications, proper load
registration and Ministry requirements for travel documents. WHMIS must
be renewed annually. The event will take place at TLC Professional
Landscape, 2026 Oxford St. E., London, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $30
for LO members, and $40 for non-members. Look here for more
information, or to register.

Chainsaw training, Apr. 2-3

The Ministry of Labour requires that all landscapers using chainsaws on
the job be trained on safe operation. This two-day seminar satisfies
that requirement. The second day will be spent in the field, working on
techniques and safe operation while cutting trees. The seminar will take
place Fanshawe College, London Campus H1034, near greenhouse, 1460
Oxford St., each day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost to LO members is $230,
and for non-members it is $384. Click here for more information, or to register.

Volunteers needed for Spring Home and Garden Show
The London Chapter will again enter a feature garden/ booth into the
Spring Home & Garden show at the Western Fairgrounds. The event is a
great opportunity to promote LO members and the Green For Life brand. Volunteers are
needed to help build and man the booth: Set-up, Wed., Apr. 6, from 8
a.m. to booth completion, and tear-down, Apr. 11, from 8 a.m. to 12-noon. Lunch
will be provided both days. Booth schedule: Fri., Apr. 8, from 12-noon
to 9 p.m., Sat., Apr. 9, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun., Apr. 10, from 11
a.m. to 5 p.m. Duty times are in increments of two hours. Admission and
parking at the show are free. Email Jason at jason@ruralrootslandscaping.com to add your name to the schedule, or find out the times still available.

Ottawa Chapter this week

Add the Ottawa Chapter page and the LO events calendar to your bookmarks

New Hort Protect broker in Ottawa
Bradley’s Insurance is the new insurance broker for CNLA Hort Protect
program in Ottawa, sub-brokering for Marsh Canada. For further
information, contact Stacy Elliott Stacy Elliott.


Free tickets to Ottawa home and garden show
Nancy Carriere, show manager of the Ottawa Home and Garden Show, has
donated 100 tickets for Ottawa Chapter members.
This year’s show features a 2,000 square foot Dream Garden, created by
Davis Landscapes, as well as presentations and demos. The Ottawa Home and  Garden Show runs from Mar. 24 to 27. The first 50 people who
email Ottawa Chapter coordinator Martha Walsh will receive a pair of tickets to the show ($24 value). See further information on the Ottawa Home and Garden Show.

Upper Canada Training Session, Mar. 23

Come out to 698 Station Road, Gananoque at 8:30 a.m. to learn about
WHMIS, Bill 168, Lawn Care Equipment Certification, Risk Assessment,
Managing Compliance and Hazard Recognition. Participants must bring
their PPE, everyone on site to have CSA footwear. Cost for both members
and potential members is a food bank donation. Lunch will be provided by
the chapter. To register or learn more, contact Helen Hassard at
1-800-265-5656, ext. 354, or helen@landscapeontario.com.

Techo-Bloc contractor showcase 2011, Mar. 28

Learn about new products, installation tricks, support programs,
equipment suppliers and the latest technologies at the Hampton Inn
Ottawa and Conference Centre, 200 Coventry Road, Ottawa, from 7 a.m. to
3 p.m. Register.

WHMIS training, Mar. 29

Employers are required to provide annual WHMIS training for their
workers. This seminar at Ottawa District Hockey Association, 1247
Kilborn Place, Ottawa, outlines the legislated requirements of this law.
Enroll your staff in this training, as they have the right to know
about hazardous products they deal with at work. For more details,
contact Sheila James at 613-253-7028 or email sjames@farmsafety.ca.
Note, firms must have WSIB coverage to attend this seminar. Cost to LO
members is $16, and for non-members it is $30. The seminar begins at 9
a.m. and runs to 11 a.m. To register go to WHMIS training.

Toronto Chapter this week
Add the Toronto Chapter page and the LO events calendar to your bookmarks

Meet hiring needs on Mar. 22
The City of Toronto is offering Landscape Ontario members free
participation in the annual City of Toronto/Landscape Ontario
recruitment fair. Approximately 200 job seekers (adults and youth) with a
large variety of landscaping experience, or desire to work in the sector
will attend. The event will take place at the YMCA, 20 Grosvenor Street,
Toronto (Yonge/Wellesley) from 2 to 5 p.m. For full details and to
register, email Linda McGrath at lmcgrat2@toronto.ca, or phone 416-397-7317. It is recommended to register early, as space is limited.

Peel Halton job fair, Mar. 30

Employers have the opportunity to recruit and interview potential
candidates on-site at the Peel Halton Job Fair at the International
Centre, Hall Five, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga. The event begins at
10 a.m. and runs to 4 p.m. The one-day job fair serves the Peel and
Halton regions. For more information, go to Job Fair.

Toronto Chapter meeting, April 7
Join the Toronto Chapter at York Region Equipment Centre (37 Esna Park Rd., Markham) at 5:30p.m. for the supplier showcase chapter
meeting. The meeting will include dinner and elections for next year’s
Toronto Chapter board. The chapter will also be piloting a new chapter
meeting structure focused on round table discussions and interaction.
For more information or to register for the event contact Helen Hassard
at 1-800-265-5656 ext. 354 or helen@landscapeontario.com.

Upper Canada Chapter this week
Add the Upper Canada Chapter page and the LO events calendar to your bookmarks

Upper Canada training session, Mar. 23
Come
out to 698 Station Road, Gananoque at 8:30 a.m. to learn about WHMIS, Bill 168, Lawn Care
Equipment Certification, Risk Assessment, Managing Compliance and
Hazard Recognition. Participants must bring their PPE, and everyone on site is
to have CSA footwear. Cost for both members and potential members is a
food bank donation. Lunch will be provided by the Chapter. To register
or learn more, contact Helen Hassard at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354, or helen@landscapeontario.com.

Waterloo Chapter this week
Add the Waterloo Chapter page and the LO events calendar to your bookmarks

Waterloo Chapter meeting, Apr. 6

Join the Waterloo Chapter at the Knights of Columbus, 145 Dearborn
Place, in Waterloo for the last meeting of the season. Edith George will
present an illustrated talk on heritage trees. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.,
with the meeting at 7 p.m. There’s also a 50/50 draw, sub sandwiches
and lots of great networking opportunities. Edith George is an advisor
to the Ontario Urban Forest Council and is a past director of the Weston
Historical Society. For further information, contact Helen Hassard at
1-800-265-5656, ext. 354, or helen@landscapeontario.com for more information.

Windsor Chapter this week
Add the Windsor Chapter page and the LO events calendar to your bookmarks


Windsor Chapter meeting, 
Mar. 24

Join the Windsor Chapter at Dominion Golf Course, 6125 Howard Avenue, LaSalle,
from 5 to 8 p.m. for a presentation on Living
Roofs and LEED certification by Xero Flor Canada. Contact Helen
Hassard at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354, or helen@landscapeontario.com. for
more information.

LO this week

Landscape Ontario greets visitors entering
Canada Blooms
Don’t
miss the LO garden at Canada Blooms,
running through Sunday in the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition
Place. Over 40 member companies came together in a co-operative building effort,
and the stunning result makes the festival and our industry proud! Opening day attendance filled the aisles as visitors took advantage of what’s new for this year’s gardening. For more
information, visit www.canadablooms.com.

Green for Life Survey: Find out what your customers think!

Landscape Ontario and the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association need
your help! We would like to ensure that our Green for Life campaign is
reaching your customers the way we had intended. The initiative was
launched to promote the many benefits of landscape horticulture,
attracting new clients for you, our members. We have designed a survey
to gauge consumer awareness and help shape the campaign’s future in a
way that best suits your needs. Please help us by distributing this link
to your clients: www.surveymonkey.com/gflpublic.

Keep employees informed with e-news
Each week members of Landscape Ontario receive the latest and relevant
information on what is happening in their association and industry. But
many employees of members are not receiving this information because
they are not signed up for the LO e-newsletter. All it takes is a name,
email address and Chapter location. Send the information to LO This Week and start having your staff stay informed.

Ministry of Labour holding workshops

A one-day workshop at six locations across Ontario will feature
information about the hazards and safety measures that the Ministry of
Labour will be looking for in workplaces. Participants will also receive
prevention strategies and resources that can be used to keep employees
safe from injuries and illness and the business free from fines and
penalties. Learn how the MOL is planning to respond to the Tony Dean
panel recommendations about changes and improvements to the health and
safety system in Ontario. To find out more information about the
workshops, locations, or to register, go to Health and Safety.

Hire summer students

Businesses can apply to receive a $2-per-hour, per student hiring
incentive by contacting the nearest Employment Ontario Summer Jobs
Service agency. Visit the Employment Ontario website.

Industry Canada creates SME benchmarking tool

Industry Canada has created a web page benchmarking tool which provides
background information on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The
program provides access to industry averages for income statement and
balance sheet items, financial ratios and information on profitability
for small- and medium-sized businesses, and features detailed financial
data on more than 600 industries across Canada, including more than 30
performance benchmarks to help small businesses determine how they
measure up to their competitors. To access the page go to Benchmarking.

Erosion and Sediment Control Workshop, Apr. 6

Only 10 spots remain in a one-day interactive workshop will target
strategies to develop an effective Erosion and Sediment Control Plan for construction sites. The fundamental steps in
designing an ESC Plan will follow the industry’s guidelines and
integrate techniques that make the plan usable on a construction
project. The workshop will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the
Earth Rangers Building, The Living City Campus at Kortright, Vaughan.
Cost is $350, plus HST, and includes lunch and course materials. For
more information, or to register go to Erosion Workshop.