LO this week: March 9, 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.

Chainsaw safety training, Mar. 17

For those who operate chainsaws, this program gives users a fundamental
understanding of the care, operation and safe use. The course will take
place at Brother Equipment Rental, 1154 Wilson St. W., Ancaster, from 8
a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants must bring their own chainsaw for the
purposes of demonstrations. They must also have their own PPE equipment,
safety glasses, boots, hearing protection, face shield, safety
pants/chaps and gloves. Lunch is included. Cost of the course is $221. Register.

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
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, 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.

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   Personal Protection Equipment (PPE),
work boots, gloves, etc., for this seminar. Lunch is not provided. Cost
to LO members is $110, and for non-members it is $170. The session will
take place at Huron Tractor, 37 Elgin Rd., Thamesford, from 9 a.m. to 2
p.m. 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.

Ottawa Chapter this week

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


Introduction to pruning, Mar. 24
This seminar is for anyone who is going to be pruning, and includes
classroom and practical instruction to develop participants’ skills and
confidence in pruning basics, and to answer the what, where, why and how
of successful pruning. Be sure to dress for the weather when attending
this seminar, and bring: gloves, eyewear, etc., and pruners. The seminar
will take place at Ottawa District Hockey Association, 1247 Kilborn
Place, Ottawa, starting at 9 a.m. and going until 4 p.m. Cost is $115
for LO members and $192 for non-members.
Register here for Ottawa Seminars

Permacon Spring Tour 2011, March 10

Permacon has announced the dates for its Spring Tour 2011 Seminars. For Ottawa Chapter members, the closest event is on Mar. 10 at 2011 Hampton Inn and Convention Centre, 200 Coventry Rd., Ottawa. Educational seminars include
Sustainable Landscaping by Sean James, Pricing and Estimating for Profit
by George Urvari, Proper Installation of Polymeric Sand, Sealers, etc.,
and a keynote speech by Theresa Syer. The day is free of charge and
also includes product workshops, lunch, gifts, a mini trade show and even
a chance at a door prize. Register here.

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 Familiarization, 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.

Upper Canada Training Session, Mar. 24

Come out to 698 Station Road, Gananoque at 8:30 a.m. for skid steer
(bucket and forks) certification. Participants will receive laminated
certification cards. Participants must bring their PPE, and everyone on
the site must have CSA footwear. Cost is $125 for LO members and $150
for potential members. Lunch will be provided by the the Upper Canada
Chapter. Food bank donations are appreciated. To register or learn more,
contact Helen Hassard at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354, helen@landscapeontario.com.

Techo-Bloc contractor showcase 2011, Mar. 28

Learn about new products, installation tricks, support programs,
equipment suppliers and the latest technologies available 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.

New address for Ottawa seminars
Please take note that all the Ottawa Winter Seminars will now take place
at the Ottawa District Hockey Association, 1247 Kilborn Place, Suite 300
D., Ottawa.

Winter seminars underway
Check out the Ottawa Chapter Winter course schedule here.

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

Permacon Spring Tour 2011

Permacon

has announced the dates for its Spring Tour 2011 Seminars. For Upper Canada
Chapter members, the closest event is on Mar. 10 at 2011 Hampton Inn and
Convention Centre, 200 Coventry Rd., Ottawa. Educational seminars
include
Sustainable Landscaping by Sean James, Pricing and Estimating for Profit
by George Urvari, Proper Installation of Polymeric Sand, Sealers, etc.,
and a keynote speech by Theresa Syer. The day is free of charge and
also includes product workshops, lunch, gifts, a mini trade show and even
a chance at a door prize. Register here.

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 Familiarization, 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.

Upper Canada Training Session, Mar. 24

Come out to 698 Station Road, Gananoque at 8:30 a.m. for skid steer
(bucket and forks) certification. Participants will receive laminated
certification cards. Participants must bring their PPE, and everyone on
the site must have CSA footwear. Cost is $125 for LO members and $150
for potential members. Lunch will be provided by the the Upper Canada
Chapter. Food bank donations are appreciated. To register or learn more,
contact Helen Hassard at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354, helen@landscapeontario.com.

Skid steer certification, Mar. 24
Come
out to 698 Station Road, Gananoque at 8:30 a.m. for skid steer (bucket and forks)
certification. Participants will receive laminated certification cards.
Participants must bring their PPE, and everyone on site is to have CSA
footwear. Cost is $125 for LO members and $150 for potential members.
Lunch will be provided by the chapter. Food bank donations are
appreciated. 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

Nutrite’s 2nd Annual Professional Seminar, Mar. 16

Register for Nutrite’s 2nd Annual Professional Seminar at the Holiday
Inn, Trillium Room, 601 Scottsdale Drive, Guelph. The day begins at
8:30 a.m. and goes to 4 p.m., featuring a day full of learning and seminars,
including a complimentary breakfast and lunch. Reserve your spot before
Mar. 11 with Jackie Keim at customer.service@nutrite.com or call 519-249-0600.

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

Canada Blooms opening night party, Mar. 15

Don’t miss opening night party at Canada Blooms at the Direct Energy
Centre, starting at 6:30. Enjoy special guided tours of the award-winning gardens, demonstrations by floral superstars Frank Ferragine,
Albert Graves, Neville Mackay and Paul Zammit, along with a special
salute to the 40th Anniversary of the JUNO Awards. There is also a
silent auction, wine tasting, a cash bar and free parking. Highlight of
the evening will be a special musical performance by JUNO Award winner
Carolyn Dawn Johnson. To order tickets, or to see more information, go
to Canada Blooms.

Horticulture Review online

Read the latest news of interest to Landscape Ontario members in the
March edition of Horticulture Review. This month features LO’s Canada Blooms garden project manager Tim Kearney on the team-build experience, the Growers’ Short Course, Chapter happenings, the new social media, a new landscape magazine launched by an LO member, and another member is a founding member of the Gleaners, as well as the regular columns and
features. Click here to read the March issue of Horticulture Review. Anyone may sign up to receive a free subscription to the electronic version of HR by clicking here.



LO Industry Night: RSVP ASAP!

Landscape Ontario’s invitation to Industry Night at Canada Blooms
requires an rsvp by Mar. 10. An invitation to the Mar. 17 event was
included in the February issue of Horticulture Review. The Landscape
Lecture Series features
well-known speakers Mark Hartley and Mark Bradley at 3:30 in Room 103. The 
Industry Night reception begins at 6 p.m., followed by the Canada
Blooms Awards Program. To RSVP, contact Kathleen Pugliese at kpugliese@landscapeontario.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.

Submit project for Greenbuild tour

Have you worked on a sustainable community project? The 2011 Greenbuild
Conference is coming to Toronto on Oct. 4 to 7,and is looking for
sustainable sites to place on its tour. Deadline for location
submissions in Mar.12. Click here to download the Proposals form.

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.

CLP Risk, Contracts and Legal requirements module, Mar. 10
The CLP module Risk, Contracts and Legal Requirements covers risk
management, contract law and business structures. This topic will help
the business owner to minimize day-to-day risk. The second part of the
day, on the CLP module Marketing and Sales Management, covers an
important component of your strategic plan and a major pillar guiding
healthy growth. The seminar will take place at the LO home office from 9
a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Visit www.clp.canadanursery.com, or call
1-888-446-3499 for more details. Cost for LO members is $115, and for
non-members it is $192. To register, go to CLP

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.