January 6, 2026

Winners gather on stage at the conclusion of the awards ceremony on January 6, 2026.

53rd annual Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence winners

Recognizing the best of the best in Ontario

Top Awards

Dunington-Grubb Award 2026

Awarded to: Rockscape
For: Lake Rosseau Property
Category: Residential Construction - Over $1,000,000

This award goes to the most outstanding and highest overall scoring project in the various construction categories.

Don Salivan Grounds Management Award 2026

Awarded to: Rockscape
For: Lake Joseph Residence
Category: Private Residential Maintenance - 1 acre or more

This award recognizes skill, that when properly executed, protects or even enhances the value of the original landscape investment. The winner is selected from all projects submitted in the maintenance program.

Casey van Maris Award 2026

Awarded to: Arbordale Landscaping
For: Sky Garden
Category: Balcony or Rooftop Garden

In 1997, Landscape Ontario lost one of its most influential and respected members: Mr. Casey van Maris, a founder of the association. To honour his legacy, Landscape Ontario developed an award which, to this day, upholds Casey’s values in the pursuit of excellence. The Casey van Maris award is given to the project awarded the highest marks for execution of unique and innovative design in landscaping.

Neil Vanderkruk Award for Excellence in Design 2026

Awarded to: Vaast Design Studio
For: Camp Canook
Category: Private Residential Design - 5,000 sq. ft. or more

This award goes to the most outstanding and highest overall scoring project in the design categories.

Special Awards

Legacy Award 2026
Awarded to: Terry Childs, Nature's Way Landscaping
Awarded to: Rob Tester
This award was created in 2005 to recognize a lifetime of achievement in the horticulture industry. This award is given to those who not only impart their knowledge on the people around them, but who also leave something for the generations behind them.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2026
Awarded to: Daniel Cornacchia, Dancore Landscapes
This award recognizes a member for outstanding achievement in establishing and growing a successful horticultural business and is under the age of 35 years.

Employer of the Year Award 2026
Awarded to: Rockscape
Out of the Strategic Planning sessions, the Employer of the Year Awards Committee was established with the mandate to define the characteristics, processes and systems of an Employer of the Year in order to create an aspirational model for employers. The goal of these Awards will be to recognize Employers of the Year and to promote better practices in the landscape and horticulture professions.

Chapter Achievement Award 2026
Awarded to: Jon Durzi, Miller Compost
This award is nominated through a Landscape Ontario Chapter Board of Directors. The individual that is nominated must have demonstrated consistent volunteerism and significant contributions to their respective chapter over a period of many years.

Women of Influence Award 2026
Awarded to: Emily Keown, Fivepoint Landscaping
Awarded to: Jennifer Davies, Pratt's Lawn Care
This award recognizes and celebrates the remarkable achievements of women who are shaping the future of Ontario’s landscape and horticulture industry. This award honours individuals whose leadership, innovation and passion have made a lasting impact on their profession, their communities and the environment. This award aims to inspire and empower future generations by showcasing the achievements of women who lead by example and elevate the standards of excellence across the industry.

Prosperity Partners Leadership Award 2026
Awarded to: Scott Hineman, Wentworth Landscapes
This award is presented to an outstanding individual that has worked through the program, and has demonstrated business leadership using the five pillars of the prosperity partnership model. Recipient is selected by the Prosperity Partnership Committee.

The Awards of Excellence ceremony is made possible through the generosity of our partners.

PRESENTING SPONSOR