September 1, 2017
International Landscaping of Milton, Ont., was the recipient of two national awards.
CNLA News September 2017
Members recognized at National Awards
The 14th annual National Awards of Landscape Excellence took place Aug. 16 in Olds, Alta. This year, nearly 100 people attended the prestigious event to celebrate the 2017 national award winners, whose projects demonstrated the best of the best in landscape horticulture. Held at the Olds College Alumni Centre, attendees had a chance to connect with the entire CNLA Board of Directors, while visiting one of the top horticultural colleges in Canada. Five landscape category awards were presented, along with the Garden Centres Canada award for Outstanding Retail Achievement, the Green for Life Distinction Award and Industry Award, as well as the highly respected CNLA President’s Award.The 2017 winners are:
- Garden Grove Landscaping of Waterdown, Ont., for the National Award of Landscape Excellence in Commercial Construction.
- Airo Landscape Design of St. John’s, Nfld., for the National Award of Excellence for Landscape Design.
- Surface Pro Services of Calgary, Alta., for the National Award of Landscape Excellence in Commercial Maintenance.
- International Landscaping of Milton, Ont., for both the National Award of Landscape Excellence for Residential Construction, and the National Award of Landscape Excellence for Residential Maintenance.
- Green Haven Garden Centre of Lethbridge, Alta., for the Outstanding Retail Achievement.
The Green for Life awards recognize significant contributions made to the ornamental horticulture sector by an individual, corporation, or community. The Green for Life Distinction Award was presented to John van Roessel of JVR Landscape of Calgary, Alta., in recognition of his lifetime achievement in the horticulture industry, as well as the lasting legacy he will leave on this sector.
Caterpillar was presented with the Green for Life Industry Award for the significant contributions it has made not only to CNLA and the provincial associations, but to the industry and environment. Sherrie Williams, Product Application Specialist for Caterpillar Building Construction Products, accepted the award. CNLA wishes to extend its deep gratitude to Caterpillar for the important role it plays in promoting our industry and protecting the environment.
The final award of the evening, the CNLA President’s Award, is not presented every year. It is only awarded to a member who, in the opinion of the Executive Committee, has demonstrated beyond question, a sustained personal commitment that has contributed beneficially to the enhancement of the industry at a national or international level. This year, the prestigious award was presented to Michael Murray, president of Murray’s Garden Centre and Horticultural Services, Portugal Cove, N.L. Mr. Murray has served the industry for many years as a business owner, a volunteer with Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador, and the CNLA. He is a Past President of CNLA, and has also served as the Environment Chair, Landscape NL representative, Human Resources Chair and currently sits as the Government Relations Chair. His years of service have been invaluable to the industry on a local, national and global scale.
The National Awards of Landscape Excellence recognize Canadian companies that have actively participated in raising the level of professionalism in the landscape industry. Each province nominates members from provincial awards of excellence competitions, that are then entered into the National Awards. Next year’s ceremony will take place in St. Andrews, N.B.
Lawn Care Technician exam
The Lawn Care Technician exam is the most recent addition to the Certified Landscape Technician designation, and has received a good amount of interest. It is the only exam under the CLT umbrella that does not require a practical component. It consists of 100 multiple choice questions that are directly linked to all aspects of lawn care. The exam focuses on turfgrass, weed, pest and disease identification, application techniques, pest control strategies and basic sales and customer communications, just to name a few.Because the exam is written only, it can be accommodated at any time that works best for a challenger’s schedule, although each province hosts written testing opportunities once a month. The Lawn Care Technician designation is a great option if you are interested in working toward company accreditation, because a certain ratio of your staff must have CLT status. If your company provides lawn care services, this designation is a great way f to get staff certified without having to depend on a practical component.
If you would like to learn more, or download a registration form, visit the landscapeindustrycertifiedtechnician.ca website, and click on the Lawn Care Technician Exam under the Certification section. If you have questions, any of the Professional Development staff at the CNLA offices are available at 1-888-446-3499.
Importance of the Canadian Landscape Standard
Why is it so important for industry and government to use the Canadian Landscape Standard?- The Canadian Landscape Standard is a single authoritative resource that applies to all regions in Canada.
- The Canadian Landscape Standard documents acceptable practices for landscape goods and services and applies to the areas of administration, planning, design and review.
- These standards set guidelines and makes recommendations for all major aspects of the landscape industry.
- The Canadian Landscape Standard streamlines the landscape specification writing process by referencing one nationally recognized industry standard.
- Referencing the Canadian Landscape Standard in project specifications can result in better qualified bids.
- The Canadian Landscape Standard is a centralized and comprehensive mechanism from which to effect public procurement policy, legislation, by-laws and regulations.
- The newly revised Canadian Nursery Stock Standard Ninth Edition 2017 is now included as Appendix G of the Canadian Landscape Standard.
The Canadian Landscape Standard references product and services across our landscape horticulture value chain. It is a must-have industry resource, playing a key industry role in climate change adaptation and resiliency by setting the standards for well-designed, -built and -maintained landscapes and green infrastructure. Order yours today at www.csla-aapc.ca/standard.
The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association is the federation of Canada’s provincial horticultural trade associations. Visit www.cnla-acpp.ca for more information.