Professional News
Dec 6, 2022
Highway of Heroes surpasses two million tree goal
HoH planted its last trees at Fort York in Toronto on Nov. 2, 2022.
Dec 6, 2022
Excess Soil Regulation analysis: Robert Kennaley
The Ministry recently announced its intention to tweak the Regulation, in limited ways, before the implementation date.
Dec 6, 2022
Low-risk projects exempted from excess soil regulations
Learn about coming regulations that will impact job sites.
Nov 8, 2022
Partnership working to improve long-cane raspberry production
The project will develop a high yielding, energy efficient, fully integrated and scaled long-cane raspberry production system for Canada’s climate.
Nov 8, 2022
GTI opens new facility
Staff and leaders of the GTI cut the ribbon officially opening the new facility on Sept. 16, 2022.
Nov 8, 2022
Ontario launches skilled trades career fairs
Level Up! skilled career fairs were announced at Oriole Landscaping in Toronto on Oct. 18.
Oct 12, 2022
Yukon Sun joins 49th Parallel Collection
Yukon Sun is the latest addition to Vineland’s 49th Parallel Collection of made-in-Canada roses.
Aug 30, 2022
Ontario minimum wage to increase to $15.50
Minimum wage rates in Ontario will increase on Oct. 1, 2022. This increase is tied to the Ontario Consumer Price Index for 2022.
Aug 30, 2022
StatsCan releases sod and nursery revenue and workforce data
Statistics Canada released data on the sod and nursery sectors in Ontario and Canada, comparing sales and staff numbers from 2014 to 2021.
Aug 30, 2022
Invasive Asian jumping worm spotted in Ontario
Asian jumping worms are able to reproduce in large numbers and survive harsh conditions creating a recipe for destruction.
Aug 15, 2022
Top national landscape and horticulture awards announced for 2022
Winners of the 19th annual National Awards of Landscape Excellence (NALE) were announced Aug. 11, 2022 during an evening celebration in Ottawa, Ont.
Jul 21, 2022
TLC Landscaping partners with Schill Grounds Management
Landscape Ontario member TLC Landscaping announced it has partnered with Schill Grounds Management, a commercial landscaping and snow and ice removal service provider in Cleveland, Ohio, to help the company grow throughout Ontario.
Jul 13, 2022
TFWP extends advertising requirement suspension
Extension runs one full year, until June 30, 2023.
Jul 4, 2022
Reaching milestones along the apprenticeship journey
Over the last year of the COVID-19 pandemic, these amazing apprentices refused to be deterred as they continued along their chosen pathway throughout a very challenging time.
Jul 4, 2022
Unilock creates 50th anniversary scholarships
Paving the Future Scholarships will award $5,000 to deserving students within the landscape construction and landscape architecture fields of study.
Jun 29, 2022
Milton mayor proclaims April as Dig Safe Month
Mayor Gordon Krantz officially proclaimed April 2022 as Dig Safe Month in the town of Milton, and encouraged support of the safety awareness campaign.
Jun 23, 2022
Vineland names McGrath head of R&D
In her new role, McGrath will guide the direction of Vineland’s innovation portfolio to maximize real-world impact with a team of more than 50 scientists and technicians.
Apr 1, 2022
Feds give $535K to Flowers Canada Growers
Funding to develop market opportunities, address industry challenges and contribute to a stronger Canadian agricultural sector.
Apr 1, 2022
DIRT Report shows slight improvement
Statistics show a three per cent decrease in reported damage events in 2020 compared to 2019.
Apr 1, 2022
Province pauses excess soil rules
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks is proposing to delay the changes until Jan. 1, 2023.
Apr 1, 2022
Research updates of interest to greenhouse and nursery growers
Latest updates on various research projects.
Mar 30, 2022
Box Tree Moth Best Management Practices for Growers
Download the latest Box Tree Moth Best Management Practices developed by CNLA, LO, OMAFRA and the University of Guelph.
Mar 8, 2022
Free HEPA filters for agri-food employers
5,500 HEPA air filter units available to employers with international agri-food workers (IAWs) living in congregate settings.
Mar 8, 2022
Skilled Trades Ontario replaces Ontario College of Trades
Ontario government says the new crown agency will improve trades training and simplify services.
Mar 8, 2022
Toronto Botanical Garden hires Stephanie Jutila
Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG) hired Stephanie Jutila as its new executive director.
Feb 9, 2022
In Memoriam — Richard Wood
Wood passed away on September 22, 2021, while residing in Brooks, Alta.
Feb 9, 2022
Federal government extends CEBA deadline
On January 12, 2022, the Canadian government announced the repayment deadline for Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans.
Feb 9, 2022
Kam’s joins Royal Brinkman Group
The two businesses have been working together for several years and the acquisition marks the start of a new phase in their alliance.
Jan 12, 2022
Vineland releases 2021-2022 Innovation Report
Report highlights various research projects and efforts to build a national network for innovation in the agricultural, horticulture and greenhouse growing industries.
Jan 1, 2022
Ontario increases minimum wage to $15 an hour
Special minimum wages for students under 18, homeworkers and hunting, fishing and wilderness guides have also increased.
Dec 16, 2021
Ontario plans to raise minimum wage to $15
Legislation would see the minimum wage increase by 65 cents per hour, and come into effect on Jan. 1, 2022.
Dec 16, 2021
New wage subsidy aims to promote agriculture to recent graduates
Program will support Work Integrated Learning opportunities in the agriculture industry for agriculture and non-agriculture students.
Dec 16, 2021
Ontario proposes licensing for temporary help agencies
Legislation would enable penalties against an unlicensed temporary help agency, recruiter or business using an unlicensed operator.
Dec 16, 2021
Pipp Horticulture acquires GGS Group of Companies
Pipp Horticulture has acquired the Vineland, Ont.-based GGS Group of Companies.
Dec 16, 2021
Canadian Ornamental Alliance research update
bilingual website posts annual researcher updates, generated through an annual webinar series.
Nov 2, 2021
LMN introduces new features in latest update
Landscape Management Network (LMN) has unveiled its 21.10 product update, the company’s most significant revamp in recent years.
Nov 2, 2021
WSIB rates to decrease in 2022
The average premium rate for businesses will be reduced by 5.1 per cent for 2022.
Nov 2, 2021
Durham College launches urban agriculture centre
Durham College has unveiled The Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture.
Oct 12, 2021
Ontario looks to harmonize head protection requirements
The Ontario government is examining changes to head protection requirements for workplaces that fall under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Oct 12, 2021
Ontarians see the value of workplace health and safety
Hiring the right person for the job takes time, money and resources — and these days, prospective employees are looking at more than just the salary.
Oct 1, 2021
Ontario minimum wage increased by 10 cents
New rate is $14.35 an hour, as of Oct. 1, 2021.
Sep 7, 2021
Canada seeks input on EI reform
All Canadians are invited to participate in the EI revamp by completing a 20-40 minutes survey online until Oct. 8.
Sep 7, 2021
LMN acquires Greenius training software
Landscape Management Network (LMN) has acquired Greenius, an online training software company specializing in landscaping.
Sep 7, 2021
Celebrating a decade of National Tree Day
The 10th annual National Tree Day takes place on Sept. 22, 2021.
Sep 7, 2021
Here’s seven must-see seminars at Congress Conference
Annual seminar series returns Jan. 18-20, 2022 via Zoom, and delivers 36 sessions featuring 47 leading experts from across the various sectors of horticulture and landscaping.
Sep 1, 2021
Does your facility export Fragaria, Rosa or Rubus to the United States?
Landscape Ontario has learned the United States will require all Fragaria, Rosa and Rubrus plants from Canada to meet new requirements to ensure they do not contain Strawberry Blossom Weevil.
Aug 17, 2021
Flooding in the Netherlands drowns multiple tulip bulb crops
Rising waters have left a path of destruction across the region, including decimating dozens of crops and tulip bulb farms.
Aug 3, 2021
Government pledges $4 million to Ontario horticultural research projects
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre will receive $4 million in funding to support various horticultural research projects.
Jul 12, 2021
Free health and safety training now available in Ontario
Ontario government will invest $10.5 million over the next three years to train up to 60,000 health and safety representatives.
Jul 6, 2021
Ontario makes it easier to report polluters
New online tool allows public to report incidents of pollution in real-time from a smartphone.
Jul 6, 2021
In Memoriam — Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Canadian landscape architect Cornelia Hahn Oberlander passed away May 22, 2021. She was 99 years-old.
Jul 6, 2021
Boost your bottom line while keeping your team safe
WSIB gave back over $3.2 million in rebates this quarter through the Health and Safety Excellence program.
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Jul 6, 2021
Vineland releases Aurora Borealis rose
Latest addition to 49th Parallel Collection is now widely available at garden centres across Canada.
Jul 6, 2021
USDA closes border to boxwood shipments from Canada
Restrictions in place to prevent introduction of box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) into the United States.
Jul 6, 2021
Canada Blooms celebrates 25th anniversary with a special-edition magazine
Digital edition magazine released this spring.
Apr 6, 2021
Support Dig Safe month
Dig Safe Month is designed to coincide with the unofficial start of spring digging season and to serve as a reminder to contractors and homeowners that they need to call or click before they start digging.
Apr 6, 2021
Working at Heights refresher deadline
Validity period, normally three years, would have ended in 2020, but will now end in 2021.
Apr 6, 2021
Building a stronger safety culture
Your workplace safety culture and your health and safety plan are different, but they’re closely tied together.
Mar 24, 2021
In Memoriam — James St. Marie
James Anthony St. Marie passed away peacefully in Burlington, Ont., on March 24, 2021 at the age of 91.
Mar 8, 2021
Aquascape training gets an overhaul
New online platform replaces the Aquascape Academy Online and Aquascape Operating Manual Online.
Feb 5, 2021
Ways to meet Covid variants head on
Suggestions in the face of more infectious Covid-19 variants.
Jan 20, 2021
Now is the time to invest in health and safety
Wentworth Landscapes improves health and safety with the help of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.
Jan 5, 2021
Ottawa announces funding to plant two billion trees
Dec. 14 announcement also mentioned continued support for the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute.
Jan 5, 2021
Nancy Rowland named new CEO of Royal Botanical Gardens
With Rowland at the helm, RBG will move forward with implementation of its 25-year Master Plan.
Jan 5, 2021
Bill 118 receives Royal Assent
New law requires notice of a slip and fall claim to be made within 60 days of the incident.
Dec 15, 2020
Canada Blooms cancelled for 2021
Decision was made due to the ongoing concerns surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Dec 15, 2020
Aurora Borealis named 2021 Plant of the Year by Canada Blooms
Rose is the latest release in Vineland’s 49th Parallel bred in Canada Collection.
Dec 15, 2020
Latest research projects featured online
Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance (COHA) released its quarterly update online.
Dec 15, 2020
National stats on underground utility damage released
Report provides some insightful statistics on factors that contributed to underground utility strikes.
Dec 15, 2020
Vineland releases 2020-2021 Innovation Report
Report features updates on research projects aimed to improve efficiency and competitiveness of agriculture, floriculture and horticulture industries.
Nov 24, 2020
Changes to Fertilizer Act now in effect
Update aims to reduce red tape and provide more flexibility to industry while focusing on product safety and environmental protection.
Nov 4, 2020
ORCGA announces virtual Damage Prevention Symposium for 2021
Damage Prevention Symposium will run February 2-4 and February 10-11, 2021.
Nov 4, 2020
Living expenses covered for apprentices
Government funding help apprentices cover living expenses during their in-class training.
Nov 4, 2020
City of Toronto awarded Champion of Trees by the Arbor Day Foundation
Arbor Day Foundation recognized the city for exemplary leadership in developing and implementing new policies and practices for tree planting and care, natural area stewardship and arboriculture.
Nov 4, 2020
Congress Connect promises a virtual extravaganza
January 12-14 virtual event promises to include many features of the live, in-person gathering people have come to expect, plus the latest tools and technology to take the event even further.
Oct 5, 2020
Building construction reaches record high in June
Over $2.2 billion were invested in June — 15 per cent more than any previous month this year.
Oct 5, 2020
Ontario announces extension of COVID-19 period
Amended regulations to deal with COVID-19 have been extended to January 2, 2021.
Oct 5, 2020
Minimum wage in Ontario now $14.25
Student minimum wage also rose 25 cents per hour, bringing it to $13.40.
Oct 5, 2020
Ways to prepare for second wave of Covid-19
Second wave of the pandemic may already be here.
Sep 29, 2020
Latest Employment Standards Poster released
Employers are required to provide a copy to employees who are covered by the ESA within 30 days of their hiring date.
Sep 2, 2020
Download the COVID Alert mobile app
App also provides advice on what to do next in the case of a positive test.
Sep 2, 2020
ASLA announces Carter-Conneen as new CEO
The American Society of Landscape Architects recently announced Torey Carter-Conneen as its new chief executive officer.
Sep 2, 2020
National landscape award winners announced for 2020
Winners of Canada's top landscape projects were announced via an online ceremony on Aug. 12.
Jul 31, 2020
Ontario government supports Highway of Heroes tree planting
The Ontario government announced $1 million in funding to support the the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign.
Jul 4, 2020
Seferian Design Group wins international awards
Landscape Ontario member was recently honoured with two DNA Paris Design awards.
Jul 3, 2020
Heat stress and Covid-19
WSPS offers downloadable guide to help workplaces implement a comprehensive approach to assessing potential heat stress hazards linked to Covid-19.
Jul 3, 2020
Improved national certification program launched
New program is designed to maintain high certification standards, while being streamlined and more accessible, thanks to a world-class, web-based solution.
Jun 25, 2020
New web pages outline employment standards related to COVID-19
Employers can learn about their employment standards responsibilities with regards to the Employment Standards Act.
Jun 25, 2020
Partnership provides funded consulting and training to agricultural producers
Tools and consulting services available to help agriculture producers meet Covid-19 health and safety requirements.
Jun 25, 2020
IHSA offers free webinar on COVID-19 construction sector health and safety practices
Free webinars for contractors on best practices for construction sites regarding Covid-19.
Jun 22, 2020
New report shows economic impact of green infrastructure sector in Ontario
Ontario’s green infrastructure sector was 28 per cent larger than the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing sector.
Jun 15, 2020
Remembering those who lost their lives on the job
The National Day of Mourning commemorates workers and their families affected by workplace accidents.
May 26, 2020
Start decontaminating your workplace with this free checklist
Now is the time to look at how to decontaminate your workplace and prevent the spread of COVID-19 among employees and customers.
May 15, 2020
Ontario releases safety guidelines for business sectors
The Ontario government is providing employers safety guidelines to protect workers, customers, and the general public from COVID-19 as it gradually reopens the economy.
May 6, 2020
New tool helps clients scout for box tree moth
Flyer includes many colour images that show overwintering larvae and feeding damage from both young and mature larvae.
May 6, 2020
Phillip Stephan joins Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
Stephan will lead the organization’s business and client development activities to strengthen relationships and build new partnerships for Vineland and its research teams.
May 6, 2020
Help employees maintain positive mental health during the Covid-19 outbreak
Some tips from WSPS for employers to promote positive mental health.
Apr 3, 2020
Paul Gellatly new hort director at Toronto Botanical Garden
New Director of Horticulture began role on March 9, 2020.
Apr 3, 2020
Landscape Horticulture Certification Program launched
The new Landscape Horticulture Certification Program is guaranteed to deliver technical certifications to ensure Red Seal occupational standards for landscape horticulture are upheld nation-wide.
Mar 5, 2020
WSPS offers free tools to help implement pandemic policies
Tools and resources to help employers protect workers from known hazards, which may include pandemic flu and other infectious illnesses.
Mar 5, 2020
United States amends entry requirements for imports of boxwood, euonymus and holly from Canada
Shipments to the U.S. require phytosanitary certificate and declaration.
Mar 2, 2020
Region of Peel no longer accepts grass clippings
The Region of Peel is advising residents and lawn maintenance contractors that grass clippings are no longer accepted.
Feb 5, 2020
Exciting new alliance for Communities in Bloom
Strategic alliance to deliver an orderly succession of directors and staff and sustain the integrity of the CiB Program.
Feb 4, 2020
Turf Care Products announces organizational changes
Changes come after company was acquired by Maxium Financial in April 2019.
Feb 4, 2020
A five-step process for managing cannabis edibles
Recently introduced products present a new set of challenges for employers.
Feb 4, 2020
New ads showcase Skilled Trades as a viable first option
Marketing of trades part of government jobs strategy.
Jan 31, 2020
City of Burlington now requires permit prior to tree removal
As of Jan. 27, 2020, anyone within the City’s urban boundary will need to apply for a permit and on-site consultation to remove a tree greater than 20 cm in diameter.
Jan 4, 2020
2020 Damage Prevention Symposium announced
Annual event attracts over 250 damage prevention management professionals and decision-makers from across Ontario.
Jan 4, 2020
Utility damage costs Canada $1 billion annually
Data shows contributing factors leading to damages of underground utilities.
Jan 4, 2020
Royal Botanical Gardens reveals long-term master plan design concept
Unique site contains the highest concentration of wild plants in the country.
Dec 16, 2019
WSIB launches new Health and Safety Excellence program
Program helps businesses to earn rebates.
Dec 15, 2019
Canada Blooms showcases the green profession
Showcase event will take place in downtown Toronto, March 13-22.
Dec 10, 2019
Donations required to help keep Toronto gardens free for all
Fundraising makes up a major part of facility's annual budget.
Dec 3, 2019
Ontario considers changes to slip and fall lawsuits
The Bill calls for statute of limitations for slip and fall claims to be reduced from two years to 10 days.
Dec 3, 2019
Ontario increasing investments in skilled trades
Pre-apprenticeship training to receive a funding boost.
Nov 27, 2019
Pesticide Act amendments proposed by Ontario Government
Changes include removal of Ontario Pesticide Advisory Committee to reduce duplication.
Nov 27, 2019
Ministry of Labour expands name and duties
Expanded duties to include training and skills development.
Nov 21, 2019
Survey benchmarked workplace cannabis use prior to legalization
Survey to measure any effects of legalization until 2021.
Nov 15, 2019
Fax communication to be eliminated from locate requests
Ontario One Call to remove fax communications as of Feb. 1, 2020.
Nov 5, 2019
Ontario Tree Planting Guide updated
Higher-contrast planting diagrams part of new release.
Nov 5, 2019
Report looks at future of ornamentals market in China
Greatest opportunity comes with great challenges.
Nov 5, 2019
Tree Canada appoints Léo Duguay as new board chair
Léo joined the board in October 2011 where he has served as Vice-Chair for the past three years.
Nov 5, 2019
How health and safety can affect your WSIB premiums
Starting Jan. 1, 2020, your individual claims experience will be taken into consideration when your premium is set.
Oct 22, 2019
First safety blitz of 2020 to focus on PPE
Law requires workers on construction sites to wear hard hats and boots at all times.
Oct 15, 2019
Inaugural garden centre summit a success
Organizers already seeking locations for 2020 event.
Oct 15, 2019
National Strategy for Women in Trades Developed by 2020
Task force to present findings at National Apprenticeship Conference in May.
Oct 15, 2019
The Liberation75 Commemorative Planting Campaign
Limited edition tulip available for sale to honour the service of 1.1 million Canadians.
Oct 15, 2019
David McIssac appointed to lead Toronto Botanical Garden into expansion
New CEO has been Interim CAO for the past five months.
Oct 15, 2019
Ontario Landscape Tree Planting Guide now available
Free document is the most comprehensive guide ever developed.
Sep 24, 2019
SynLawn Canada offering two post-secondary scholarships
Applications must be received by Nov. 15, 2019.
Sep 15, 2019
Return unwanted or obsolete pesticides for free
Temporary drop off locations across the province will be set up from Sept. 20 to Oct. 1, 2019.
Sep 15, 2019
Bakker celebrates anniversary
Family owned, St. Catharines, Ont., grower marks 70 years of operation.
Sep 2, 2019
Ministry blitz to focus on silica dust and diesel exhaust
Respiratory hazards are the focus of a health and safety blitz this fall.
Sep 2, 2019
Top landscape pros announced at 2019 National Awards of Excellence
Awards handed out for top landscape projects from across the country at an evening celebration in Abbotsford, B.C.
Jul 15, 2019
Appointment of Danielle St-Aubin as CEO of Tree Canada
Organization to continue education and awareness initiatives.
Jul 15, 2019
Is your workplace culture fuelling a tech addiction?
What workplaces and employees can do to unplug from workplace stress.
Jul 15, 2019
Ontario students win national gold
Algonquin College team recognizes at best in the country.
Jun 15, 2019
Garden Centres Canada Summit coming this July
Inaugural event includes industry experts, tours and networking, July 10-11.
Jun 15, 2019
Maple Leaves Forever appoints new Executive Director
Organization supports planting of native Canadian maples.
May 27, 2019
Learn about changes to WSIB rate framework
Get familiar with changes coming Jan. 1, 2020.
May 15, 2019
Grower of the Year Awards for 2020 open for entries
Entries are now open for the international competition of growers.
May 6, 2019
Wright Landscape Services sells lawn care division
Apex Lawn Services of Waterloo to deliver lawn care services to clients.
May 6, 2019
Highway of Heroes Living Tribute to get financial support from federal government
Federal budget proposes $2.9 million over three years to assist tree planting efforts.
Apr 29, 2019
Act eases regulatory burdens
A number of changes to various Ministries and Acts may affect businesses in the landscape and horticulture sectors.
Apr 24, 2019
Retail horticulturist online training program
Interactive, 12-module online training program will help those working in a retail environment toward earning industry certification.
Apr 17, 2019
Landscape Ontario leads program to control the spread of box tree moth
Tools are available to help identify and report suspected sightings of box tree moth on varieties of boxwood.
Apr 1, 2019
Contractor locate requests have gone digital
Lots of online training tools are available to help with transition.
Apr 1, 2019
Garden Days coming this June
Annual celebration kicks off on National Gardening Day, June 15.
Apr 1, 2019
Jamie Aalbers appointed new Growers’ Manager
Aalbers brings an extensive background in the ornamental horticulture sector to the position.
Mar 28, 2019
Keeping workers safe from falls
A number of Ontario Ministry of Labour initiatives this spring are aimed at reducing injury and death from falls.
Mar 7, 2019
Approach employee mental health with confidence
Tips to help prepare managers and owners for sensitive conversations.
Mar 7, 2019
Changes coming to Ontario’s Joint Health and Safety Committee training
Online learning and extended time period for completion among the changes announced.
Jan 29, 2019
Deadline extended for 2019 safety group participation
Rebate of $1,400 per registered account plus a share in rebates earned by the group for successful members.
Jan 29, 2019
Remaining Ontario certification test dates announced for 2019
Dates scheduled across the country.
Jan 29, 2019
Valerie Stensson to retire from Sheridan Nurseries
An employee for over 30 years, Valerie is set to retire on June 28, 2019.
Jan 29, 2019
Small business fined $60,000 after ignoring orders
Failure to comply resulted in one Ottawa area business to close operations.
Jan 29, 2019
Program helps small business hire youth
Help is available to help businesses hire youth and access incentives from the federal government.
Jan 7, 2019
Online Source Book helps connect landscape pros with Canadian suppliers
Landscape pros across the country have access to a free, online tool to source local suppliers.
Jan 7, 2019
Talking healthy roots with Ontario horticulture students
Next generation of horticultural talent discusses the science of healthy roots.
Jan 7, 2019
Electrical safety tips for working around powerlines
Follow safe work practices to avoid any potential for injury.
Dec 12, 2018
Time to earn recertification credits
Continuing Education Credits required to maintain certification status.
Nov 6, 2018
A.M.A. Plastics rebrands as A.M.A. Horticulture
Company name change to reflect available solutions for horticulture professionals.
Nov 6, 2018
International Plant propagators recognize Peggy Walsh Craig
2018 Award of Merit handed out at annual meeting in Newark, Delaware.
