As the summer sun warms our landscapes and our busiest season is in full swing, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands of our businesses. But this summer, I want to take a moment to reflect on something equally vital to our success: our community. Specifically, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the incredible individuals who are the true heartbeat of Landscape Ontario — the passionate volunteers who guide our association and our dedicated staff leadership team.

For many of us, Landscape Ontario is more than just a professional affiliation. It's a network of colleagues, mentors, peers and friends who share a common passion for the landscape horticulture trades. This sense of belonging doesn't happen by accident. It's cultivated through the tireless efforts of people who believe in the power of coming together to elevate our profession.

Our volunteers

My heartfelt gratitude extends to LO’s volunteers who are the lifeblood of this organization. These are your peers, your competitors and your friends who generously dedicate their time and expertise to serve on our chapter boards, sector groups, committees and the provincial board of directors. They are the driving force behind the strategic direction of our association, ensuring the needs and voices of our members are always at the forefront.

From organizing local chapter events that foster invaluable networking opportunities to developing specialized training that hones our skills, these volunteers are the architects of our community. They are the ones who champion our industry's interests, who mentor the next generation of landscape horticulture professionals and who inspire us all to be better. Their commitment is a powerful reminder that we are all stewards of this industry and that our collective success is built on a foundation of shared effort and mutual support.

The impact of our volunteers extends far beyond the boardroom (or Zoom). We see it in the countless community projects they lead, transforming public spaces and enriching the lives of our neighbours. These acts of service not only showcase the beauty and importance of what we do but also strengthen the fabric of our communities.

Leadership with a vision

I also want to acknowledge our staff leadership team. Their dedication and forward-thinking approach provide the steady hand that steers our association. They are the ones who translate our collective aspirations into actionable strategies, ensuring Landscape Ontario remains a powerful advocate for our industry. Their work to inform and execute our new 2030 Strategic Plan is a testament to this. Their focus is on telling our story, fostering diversity and inclusion and championing environmental stewardship. They are building a future-ready association for a future-ready industry, and for that, we are all immensely grateful. Heather MacRae, Courtney McCann, Penny Tantakis, Ian Service, Joe Sabatino and Andrea Bianchi — thank you for everything you do for our community!

More than a membership: A sense of belonging

Being a part of Landscape Ontario means being part of something bigger than ourselves. It’s about having a network to turn to for advice, a platform to share our knowledge and a collective voice to advocate for our shared interests. It’s about the camaraderie at chapter meetings, the "homecoming" feeling at our Congress trade show and the pride we take in being part of an association that is respected for its professionalism and commitment to excellence.

This summer, as we continue to create and maintain beautiful landscapes across the province, let's also take a moment to appreciate the people who make our community possible. To our staff leadership and our incredible volunteers, thank you. Your passion, dedication and vision are the cornerstones of our community and we are all the better for it. To my fellow members, I encourage you to get involved, lend your voice and experience the profound sense of purpose and connection that comes from being an active part of the Landscape Ontario family.

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