A single tree is a testament to strength, but a forest is a living example of a resilient, interconnected ecosystem.   

At Landscape Ontario (LO), we see our association in the same light. While our strength begins with our dedicated members, our impact and ability to serve the profession come from the vast and varied network of partnerships we cultivate. These alliances are more than just names on a list; they are the roots that nourish our growth, extend our reach and amplify our voice, creating a vibrant community far beyond our own membership.

Advancing the profession through strategic alliances

To effectively advocate for and elevate the landscape and horticultural trades, we must speak with a unified voice. Our partnerships with other industry associations are fundamental to this goal.

LO’s connection with the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) ensures our members' interests are represented on the national stage. By collaborating with our provincial and American counterparts through groups like the Nursery Landscape Association Executives (NLAE) and the Great Lakes Nursery and Landscape Association Leaders, we share best practices and tackle cross-border issues collectively.

We also build crucial bridges with allied professions. Working with the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA) unites the design and build aspects of our sector, while our partnerships with the International Society of Arboriculture Ontario Chapter (ISAO) and the Ontario Commercial Arborists Association (OCAA) strengthen our ties with the arboriculture community. This collaborative ecosystem ensures a holistic approach to creating and maintaining green spaces. To ensure we are always operating at our best for you, we also lean on the expertise of the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) and the Canadian Association of Exposition Management (CAEM).

Cultivating the next generation of talent

The future of our industry depends on a steady stream of skilled, passionate and well-trained individuals. Our educational and skilled trades partnerships are a cornerstone of LO’s long-term strategy.

Our vital work with Skilled Trades Ontario is professionalizing our trade, creating clearer pathways for apprentices and validating the high level of skill required in our sector. We collaborate directly with the institutions that train our future leaders, including Fanshawe College, Humber College, Algonquin College and Mohawk College. These relationships ensure that curricula meet industry needs and that students have a direct line to rewarding careers. Furthermore, LO’s involvement with Skills Ontario allows us to connect with young people, inspiring them to see the landscape and horticultural trades as a first-choice career path filled with opportunity and innovation.

Rooted in community and environmental stewardship

LO’s work is, by its very nature, community facing. It is only fitting that our partnerships reflect a deep commitment to the places we live and the environment we all share.

As proud members of the Halton community, we maintain strong relationships with the Town of Halton Hills and the Town of Milton — our neighbouring municipalities — as well as with the Region of Peel, ensuring our industry plays a strong role as a collaborative local partner. On a provincial scale, LO’s alliance with Conservation Ontario connects our members' work to broader goals of environmental protection and ecological health.

This commitment to greening our shared spaces is brought to life through our work with foundational partners like Communities in Bloom, which celebrates the beautification of municipalities across the country. Through the Green Cities Foundation and our support of Trees for Life, we help channel the skills and passion of our members toward creating healthier, more beautiful and greener communities for everyone to enjoy.

Ultimately, these connections demonstrate that Landscape Ontario is part of something much bigger. Each partnership is a thread that weaves us into the fabric of the provincial economy, the skilled trades sector, the environmental movement, the very communities our members serve every day and the international community. Together, we are not just building landscapes, we are building a stronger, more connected and greener future for all.

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