Landscape Ontario's Horticulture Review Online

Harmonized Sales Tax concerns landscape/nursery industry

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:41:24 -0400

By Tony DiGiovanni
LO executive director

The Ontario Government announcement that it is moving to a harmonized tax system, beginning July 1, 2010, has alarmed many of our members. Some are asking Landscape Ontario to lead an industry campaign to fight the HST proposals. HST is a blend between eight per cent Ontario tax and five per cent GST.

I don't understand how adding an additional eight per cent tax onto previously exempt services, like landscape maintenance, is expected to stimulate the economy. I was intrigued with the loud support and praise for the HST from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, board of trade, banks and many other groups.

Before fighting, it is wise to understand why the HST is getting support from groups that regularly support economic development and prosperity initiatives.

Chamber of Commerce

The chamber refers to the HST as visionary (please see http://taxharmonization.on.ca/facts.html). It claims the HST will put "Ontario on a path towards increased competitiveness, productivity and economic recovery that will benefit every Ontarian and every business operator in the province." It maintains that the HST will "cut Ontario's marginal tax rate on new investment in half." - The government HST initiative was based on the Chamber of Commerce report. Please see http://taxharmonization.on.ca/files/HST_Report.pdf. The report makes a solid case for the benefits of HST including the following: Savings on business inputs (HST will now be a flow-through much like GST) transitional funding to cover the cost of new accounting and point of sales systems (This is not a benefit. These extra costs are the result of HST) - Ease of administration (collecting one tax instead of two) - Elimination of inflated consumer prices, because HST will be collected at each stage of the production process (I don't understand this one. Please let me know if you do.) - Introduction of a $260 tax credit for low- and middle-income families (This is also counter-intuitive. Why would the government see the need to introduce temporary tax rebates and tax credits if one of the proposed benefits is reduced consumer prices?).

It is interesting to note that the Chamber report suggested exemption options for "labour intensive services." The problem is this exemption option was not considered by the government.

The consumer will pay additional tax on just about everything. Logic tells me that customers will probably retreat on spending, because of extra expenses associated with many services. This situation will negatively impact our sector, at least in the short term. At the very least, the government should have consulted widely before introducing such dramatic changes. It also erred in not raising public awareness of the proposed benefits.

It is important to address this issue. Landscape Ontario has written the premier and minister of revenue, asking them to consider an exemption for labour intensive services. We need you, our members, to do the same. I also believe that it is important to frame our comments within the framework of the Chamber report. The report gives us the logical rationale for our position. Here is our letter. Please use it yourself, or to write your own. Ask your employees to do the same. This is an important issue.

July 1, 2009
Dalton McGuinty, Premier Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto ON M7A 1A1
Dear Premier McGuinty, Re: Proposed HST

Landscape Ontario represents over 2,400 companies operating in the landscape/nursery/garden centre/horticultural industry. We are writing to register our concern about some aspects of the HST that we believe will be very damaging to our 14 billion dollar sector and to Ontario's economy.

We are aware of many economic benefits of introducing the HST. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce's report http://taxharmonization.on.ca/files/HST_Report.pdf, as well as the government's own budget releases, put forward a number of compelling arguments for introducing the HST. However, there is one very important issue that you have overlooked. Presently the public does not pay PST on labour intensive services. The proposed HST will add an additional eight per cent burden on many previously exempt products and services, including landscape maintenance services. This will have an anti-stimulus and chilling effect on the public, seriously damaging our industry (and others). Please reconsider how you apply the HST. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce report puts forward an option for a number of exemptions, including "labour intensive services." Your government used the report to support your proposal. Please use the same report to consider an exemption for labour intensive services.

This simple act will be welcomed enthusiastically by our industry and the public and will reduce the extensive criticism currently directed towards your government.

We urge you to reconsider the exemption.

Yours truly,

Grace period over for speed limiters

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:12:09 -0400

As of July 1, the Ontario government has ended what it termed the educational enforcement period concerning the speed limiter law for commercial trucks.
Trucks that fall under the law include commercial trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 11,794 kg (26,000 lbs.) and more (See the June 2009 issue of Horticulture Review).

The use of portable electronic testing units will provide access to the vehicle engine data and confirm if the limiter has been activated at a speed of 105 km/h or less. It will be necessary for officers to plug into a data port located within the cab of the truck. However, according to news reports, provincial police say that the regulation adopted in January makes 115 kilometres an hour the threshold for charges. As of July 1, police will lay charges if an officer has proof that a large truck is travelling at or above 115 kilometres an hour. The driver may also be charged if the vehicle is not equipped with working speed-limiting system.

Ontario and Quebec have adopted speed limiters and New Brunswick may follow suit. However, other provinces are rejecting the devices, saying they can sometimes make roads less safe. For more information go to the Ontario government's website at www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/trucks/trucklimits.shtml.

LO prepares for snow and ice symposium

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:07:01 -0400

The Snow and Ice Sector Group of Landscape Ontario will host its annual symposium and equipment display program on Sept. 15.

This year's symposium, at LO's home office in Milton, will feature two education tracks to help operators make their operations more efficient, reduce costs and improve the bottom line. There will also be a large display of equipment, technologies and services for the snow and ice industry and plenty of opportunity to network with industry colleagues throughout the day.

One of the education programs, Build-a-Bid, was put together by members of SIMA (Snow and Ice Management Association) to address one of the greatest business challenges members face. This full one-day program will help participants create and sell snow and ice proposals that fit their respective business model. Primarily for owners and managers, this detailed workshop will cover everything from understanding your numbers to qualifying customers to detailing your costs.

The second education track involves technical programs, such as a hands-on calibration workshop, liability and contracts, technology update, using liquids, educating your customer, MTO info session, Smart about Salt and a snow and ice sector group update.

Keynote speakers include, Paul Johnson, Vince Arone, Jim Monk, Colin Ellis of MTO and Rob Kennally.

Manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of products services and technologies for the snow and ice contracting and removal industry are invited to participate in this event. The outdoor display area will be open during the extended luncheon and coffee breaks and at the conclusion of the seminars.

The Snow and Ice Symposium has many sponsorship programs that your company can participate in and every option gives your company additional signage, logo recognition in printed materials and special mention.

For further information on the programs, sponsorship, or to register, go to www.horttrades.com/c?c=378, or call Ken Tomihiro at 1-888-211-5606, ext. 2319, or e-mail ktomihiro@landscapeontario.com.

Advertising exclusive: LO Member Handbook

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:03:03 -0400

Reserve your advertising space in the LO Member Handbook, and reach the top players in Ontario's green industry! This opportunity is open to members only. Now in its fourth year, the Handbook is a popular reference, including complete active and associate member listings, as well as handy association information. Sales deadline is July 13. For information contact Steve Moyer, 1-800-265-5656, ext. 316, 905-299-5366, stevemoyer@landscapeontario.com. Click here for an order form.

Nursery growers on summer tour

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:41:52 -0400

The 2009 Landscape Ontario's Growers Summer Tour will take place on Tues., July 14, visiting nurseries, garden centres and a fertilizer facility in southwestern Ontario. A bus will pick-up participants at three locations: Milton, Woodstock and London. The cost is $55 per person, which includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Registration deadline is July 9. For more information and a registration form go to: http://www.landscapeontario.com/attach/1245353372.draft_registration_form-1.pdf.

Canada Blooms moves to Direct Energy Centre

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:08:31 -0400

Canada's largest flower and garden festival's new home is in Canada's largest convention facility.

On June 12 the official announcement came at a press conference revealing that the 13th annual Canada Blooms would move to the Direct Energy Centre from the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

"Canada Blooms as a leader in the greening of Canada is pleased to move to one of the world's most environmentally responsible exhibition facilities," said Canada Blooms general manager Gerry Ginsberg.

Toronto deputy mayor Joe Pantalone was on hand at the press conference to welcome Canada Blooms. Pantalone, who is also chair of the facility's board of governors, said, "We welcome such an amazing event as Canada Blooms to this fantastic facility."

Peter Guinane, co-chair of Canada Blooms, was pleased with the improved access for both the garden builders, exhibitors and guests. "It provides an easy one-level access." Many others commented on the large (7,000 vehicles) and less-expensive parking areas along with easy access off the Gardiner Expressway.

The 2010 version of Canada Blooms is scheduled to take place over March Break, from Mar. 17 through to Mar. 21. The theme for the show, as chosen by the board of governors, is "passion."

Over its 14 year history, Canada Blooms has contributed over $500,000 to community horticultural projects. The show is one of the major avenues used by Landscape Ontario to communicate the many benefits of horticulture to the public.

Toronto approves mandatory green roofs bylaw

Thu, 28 May 2009 10:52:40 -0400

The City of Toronto passed a bylaw on May 27 that makes green roofs mandatory on any all classes of new buildings.

The by-law requires up to 50 per cent green roof coverage on multi-unit residential dwellings over six storeys, schools, non-profit housing, commercial and industrial buildings. Larger residential projects require greater green roof coverage, ranging anywhere from 20 to 50 per cent of the roof area.

Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone, a major proponent of the new by-law, said, "This bylaw is a major part of the solution to climate change, the creation of green jobs and it represents a whole new mindset on how our cities approach the 20 per cent or so of surface area that are roofs."

Industrial buildings were given a reprieve until January 31, 2011, while city officials explore options such as reflective white roofs that will help achieve the city's environmental goals, without incurring heavy costs. Toronto already requires green roofs on city-owned properties. The city has established a financial incentive of up to $5.00 per square foot for existing buildings, and is currently building a publicly accessible green roof on its city hall. The project will be unveiled at CitiesAlive (see story below) in October. See www.citiesalive.org for details.

Developers argue that green roofs bring capital and maintenance costs with little payback, but Steven Peck, president of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, says opponents of this proposed bylaw are exaggerating the costs and minimizing the benefits. Deputy mayor Joe Pantalone noted that if green roofs spread across the city, the average temperature in August could be reduced by two degrees, meaning less energy would be needed to cool the city.
New York City recently passed a city bylaw that rewards building-owners who cover 50 per cent of available rooftop space with a green roof with a one-year property tax credit of up to $100,000. The credit would be equal to $4.50 per square-foot of roof area that is planted with vegetation, or approximately 25 per cent of the typical costs associated with the materials, labour, installation and design of the green roof.

Toronto hosting conference

The City of Toronto and Green Roofs for Healthy Cities will host the inaugural CitiesAlive World Green Roof Infrastructure Congress, this October.

CitiesAlive 2009 will gather the international green infrastructure community together to address the issues as they relate to environmental, social and economic needs. Green infrastructure embraces the relationship between green roofs and green walls, as well as other forms of urban greenery, such as urban forests.

The Congress will take place at the Sheraton Centre in downtown Toronto from Oct. 19 to 22. More than 1,000 participants within the building design, development, construction and management sectors, as well as policy-makers, government officials, students and the public are expected to take part in the event.

Floral and Garden Expo appoints artistic director

Tue, 26 May 2009 10:09:14 -0400

Floral and Garden Expo has announced that Albert Graves, president of Bloemen Decor, has been appointed as artistic director. Graves brings with him over 20 years experience in the floral decor industry.

"We're really excited to have Albert join our team and looking forward to enhancing the floral element of our show through his creative designs and recent floral introductions from top 10 growers," said Paul Day, show manager. "The goal of Floral and Garden Expo is to engage our show visitors in more interesting ways and to expose them to ideas and visual concepts that can be replicated in retail stores. Albert will be instrumental in reaching this goal," he added.

Graves worked and visited the Horti Fair in Amsterdam for many years and realized the importance of communication within the floral industry. His vision for Floral and Garden Expo is to create a place where the industry comes together; a place where retailers can communicate with growers, wholesalers and suppliers. Floral industry professionals will leave the show feeling appreciative of being involved in a creative profession and inspired to achieve new levels of innovation and growth in serving their customers.

"My goal is to improve the communication flow between growers, wholesalers and suppliers," said Graves. "It is crucial that all industry partners are on the same page to ensure that a majority of the products make it to the market. The Floral and Garden Expo provides an excellent avenue to exchange information and discuss trends in the industry. I want to create a show where the visitors and exhibitors feel proud to be in the industry, the same way that I feel after I leave the Horti Fair in Amsterdam," he added.

Growers will be on-hand to showcase their new products which will be located on the main centre aisle. The spotlight will be on recent introductions from the top 10 Ontario growers: Balfour Greenhouses, Comic Plants, Pioneer Flower Farms, Prins Grow, Rosa Flora, Slaman Greenhouses, Sunrise Greenhouses, Timbereno Flowers, Van Geest Brothers and Virgil Greenhouses.

Graves has taught the floral design program at Humber College for the past 12 years, and wrote a book, Fleuristic, published in 1998. He is a trendsetter in the floral industry in Canada and received an award from Flowers Canada for largest floral arrangement, a record that still stands today.

More than 3,400 people are expected to attend this trade-only showcase for new products and recent floral and plant introductions, on Oct. 20 and 21, 2009. For more information visit www.gardenexpo.ca

CHT Evaluation in Ottawa for 2009

Mon, 25 May 2009 10:30:35 -0400

The Eastern Ontario region will conduct a CHT evaluation on August 13 and 14, 2009 at the University of Guelph, Kemptville College in Kemptville. All installation maintenance certifications will be offered (hardscape installation, softscape installation, turf maintenance and ornamental maintenance). A candidate orientation will be held on July 18. The written evaluation will take place on August 13 and the practical evaluation will take place August 14. Kemptville is a 30 minute drive south of Ottawa.

Now is the time to register you and your employees so that Landscape Ontario can plan the Evaluation Day. A minimum number of participants are required in order for the evaluation to take place. Applications will be accepted up to 5 business days before the evaluation date.

Once you register, Landscape Ontario will then send you the evaluation requirements in detail and also a study guide. All the information you need for evaluation day is included in the package. Once you have received your package, you can study, practice and prepare for evaluation day. There are no surprises. You will be asked to show an industry evaluator exactly what we have sent you in advance of the evaluation.

A registration form can be downloaded below:

Industry negotiates through pesticide ban

Fri, 01 May 2009 14:11:45 -0400

Confusion is evident as industry members negotiate their way through Bill 64,Cosmetic Pesticide Ban Act.

The Act bans any use of chemical pesticides for cosmetic purposes on lawns, gardens, patios, driveways of residential and non-residential properties, parks and school yards. In addition, holders of a landscape class license are no longer allowed to apply chemicals to structures, in and around a dwelling. Exemptions have been made for golf courses, tree care, specified sports fields and public health and safety. Other exemptions include agriculture, forestry, research and scientific purposes, and uses of pesticides for structural exterminations (e.g., in and around homes to control insects) and uses of pesticides required by other legislation. Click here for the list of all the Health Canada registered products that the Ontario government has banned (Class 7 pesticides).

Landscape license holders are only allowed to apply products to lawns, patios, parks and school yards with active ingredients from the list of Class 11 Pesticides. These include biopesticides and reduced risk products such as corn gluten meal, Bt, horticultural vinegar, diatomaceous earth and soap.

Professional lawn care operators must post a green notice sign to advise the public. Please note that there is no longer an exemption from licensing and posting requirements for the use of products that only contain these single ingredients: soap, mineral oil or slicon dioxide (diatomaceous earth). Land uses of commercial products that contain these ingredients require a landscape exterminator's license and a green sign posted to give public notice of legal pesticide use.

Red notification signs are still required if applying pesticides for any of the exempted uses.

Maintaining the health of trees
Another change to the Act is that a written opinion from a professional tree care specialist must be obtained by a landscape license holder before a commercial pesticide can be applied to a tree. The opinion must show that pesticide use is necessary to maintain the health of the tree as part of an IPM strategy.

Posting notification protocol has changed for arboriculture as well. The licensed exterminator using the pesticide must provide written notice to the occupants of all properties in the application area (all properties that abut the tree or trees). Written notice must be provided one to seven days in advance of the application.

What Licensed Exterminators Need to Know
What Licensed General Vendors Need to Know
What Licensed Limited Vendors Need to Know
What Unlicensed Limited Vendors Need to Know
Provincial Government's website on pesticide ban
List of Class 7 Pesticides
List of Class 11 Pesticides