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Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Announce details for the Alberta Greenhouse Rebate Program (AGRP)

March 14, 2017 – The Alberta Government has made available the details of the proposed rebate on the carbon levy. Full details can be found here:  http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/general/progserv.nsf/All/pgmsrv460

As previously announced this applies only to greenhouses heated with natural gas or propane, and only for eligible production area. Submission of Applications will be accepted during the following Application submission dates:

  1. July 1, 2017 – August 15, 2017
  2. January 1, 2018 – February 15, 2018
  3. July 1, 2018 – August 15, 2018
  4. January 1, 2019 – February 15, 2019

To apply a grower must fill out the application form, including a calculation for eligible fuel use.  Provide invoices for natural gas or propane for the application period and complete a mandatory producer survey.  Please note at this time the survey link only works in Internet Explorer.  Forms can be submitted by email or regular mail as per the application.

To be eligible, you must have a commercial greenhouse in Alberta with sales of eligible crops exceeding $20,000 in the 12-month period prior to application.  Eligible crops include vegetables, fruits, bedding plants, cut flowers, ornamental plants, tree seedlings, medicinal plants and other plants grown in commercial greenhouses. For further information, please contact Alberta Agriculture at 310-FARM (3276) or agrp@gov.ab.ca

Landscape Awards Presentation

Our annual Landscape Awards Presentation and Dinner was held March 8 at the Telus Spark Centre in Calgary. This year there were four recipients of the Executive Choice Award. The first went to Ron Oudyk from Land Tec Landscape Contractors Ltd. for his commitment to raising professionalism in the industry through his support of the apprenticeship program, Ronald McDonald House, and Skills Canada Alberta. The second award went to Jack Payne, from Classic Landscape Centre for his keen involvement in development of the Canadian Landscape Standard. The third recipient was Phil Paxton from Alpha Better Landscaping Inc. for his role in bringing the Canadian Landscape Standard to life. The last award went to Anita Huever from Eagle Lake Nurseries Ltd. for her massive effort in the Bill 6 consultation process. The Executive Choice Award recognizes members who have demonstrated dedication to helping the association grow and achieve its long-term goals.

Gloria Beck presented long-time colleague and friend, Tony Heuver, with the Lifetime Member award for all his years of dedicated service to the association and to our industry. It is beyond well deserved and well overdue.  Congratulations to Tony!

The Landscape Awards program received a record 53 entries this year, with 39 awards presented. Congratulations to Alpha Better Landscaping Inc., Earthlings Inc., Homescapes Complete Landscape Construction, Julia’s Alpine Garden, Landform Inc., Modern Earth Landscaping Ltd., Park Landscaping Ltd., Planta Landscape Inc., Solid Landscape Construction & Design Inc., Surface Pro Services, Terra Landscaping Ltd. ULS Maintenance & Landscaping Inc. and Year-Round Landscaping Inc.

Watch for pictures of the winning projects in the upcoming May/June 2017 issue of Green for Life magazine or click here to view them online.

We would also like to congratulate those companies whose award-winning entries have been nominated for the 2017 National Awards of Landscape Excellence:

  • Landform Inc. – Lamb Residence
  • Modern Earth Landscaping Ltd. – Donnelly Residence
  • ULS Maintenance & Landscaping Inc. – Slywka Residence
  • Year-Round Landscaping Inc. – Chow Commercial Building
  • Terra Landscaping Ltd. – Nedlaw Living Wall, Edmonton Federal Building
  • Alpha Better Landscaping Inc. – Legacy Phase 1, Storm Ponds and Entry

 Congratulations to all of the winners!

New Certified Landscape Manager Manuals

The national Professional Development Committee thought that the Landscape Industry Certified Manager manuals needed a refresh from when they were last edited in 2006. All seven manuals for: Corporate Financial Management, Technical – Exterior Landscaping or Interior Landscaping, Marketing and Sales Management, Leadership and Corporate Citizenship, Innovation, Strategic, Business and Succession Planning, Risk/Law/Contract/ Government, and Human Resource Management all were updated. Not to worry, the written exams have not changed – as the testable content is still relevant. The manuals themselves have been changed to include better diagrams, updated information, and an improv
ed layout. Order yours today!

A National Garden in Ottawa

CNLA officially supports a proposal to create a national garden of Canada as a centre of excellence which will act to: document past horticultural achievements, host living presentations of green infrastructure, and be a place for public gathering. It will educate Canadians on living green infrastructure by preserving and enhancing the quality of the natural environment, including water/air/flora and fauna.

The mission is to have the Government of Canada support and recognize that a national garden in the Capital Region of Ottawa would benefit all Canadians. Canada is the only G7 Nation without a national garden, so this is an opportunity to establish one that includes building a centre of excellence that educates youth on living green infrastructure and provide a public gathering place to introduce all ages to Canada’s rich garden heritage. By including a research component, it will be a showcase to the world.

CNLA is working closely with Canadensis to see where our efforts can be streamlined to create a national garden in Ottawa. Contact CNLA’s Stacey Porter for more information: stacey@cnla-acpp.ca

Vineland introduces 49throses.com

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre has launched a new website to promote their new series of hardy roses, to be known as the 49th Parallel Collection. The site features consumer-friendly information on the Canadian Shield™, the first rose of the collection, including a searchable where-to-buy section. Visit the site at www.49throses.com
Also to be featured as the Canada Blooms 2017 Plant of the Year, Canadian Shield™ is a vibrant and beautiful red rose to be introduced to the consumer just in time to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation.

Register for our Spring Workshop

There is Still Time to Register!
Landscape Alberta Spring Workshop & Awards Dinner
Workshop: Hilton Garden Inn, 711 4 St SE
Awards Night: Telus SPARK Centre, 220 St Georges Dr NE
Calgary, AB

Join us for our annual spring workshop taking place March 8, 2017 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Calgary. In the morning, we have Jason Cupp speaking on creating a client-centric company and hiring the best team members, and Jackie Hart in the afternoon talking on how to creating brand loyalty. These sessions are designed to help your business take advantage of and look for growth in tough times.  Hot breakfast and lunch included in the ticket price. Landscape Alberta will also be hosting our Annual General Meeting during the lunch break.

Plus! Don’t miss our Landscape Awards Night being held at the Telus SPARK Centre. Walk the red carpet, rub elbows with the best of the best and watch as we give best landscape to La La Land(scapes). Register at www.laspringworkshop2017.eventbrite.ca.

Ninth Edition of Canadian Nursery Stock Standard Now Available!

Originally published in 1967 as a guide to minimum production standards for nursery stock, the Canadian Nursery Stock Standard continues to be one of the industry’s most-referenced documents.  The Standard is reviewed regularly to ensure that it is consistent with modern production and marketplace practices.  Under the guidance of the Nursery Stock Standard Committee, this current revision is the result of two years of work involving nursery growers with various production proficiencies and representing all production types and geographic regions of Canada.  The revision process also included consultation with various user group organizations from across Canada, including landscape architects and municipalities.
Noted chair Brett Mattson (Mattson Tree Farms), the Committee acknowledges the efforts of all nursery grower participants, and extends thanks to the committee members of Bart Brusse (Sheridan Nurseries), Aaron Krahn (Lakeshore Tree Farms) and Harold Voogd (Sunstar Nurseries).  “We are especially grateful to our committee members and editors Arnold Heuver and Dr. Glen Lumis for their many hours spent to review and incorporate changes and even to contribute to the new and improved format.  Their efforts were above and beyond the high standards we have come to expect from our many dedicated volunteers.”
It is the intent of the Committee that this ninth edition will be a living document, allowing for changes and edits to be made as necessary.  The Canadian Nursery Stock Standard will therefore be available as a downloadable .PDF document only.
Also available for download is a list of relevant changes made to the ninth edition and compiled by Dr. Glen Lumis.

Are you planning to hire a student this summer?

Hundreds of Alberta employers have already applied to the Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP) and are creating summer jobs for student hires. Students will gain valuable workplace experience and eligible employers will be reimbursed $7/hour in a wage subsidy.

STEP will support over 2,500 summer jobs across Alberta this year. Don’t miss the opportunity to boost your workforce while contributing to the future success of a student. Application deadline is February 24, 2017.

APPLY FOR STEP NOW

Landscape Alberta Advertising and Sponsorship Packages

Landscape Alberta has put together some new ways to reach potential clients and customers, including online and social media advertising. This is on top of the many advertising and sponsorship opportunities already available throughout the year.
Take a look over the flyer and if you are interested in learning more or having a package put together for your company, let me know! There are limited opportunities available, and requests will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.