2026 GISC Exhibitor Feedback Survey
We depend on our exhibitor's feedback to make improvements to GISC every year! Please provide your feedback below.
Elm Pruning Ban is over until March 31 in Alberta
Elm Pruning Ban is over until March 31 in Alberta
By Janet Feddes-Calpas, Society to Prevent Dutch Elm Disease Executive Director
2026
Elm sanitation such as removal and proper disposal of dead wood and dead elms is essential to an integrated Dutch Elm Disease (DED) prevention program. The only time it is legal to prune elms in Alberta is between October 1 to March 31. This is when the elm bark beetles, responsible for spreading the deadly DED fungus, are not active.
Elm bark beetles feed on healthy elms and breed and over winter in dead and dying elm trees. If elm trees are pruned between April 1 and September 30, these vectors of the disease will be drawn to the scent of the fresh pruning cuts, potentially attracting beetles infested with the DED fungus and infecting your otherwise healthy elm.
Having your tree pruned properly is important. A professional arborist can determine what type of pruning is necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance and safety of your trees. Topping or removing an excessive amount of live wood is not recommended, will weaken the tree’s structure and shorten its lifespan. It is essential that all dead elm wood be removed and properly disposed of by burning, burying or chipping by March 31. It is also illegal to store elm firewood.
 Alberta is still free of DED although the City of Edmonton confirmed 18th cases of DED since it was first detected in 2024.  All infected trees were immediately removed and disposed of as per the Government of Alberta’s DED Prevention and Control Measures which are enforceable under the Agricultural Pests Act. Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) was also involved. All elm wood was disposed of at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre, following strict, specialized handling procedures.
Elm tree inspections are still ongoing in Edmonton. To date, their Pest Lab completed 193,016 visual inspections of elms. STOPDED contracted Living Tree Environmental Ltd. to conduct a cost share comprehensive DED survey in Redwater, Devon, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc and Morinville in 2026 and St. Albert, Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Beaumont, and Sherwood Park in 2025. No DED was found.
There is no cure once an elm is infected but DED can be prevented. We must stay vigilant to keep our elms healthy.
For more information on how to prevent DED call the STOPDED hotline at 1-877-837-ELMS or check out the web site at www.stopded.org.Â
We must stay vigilant to keep our elms healthy. DED can be prevented.
https://www.alberta.ca/society-to-prevent-dutch-elm-disease.aspx
Grower Alert: Recent Detection of Spotted Lanternfly near Windsor
There have recently been a number of new sightings and interceptions of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), mostly along the Windsor/Detroit border. CFIA is currently following up on these observations, and as of sending this, CFIA has not confirmed a population in Windsor or anywhere else in Canada. You will receive communications from CNLA and LO if a population is found and considered established.
Currently, Ontario growers face the highest risk, but growers across Canada need to be vigilant, as SLF spreads on conveyances too.
It’s important to remember that right now is a HIGH-RISK period for hitchhiking adult SLF. The adult phase of SLF is about 2-3 cm long; they have pinkish-grey wings with black spots and black veins at the tips. When the forewings are open, the bright red underwings become visible (for example, in flight). Egg laying starts around Sept 21 – look for 2.5 cm-long greyish, dried mud-looking secretions on natural and artificial surfaces outdoors.
Here are some recommended steps to take right now at your nursery:
- Find a time to do a 5-10 min briefing with all nursery staff (especially including any shipping/receiving staff) to refresh on what to look for and the importance of reporting it. We recently finished a 1-page handout (double-sided) that can be printed and shared with staff.
Briefing Handout >> - Take the extra time to inspect everything (NOT JUST PLANTS) entering your facility from the eastern US. SLF has already been intercepted on shipments of pots this year and has been found in pallets and other shipping materials in the past. If you suspect you’ve found SLF report it to CFIA: https://inspection.canada.ca/en/plant-health/invasive-pests-and-plants/insects/spotted-lanternflyÂ
- If you have preferred host plants near your growing or shipping areas (such as tree of heaven, grape vines, or black walnut), you are strongly encouraged to go scout these plants for adults.
- Take time this winter to review the BMPs and, if you have not already, complete and implement a pest module at your nursery: Spotted Lanternfly. Check back in using this link in the next few weeks as CFIA and CNLA are making some minor edits to these documents.
- Once SLF is established in Canada, CFIA will set up regulated areas. If you end up within a regulated area, having an active and approved pest module in place not only ensures the plants you ship are free from any life stages of SLF, but also facilitates CFIA’s issuance of the domestic movement certificate required to ship to customers outside the regulated area.
Your Ultimate Guide to GISC 2026
Rooted In Innovation:Â Growing Smarter for Tomorrow
The Green Industry is evolving—and so are we. Join us at the 2026 Green Industry Show & Conference as we explore cutting-edge solutions, smart practices, and innovative ideas that will shape the future of horticulture. Rooted in Innovation, we’re growing smarter for tomorrow—together.
What to Expect
100+ Exhibitors showcasing the latest in landscape and horticulture
25+ Educational Sessions led by industry thought leaders
1500+ Attendees from across the green industry spectrum
This event is a must-attend for industry professionals looking to expand their network. Our conference attendees can look forward to amazing keynotes and educational sessions that provide valuable insights and practical advice.
Early Bird Pricing Ends November 1 - Act Now to Save!
Can’t-Miss Social & Networking Events
Beyond the trade show floor, GISC 2026 offers four signature events designed to spark connections and celebrate our vibrant community:
Landscape Alberta Nursery Producers Auction
Red Deer Resort & Casino
Tuesday, November 17
Enjoy a lively evening of bidding and camaraderie at this annual favorite, featuring both live and silent auctions plus a delicious dinner.
AGGA Garden Party
Red Deer Resort & Casino
Wednesday, November 18 at 5:30 PM
Celebrate excellence in horticulture with food, drinks, and networking. Awards for Grower of the Year, Meritorious Service, and the Herb Knodel Award will be announced.
GISC Kingpin Klassic
The Gutter, 5118 47 Ave, Red Deer, AB
Wednesday, November 18 at 5:30 PM
End the first day of the Green Industry Show & Conference with an evening of friendly competition, great food, and relaxed networking at The Gutter in Red Deer. Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or just in it for the laughs, this social event is sure to be a great time!
Build a Team or Bowl Just for Fun!
More Ways to Engage
Job Board: Post or explore career opportunities right on the trade show floor.
Plant ID Challenge: Pick up your PLANT ID ANSWER FORM on-site. Visit all the participating exhibitors to check out their plant. Make a guess on your form, collect your stamp, and drop your form in the Plant ID entry boxes! Passports are available at the registration desk or at the Landscape Alberta booth.
Continuing Education Credits: Earn CEUs for ISA, LHCP, and Pesticide Applicator Re-certification through select sessions.
GISC is proudly managed by Landscape Alberta, a voluntary trade association committed to advancing the ornamental horticulture industry across Alberta and Canada. Connect with innovators, grow your vision, and help build the future of the green industry in Western Canada one professional at a time.
Tariff Updates – Sept 11, 2026
On August 22, 2026, the United States imposed a 50% tariff under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 on approximately USD 20 billion (CAD 27.6 billion) worth of Canadian exports. The tariffs specifically targeted key Canadian industries, including motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages, and dairy products. It is important to note that Agricultural products appear across all three proclamations, so please review every annex carefully, as these can affect each business differently.
You can review the official White House Fact Sheet for direct links to the full text and corresponding product annexes for each proclamation.
The Prime Minister announced that Canada will match the U.S. tariffs "dollar-for-dollar" with Canadian Counter-Tariffs to protect Canadian workers and businesses. These counter-tariffs came into effect on September 8, 2026. The list of Canada’s counter-tariffs can be viewed here: Complete list of U.S. products subject to counter-tariffs.
To support Canadian businesses, the government is introducing a $7.5 billion package of new and enhanced measures to protect Canadian workers and businesses, building on the nearly $25 billion in support the government has implemented over the past 18 months. This targeted and proportionate package focuses on workers and businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, in sectors most affected by the new tariffs announced by the United States.
These include:
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Regional Tariff Response Initiative
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Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
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Canada Strong Diversification Fund
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Rapid Response Supports for Workers and Employers
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Large Enterprise Tariff Loan (LETL) facility
More information on these support measures can be viewed at: Support for Canadian workers and businesses affected by U.S. tariffs
Additionally, the Government of Canada has developed a process for requesting remission of tariffs that apply to certain goods from the US.
The Government will consider requests for remission in the following instances:
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To address situations where goods used as inputs cannot be sourced domestically, either on a national or regional basis, or reasonably from non-U.S. sources.
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To address, on a case-by-case basis, other exceptional circumstances that could have severe adverse impacts on the Canadian economy.
As there may be special stipulations for some areas of Agriculture, it is important to speak with your customs brokers for any imports you are working with.
For all steps in the process, please visit:
You can submit your remission requests or any inquiries to remissions-remises@fin.gc.ca, with "U.S. Remission" in the subject line.
We will continue to monitor the ongoing tariff discussions and will provide information as it becomes available.
Applications and nominations are open for the 2027 CNLA Business Awards of Excellence
The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) is accepting applications and nominations for the 2027 CNLA Business Awards of Excellence. The awards recognize Canadian companies and individuals whose leadership, ideas, business practices and service are making a measurable difference across the horticulture and landscape industry.
The 2027 program includes nine awards: Best Business Practices, Most Innovative Business, Sustainable Solutions, Outstanding Volunteer, Emerging Leader, Green for Life Industry, Landscaper of Distinction, Garden Centre of Distinction and Grower of Distinction.
Companies may apply directly for seven award categories or be nominated by others. The Outstanding Volunteer Award and Emerging Leader Award are nomination-only.
Applications and nominations close on September 30, 2026. Recipients will be recognized in Victoria, British Columbia, in March 2027 as part of the CNLA Leadership Summit and Business Awards of Excellence.
CALL TO ACTION
Review the award categories and submit an application or nomination here: [ Explore the Awards ]
ABOUT BAE
The CNLA Awards of Business Excellence celebrate Canadian companies and members who raise the bar for professionalism in the horticulture and landscape industry. These awards spotlight real results. Strong leadership. Smart innovation. Sound business practices. Lasting community impact.
ABOUT CNLA
The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association represents Canada's nursery and landscape industry through a national network of provincial association partners. CNLA supports professional development, business growth and a stronger horticulture and landscape sector across the country.
MEDIA CONTACT
Stuart Service
Media Coordinator
stuart@cnla-acpp.ca
1 888 446 3499
GISC 2026 Attendee Experience
2026 GISC Attendee Experience
Thank you for attending GISC 2026! We appreciate your feedback on your experience at the conference. Thank you for taking part in this short survey. There is one set of questions for each session, please answer No for any session you did not attend. The survey will take approximately 5 - 10 min to complete. When you submit this form, it will not automatically collect your details like name and email address unless you provide it yourself.
Counter tariffs on some US-sourced inputs come into effect on September 8, 2026
On Friday, August 28, the federal government amended the list of goods imported from the US that will be subject to counter tariffs. These counter tariffs are scheduled to go into effect on September 8, 2026.
The updated, full list of HS codes for which tariffs will apply can be found here.
Some of the items that could impact nursery/landscape/retail, so we recommend reviewing the list carefully:
| 4819.10.00 | Cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard | 50% |
| 7322.19.10 | Radiators for central heating and hot air distributors including motor-driven fan or blower and parts thereof, of iron or steel - for heated buildings | 25% |
| 8413.91.00 | Pumps for liquids, whether or not fitted with a measuring device; liquid elevators | 25% |
| 8427.10.10 | Fork lift trucks | 15% |
| 8433.11.00 | Mowers for lawns, parks or sportsgrounds: Powered with the cutting device rotating in a horizontal plane | 25% |
| 8433.20.00 | Other mowers including cutting bars for tractor mounting | 15% |
| 8433.90.00 | Â - Parts | 15% |
| 8517.13.00 | Telephones, including smartphones | 50% |
| 8528.59.90 | Monitors and projectors, not incorporating television reception apparatus | |
| 8716.39.10 | Trailers and semi-trailers | 25% |
| 8716.39.20 | Other trailers and semi-trailers for the transport of goods: Other: Farm, logging or freight wagons | 25% |
We still recommend that you engage with your broker to have them confirm or identify if any of your US-sourced inputs will be subject to these tariffs.
Pending approval of the Governor in Council, it is the government’s intention for the new counter tariffs to benefit from remission in line with existing relief.
- Product and company-specific remission that has been implemented under the United States Surtax Remission Order will apply to the new tariff measures, in accordance with the terms of the Order. For example, steel goods currently eligible for remission of the 25% tariff would benefit from relief of the 50% tariff.
- In addition, the new tariff measures will be eligible for horizontal remission under the United States Surtax Remission Order covering the following goods/purposes until June 30, 2027:
- All goods for use by identified public health, public safety and national security entities
- Steel goods for use in auto and aerospace manufacturing
- Non-steel goods for use in manufacturing, processing, food and beverage packaging and agricultural production in Canada
- Manufacturing and agricultural production are broadly defined as including all activities under NAICS Chapter 31-33and NAICS Chapter 11 (including forestry, fishing and hunting).
Please contact Jamie Aalbers (jamie@canadanursery.com) if you experience any difficulties with imports from the US as these measures come into effect. As more information becomes available, we will be sure to post another update to notify all members.
Calgary Water Restrictions – September Update
Update as of September 11, 2026
*UPDATE 1*
The City of Calgary has updated Landscape Alberta about critical infrastructure repairs that will starting the week of September 14th for approximately 6 days, at this time they DO NOT anticipate any water restrictions during the repairs. The work includes shutting down of the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant reducing capacity in the system. Forecasted cooler temperatures and lower seasonal water use are expected to help keep overall water demand below the available system capacity while the work is underway.
*UPDATE 2*
Stage 4 restrictions planned for mid-October are still on but will now be delayed by one or two weeks to late October. (with work planned for 4 weeks once started). Stage 4 is a complete outdoor watering ban using city potable water sources. There are no exemptions for establishment or other during Stage 4. Landscape Alberta will continue to work with the City of Calgary to bring you updates as we approach the critical end of year push.
Full list of water restrictions by stage can be found here.  https://www.calgary.ca/water/drought/outdoor-water-restrictions.html
The City of Calgary has informed Landscape Alberta about critical infrastructure repairs that will likely require Stage 2 water restrictions beginning the week of September 14th for approximately 6 days. The work includes shutting down of the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant reducing capacity in the system.
Stage 2 does not eliminate outdoor water usage but does require some activities to be reduced. Changes include:
- Lawn watering, existing. Reduced to 1 x per week between 19:00h and 10:00h. Tier One water managed sites reduce watering by 20% and Tier Two by 25%.
- Watering of gardens, trees and shrubs, established. Reduce to 1 x per week as above. Exception for hand watering.
- Watering new grass seed (21 days) & sod (45 days). Â Water Managed Sites must reduce water usage by 20% for Tier One and 25% for Tier Two.
- Watering for new trees and shrubs (5 years).
- Watering edible food crops. Allowed
- Watering plants for commercial sale or donation.
- Testing and auditing of irrigation systems. Allowed.
- Washing sidewalks, walkways, driveways. Not allowed.
- Filling of fountains or decorative features. Not allowed.
- Water use for construction or renovation purposes.
Full list of water restrictions by stage can be found here. https://www.calgary.ca/water/drought/outdoor-water-restrictions.html
The above summary of impacts from Stage 2 restrictions is in addition to the previously announced Stage 4 restrictions planned for mid-October. Stage 4 is a complete outdoor watering ban using city potable water sources. There are no exemptions for establishment or other during Stage 4. Landscape Alberta is working with the City of Calgary to explore options for non-potable water sources for the landscape industry during the end of season push.
