1-800-378-3198

Blog

Your Ultimate Guide to GISC 2026

Leave a comment

Rooted In Innovation:  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

Leave a comment

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:

  • Regional Tariff Response Initiative

  • Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

  • Canada Strong Diversification Fund

  • Rapid Response Supports for Workers and Employers

  • 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:

  • 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.

  • 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:

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/programs/international-trade-finance-policy/process-requesting-remission-tariffs-that-apply-on-certain-goods-us.html

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

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

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.

Step 1 of 5

Which parts of GISC did you attend?(Required)

Counter tariffs on some US-sourced inputs come into effect on September 8, 2026

Leave a comment

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   - 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

Leave a comment

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).   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.

LA Nursery Producers Auction November 2026

Leave a comment

Landscape Alberta Nursery Producers Auction Donation Form 2026

Name(Required)
Mail to Landscape Alberta Nursery Producers Group, 18051 107 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5S 1K3. Cheques payable to Landscape Alberta.
Drop-Off Donation
Pick-Up Donation
Please upload photo(s) of your donation(s) AND your company logo.
Drop files here or
Max. file size: 614 MB.

    National Awards of Landscape Excellence winners announced in St. John’s

    August 13, 2026, St. John’s, N.L. — The 23rd annual National Awards of Landscape Excellence (NALE) winners were announced August 11 in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

    The National Awards of Landscape Excellence celebrate Canadian companies and communities that demonstrate excellence, innovation and professionalism across the landscape industry. Each province nominates members from its provincial Awards of Excellence, with the top projects competing nationally. The awards recognize excellence in commercial and residential landscape construction, commercial and residential landscape maintenance and landscape design.

    The 2026 awards also recognized outstanding achievement in the use of plants, green innovation and landscape features, along with community-focused awards recognizing the role of horticulture and green spaces in creating healthier, more resilient communities.

    This year’s winners are:

    ‍Caterpillar Green for Life Community Award
    Winner:     Trees for Halton Hills | 65,000 Tree Challenge

    Green My City Award
    Winner:     250 Wing, RCAFA Inc., Phase 2 of the Pennfield Ridge Air Force Memorial Arboretum, Pennfield Ridge, N.B.

    2026 Communities in Bloom Award of Distinction
    Winner:     Town of Yarmouth, N.S.

    Outstanding Achievement Award for Use of Plants
    Winner:     Rockscape | Lake Joseph Residence, Muskoka, Ont.

    HortProtect Award for Residential Landscape Maintenance
    Winner:     Rockscape | Lake Joseph Residence, Muskoka, Ont.

    ‍Outstanding Achievement Award for Green Innovation
    Winner:     Canadian Rockies Landscape Corporation | Off Grid Oasis, Cranbrook, B.C.

    Outstanding Achievement Award for Landscape Feature
    Winner:     VisionScapes — The Modern Luxe Landscape, Calgary, Alta.

    The project’s defining feature combines a custom outdoor fireplace, precision stonework and layered lighting, demonstrating how craftsmanship and design can strengthen an entire landscape.

    ‍Home Depot Award for Commercial Landscape Maintenance
    Winner:     Para Space Landscaping Inc. | Avila & Bauhinia, North Vancouver, B.C.

    ‍Intrigue Media Award for Landscape Design
    Winner:     Vaast Design | Camp Canook, Muskoka, Ont.

    ‍Caterpillar Award for Commercial Landscape Construction
    Winner:     Urban Garden | The Bentley Rooftop Terrace, Toronto, Ont.

    ‍Caterpillar Award for Residential Landscape Construction
    Winner:     The Great Canadian Landscaping Company | Homage to Aker, Bowen Island, B.C.

    ‍2026 Grand Award of Achievement
    Winner:     Rockscape | Lake Joseph Residence, Muskoka, Ont.

    Two companies from Alberta were named to the 2026 Circle of Excellence representing one the top scores in their category: VisionScapes and Alchemy Landscape Ltd. Congratulations to all the 2026 National Awards of Landscape Excellence winners for their outstanding contributions to the Canadian landscape industry.

    For more information on the award winning projects and to see photos from the Awards Celebration, click here.

    City of Calgary: Fall water restriction timelines now available

    Landscape Alberta met with the City of Calgary this past week to discuss updated timelines for the planned pipe tie-in. Currently this phase of project is scheduled to begin October 13th and take four (4) weeks for completion. During this time Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions and indoor water reductions will again be in place. This will allow time in November for the final phase (no restrictions anticipated) to be completed before year-end.

    Exact dates and timelines might change based on a myriad of factors, but by releasing this information to Landscape Alberta members early we hope many will be able to mitigate impacts with robust project planning.

    As a reminder this tie-in work was part of the plan since early in 2026. While the timing is not ideal, the long-term stability that this water-main replacement project brings for industry in future years we hope will be worth the short-term pain. Landscape Alberta has suggested a later start to the project, if possible, but realized that is unlikely given the amount of work required in this phase and the phase after.

    A more detailed project description can be found here by the City of Calgary (https://newsroom.calgary.ca/bearspaw-south-feeder-main-replacement-project-remains-on-schedule-with-2-kilometres-of-new-steel-feeder-main-now-in-place/)

    Members are encouraged to review fall installation schedules, irrigation plans, and plant material maintenance requirements in advance of the restriction period.

    The City reminded us that while the timelines shared with us are best estimates, they emphasize that remains many other conditions that might trigger water restrictions or change the timeline, including another break in the pipe, drought, demand spikes during hot and dry spells or other critical maintenance.

    If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me directly. (joel.beatson@landscape-alberta.com – 1 587-404-1328)

    Edmonton: Four cases of Dutch elm disease confirmed in Glengarry and Rossdale Neighbourhoods

    Dutch elm disease confirmed in Downtown Edmonton
    August 24, 2026

    The City of Edmonton has confirmed one elm tree in the Downtown neighbourhood has tested positive for Dutch elm disease (DED). This is the 17th confirmed case of Dutch elm disease in Edmonton since it was detected in 2024.

    The tree is City-owned and located within the one-kilometer DED Protocol Zones established around previously confirmed cases. These zones include heightened monitoring, assessments and tree maintenance.

    The tree displayed signs of the disease and were identified by City crews. Samples were submitted to the Alberta Plant Health Laboratory and the tree was proactively removed on August 14 due to being located within 20m of an elm previously confirmed to have DED.

    Prompt removal of infected trees and any elms within 20 metres of them, along with a diligent pruning program to remove deadwood, helps reduce habitat for the beetles that spread the deadly fungus.
    All removals of trees confirmed with DED are coordinated with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Government of Alberta. Ground surveillance and additional testing of trees in the area is ongoing. All elm wood is disposed of at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre following strict handling procedures.

    DED confirmed in Downtown and Delwood Neighbourhoods – City of Edmonton News Release

    August 7, 2026

    The City of Edmonton has confirmed two new cases of Dutch elm disease (DED) in elm trees in the Downtown and Delwood neighbourhoods. The two trees are the 15th and 16th confirmed cases of Dutch elm disease in Edmonton since it was discovered in 2024.

    Both trees are located on city property within the one kilometer DED Protocol Zone established around confirmed cases. These zones include heightened monitoring, assessments and tree maintenance.

    Both trees displayed signs of the disease and were identified by City crews. Test results confirmed the disease, and both trees are being removed today as part of the ongoing efforts to contain the spread of the deadly fungal disease.

    Promptly removing infected trees and any elms within 20 metres, alongside a diligent pruning program to clear deadwood, is necessary to reduce habitat for the beetles that spread the fungus. For the tree in the downtown neighbourhood, nearby elms will not be removed at this time since the tree roots were contained and the risk of the ability for the tree to spread DED through root grafting is reduced.

    Removals will occur in coordination with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Government of Alberta. Ground surveillance and extensive additional testing in the area will begin immediately. All elm wood is disposed of at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre, following strict, specialized handling procedures.

    Dutch elm disease is a contagious fungal infection that spreads easily to nearby elms. The disease poses a significant threat to Edmonton's urban forest, where elm trees make up 22 per cent of the City’s Open Space and Boulevard Tree Inventory, or approximately 90,000 in total.

     

    August 1, 2026

    The City of Edmonton has confirmed four new cases of Dutch elm disease (DED) as two trees in the Glengarry neighbourhood and two trees in the Rossdale neighbourhood have tested positive for the disease. There have been 14 total cases of the disease confirmed in Edmonton since it was first detected in 2024.

    The trees were identified by City crews through a visual inspection. Test results confirmed the disease, and the trees will be removed as part of the ongoing efforts to contain the spread of the deadly fungal disease. Prompt tree removal is essential to maintaining the health and safety of the urban forest.

    All four trees are within the current DED Protocol Zone and the zone boundaries will be adjusted to include a one-kilometre radius around these new locations. The protocol zone is established in areas where DED has been confirmed to allow for heightened monitoring, assessments and tree maintenance.

    Dutch elm disease is a contagious fungal infection that spreads easily to nearby elms. The disease poses a significant threat to Edmonton's urban forest, where elm trees make up 22 per cent of the City’s Open Space and Boulevard Tree Inventory, or approximately 90,000 in total.

    Promptly removing infected trees and any elms within 20 metres, alongside a diligent pruning program to clear deadwood, is necessary to reduce habitats for the beetles that spread the fungus.

    All pruned elm wood is disposed of at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre, following strict, specialized handling procedures.