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Grow the Future of Garden Retail

Supporting the Future of Garden Retail Leadership

GCC introduces two funding opportunities designed to elevate leadership in Canada’s garden centre community.

Introducing the PLANT Forward Bursaries

Garden Centres Canada (GCC) is pleased to introduce the PLANT Forward Bursaries, two national programs created to support and advance professionals across the Canadian garden centre retail sector.

Future Leader Bursary

Provides up to $3,000 to candidates aged 40 or younger to attend the Garden Centres Canada Summit, supporting early-career professionals with exceptional promise.

Retail Leadership Bursary

Provides up to $7,000 for retail employees or owners who demonstrate outstanding leadership to attend the International Garden Centre Association Congress, an international forum for innovation, networking, and global best practices.

Rooted in the values of Professional Leadership Advancement and Networking for Talent, both bursaries provide recipients with opportunities to grow their careers through:

  • Professional development funding
  • Mentorship from experienced industry leaders
  • Access to GCC events, workshops, and national networks

Designed to help the next generation grow boldly and lead with purpose, these bursaries strengthen both individual career pathways and the long-term vitality of independent garden centres across Canada.

“The future of garden retail will be shaped by the individuals we empower today. The PLANT Forward Bursary is our commitment to supporting passionate, innovative professionals who will lead our industry forward.”
Robin Godfrey, Chair of Garden Centres Canada. 

The inaugural application period is now open. Full details, eligibility, and application guidelines are available at:
 https://www.cnla.ca/news/plant-forward-bursery-announce

For retailers looking to encourage internal talent or nominate rising leaders, these bursaries offer a meaningful opportunity to invest in your team and in the future of our industry.

[ APPLY TODAY ]

Important message for the TFWP

The purpose of this communication is to remind you that, effective January 1, 2026, the Government of Canada will reinstate the requirement for employers to provide proof of advertising when submitting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application to hire temporary foreign workers for primary agriculture positions under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW Program).

Currently, employers submitting LMIA applications for primary agriculture positions on, or before, December 31, 2025, are exempt from providing proof of advertising requirements.

Effective January 1, 2026, employers will be required to meet all advertising requirements, including providing proof of recruitment efforts to hire Canadians and permanent residents, including members of at least 2 underrepresented groups in the labour market, such as:

  • vulnerable youth,
  • Indigenous peoples,
  • newcomers to Canada,
  • persons with disabilities, and
  • asylum seekers with valid work permits.

Recruitment and advertising requirements differ between program streams. Records of the employers’ efforts must be kept for a minimum of 6 years.

You are encouraged to share this communication throughout your respective networks, and with any colleagues or peers who may need to be aware of this information. If you have questions on the TFW Program, please visit Canada.ca or reach out to the Employer Contact Centre.

GROWTH MATTERS

GROWTH MATTERS: Green Industry Show & Conference 2025 Reports Record-Breaking Success

Red Deer, AB – The Green Industry Show & Conference (GISC) 2025 concluded with remarkable success, solidifying its position as the premiere horticultural event in Western Canada. Favourable weather contributed to the enthusiastic atmosphere, allowing the industry to gather and connect in record setting numbers.

Key Performance Highlights

The 2025 event, hosted at Westerner Park in Red Deer, established new records across key metrics:

  • Attendance Record: GISC saw a substantial 8 percent year-over-year increase in attendance, reaching a final count of 1,726 visitors over the two-day event. This marks an all-time attendance record since the show's relocation to Red Deer in 2022, representing a more than 70 percent growth in visitors since moving to the new venue.
  • Exhibitor Expansion: The total number of participating organizations grew significantly from 110 to 128 in 2025, an impressive 16 percent increase, demonstrating strong industry confidence and engagement.
  • Conference Strength: The educational component was highly successful, with over 300 conference passes sold for the 24 sessions and two keynote speakers.
  • Fundraising Impact: The Landscape Alberta Nursery Producers Annual Dinner and Auction hosted a record number of guests, raising over $28,000 for ongoing research and education initiatives in Alberta.

Industry Momentum

GISC 2025 has once again proven to be a pivotal event for horticultural professionals in Western Canada, reflecting the industry's upward trajectory.

"When the weather cooperates like it did this year, it truly makes all the hard work that much more satisfying," says Joel Beatson, Landscape Alberta Executive Director. "GISC is recognized as one of the largest tradeshows for the horticulture industry in Canada and continues to expand robustly following pandemic interruptions. With so many new faces at GISC this year, the future of the Green Industry is surely bright."

The organizers extend their heartfelt gratitude to all exhibitors, participants, speakers, and sponsors for their unwavering support and vital contribution to the success of GISC 2025.

Looking Ahead

The Green Industry Show & Conference (GISC) 2026 will return to Westerner Park in Red Deer, Alberta, on November 18 & 19, 2026.

For more information, please contact: Landscape Alberta – Joel Beatson – joel.beatson@landscape-alberta.com or Direct: 587-404-1328.

Landscape Alberta Membership Interest Form

About Us

Landscape Alberta (Landscape Alberta Nursery Trades Association) proudly serves members who operate businesses and organizations in the horticulture industry in Alberta. Please complete and submit the form below so that our Member Services team can with follow-up with you about the benefits of joining your industry association.


Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of Landscape Alberta

Part of the application process for Active membership (landscape contractors, growers, or garden centres) includes verification that your business holds appropriate insurance (liability and WCB), as well as 2 sponsors that can attest to your experience in the industry along with a few more details about the services and products your business provides. Our staff will be in touch very soon to discuss the next steps to make the member application process as easy as possible.

Your Ultimate Guide to GISC 2025

 🌿 Your Ultimate Guide to GISC 2025

Ready. Set. Grow.

Get ready to experience the largest horticultural trade show in Western Canada—GISC 2025 is back and bigger than ever! Held in the heart of the Prairies, this premier industry event is your gateway to growth, connection, and innovation.

Whether you're aiming to attract new clients, energize your team, or elevate your professional impact, GISC 2025 delivers the insights, tools, and inspiration to help you thrive.

🌟 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 year’s theme, Ready. Set. Grow., reflects the dynamic momentum of our industry—from cutting-edge business strategies and safety culture to AI, sustainability, and the newest plant introductions. If you're looking to stay ahead of the curve, this is the place to be.

🎉 Can’t-Miss Social & Networking Events

Beyond the trade show floor, GISC 2025 offers four signature events designed to spark connections and celebrate our vibrant community:

🌱 Landscape Alberta Nursery Producers Auction

📍 Red Deer Resort & Casino
📅 Wednesday, November 12
Enjoy a lively evening of bidding and camaraderie at this annual favorite, featuring both live and silent auctions plus a delicious dinner.

🛻 The Tailgate Party

📍 Trade Show Floor Seating Area
📅 Thursday, November 13 at 4:00 PM
Grab a drink, enjoy some snacks, and mingle with fellow exhibitors in this relaxed, high-energy gathering.

🌸 AGGA Garden Party

📍 Red Deer Resort & Casino
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.

🍸 The After Party

📍 Garden Terrace Lounge, Red Deer Resort & Casino
Unwind after Day 1 with a drink and great company. It’s the perfect way to cap off a productive day.

💼 More Ways to Engage

  • Job Board: Post or explore career opportunities right on the trade show floor.
  • Passport Program: Visit participating exhibitors, collect stamps, and enter to win exciting prizes.
  • Continuing Education Credits: Earn CEUs for ISA, LHCP, and Pesticide Applicator Re-certification through select sessions.

🌍 Powered by Landscape Alberta

GISC is proudly managed by Landscape Alberta, a voluntary trade association committed to advancing the ornamental horticulture industry across Alberta and Canada.

Join the movement at GISC 2025. Connect with innovators, grow your vision, and help build the future of the green industry in Western Canada one professional at a time.

Alberta Youth Employment (AYE) Incentive Announced

September 11, 2025 - The Alberta Government today announced a new incentive program to help combat youth unemployment in Alberta. This partnership with Careers the Next Generation (a non-profit who will administer the funding) aims to create new youth focused roles in small businesses to ensure youth have a great start to their working careers.  For many, their first job is the one that teaches lessons of responsibility and consciousness.  The horticultural industry has a long history working with young people and teaching lessons for life (and love of plants and people).   In fact, the announcement was made at long-time member garden centre and landscape firm, Classic Landscape (Ellerslie Gift and Gardens) right here in Edmonton.  Our friend Perry Stothart spoke after the Premiere and Minister regarding the positive impacts a first job in horticultural has had on hundreds and hundreds of youth over the years.  (Way to go Perry and the Payne family!)
Program Overview for Eligible Businesses
The Alberta Youth Employment Incentive program provides financial assistance to registered for-profit businesses to hire young Albertans aged 16 to 24. This program is an excellent opportunity for small businesses to expand their workforce while significantly reducing hiring costs.
The funding structure is tiered based on the number of youth hired and the total hours they work:
A key benefit for businesses with multiple locations is that they can apply for the maximum funding for each location.
How Landscape, Greenhouse, and Horticultural Businesses Can Best Take Advantage
Businesses in these sectors are perfectly positioned to benefit from this program because they are registered for-profit businesses that are operational in Alberta. The seasonal nature of the work often requires a flexible and expanding workforce, making young, energetic talent an ideal fit.
To maximize the benefits, these businesses should:
Suggested Job Roles for Youth
The program highlights the benefits of youth employment, including their tech savviness, energy, and adaptability. Small businesses can leverage these qualities by creating entry-level and hands-on roles that also incorporate modern tools and systems.
In the landscape and horticultural industries, suitable jobs for youth could include:
For more info please visit - https://ayeincentive.ca/
We expect this program to be highly subscribed and as such are suggesting to apply early, even if the intent is to have positions start in 2026.

National Award winners announced at gala in Regina, Saskatchewan

August 13, Regina, SK — The 22nd annual National Awards of Landscape Excellence (NALE) winners were announced live on August 12, 2025, during a special gala at Delta Hotels Regina in Saskatchewan. The event welcomed over 100 industry members from across the country, representing a broad cross-section of the horticultural trades.

This year, two Alberta companies received a National Award. Congratulations to Land Tec Landscape Contractors and Visionscapes! And a shout out to all of the other winners for their exceptional contributions to advancing professionalism in the landscape industry!

Home Depot Award for Commercial Landscape Maintenance
Winner: Land Tec Landscape Contractors
For: Uline Edmonton
Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Outstanding Achievement Award for Landscape Feature
Winner: VisionScapes
For: Creating an innovative landscape that includes a river flowing throughout VisionScapes’ Exquisite Solitude in the Foothills project, leading to a fire pit and seating area surrounded by a moat.
Location: Calgary, Alberta

The National Awards of Landscape Excellence (NALE) celebrate Canadian companies that have made significant strides in raising professionalism within the landscape industry. Each province nominates members from their Provincial Awards of Excellence, who then compete at the national level. Provinces can enter up to three submissions per category, comprising fifteen entries per association, in five categories: commercial landscape construction, residential landscape construction, commercial landscape maintenance, residential landscape maintenance, and landscape design.

The top projects in each of the five categories were awarded the Circle of Excellence. Three Outstanding Achievement awards were given to companies whose projects best exemplified green innovation, use of plants, and landscape features.  Additional recognitions include the Green My City award, the Communities in Bloom award of distinction, and the Green for Life Community award.

Caterpillar Award for Commercial Landscape Construction, Rutherford Contracting, Innisfil, ON

Caterpillar Award for Residential Landscape Construction, Swick’s Landscaping, Vancouver, BC

Intrigue Media Award for Landscape Design, Lavish Gardens, Stirling, ON

HortProtect Award for Residential Landscape Maintenance, The Landmark Group, Thornbury, ON

Outstanding Achievement Award for Green Innovation, Clintar of London, London, ON

Outstanding Achievement Award for Use of Plants, Swick’s Landscaping, Vancouver, BC

Caterpillar Green for Life Community Award, Summerside and Area Garden Club, Summerside, PEI

Green My City Award, Brookmill Blvd. Jr. Public School, Toronto District School Board

Communities in Bloom Award of Distinction, Ville de  Rosemère

Check your elm trees for DED symptoms – Elm Submission Form

Dutch elm disease is becoming more of a concern in Alberta.  2025 Edmonton has had one elm tested positive for DED.  Elm surveys are being done throughout the city all season. It only takes one piece of DED infected elm wood to cause a problem.

If you see signs of DED in your elm tree – wilting leaves in summer, branch dieback, brown streaks under the bark, please contact the hotline number in your municipality or the STOPDED hotline.

https://www.alberta.ca/dutch-elm-disease-overview

 

Dutch elm disease (DED) Hot line numbers

  • City of Airdrie 403-200-2699
  • City of Beaumont 780-929-4300
  • City of Brooks - 403-501-8793
  • City of Calgary - 311
  • City of Camrose - 780-672 9195
  • City of Chestermere – 403-207-2807
  • City of Edmonton - 311
  • City of Fort Saskatchewan- 780-722-9739
  • City of Lacombe - 403-782-1297
  • City of Leduc – 780-980-7133
  • City of Lethbridge - 311
  • City of Lloydminster 780-205-4600
  • City of Medicine Hat – 403-529-8333  “Option 6”
  • City of Grande Prairie- 311
  • City of Red Deer – 403-342-8238
  • City of Spruce Grove - 780-962-7584
  • City of St. Albert – 780-459-1557
  • Town of Stony Plain – 780-963-2469
  • Strathcona County - 780-467-2211
  • STOPDED – 1-877-837-ELMS (3567)

Emerald ash borer

  • CFIA @ 1-800-442-2342
  • STOPDED – 1-877-837-ELMS (3567)

 

All elm trees showing DED symptoms must be tested in the lab using the following form.

https://www.alberta.ca/dutch-elm-disease-sampling-procedures

https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/af-aphl-lab-sample-submission-form.pdf

Samples must be sent to the lab by a Municipality, County, MD or Special Areas representative.