2021 was supposed to be better than 2020. I don’t think it was better, but it was different. The government eased restrictions before Christmas, leading to more COVID cases in the new year. The LO COVID-19 Task Force responded with more information and reinforced the “Don’t let your Guard down” campaign. As a result of the continuing COVID spike, we started off the year with no Congress and it was disappointing to miss out on the very best green industry trade show. The show team did an amazing job of building a virtual show, but as we’ve learned over time, virtual is no substitute for the all-important face-to-face visits with our vendors and industry colleagues. 

Cancelling Congress was a hit to a major revenue source, leading LO to form a committee to look at alternate revenue sources. Ideas flew and the committee made a list of possible revenue sources, including a billboard on LO property facing Highway 401, and an LO endorsed insurance program. 

The billboard concept is moving through the approval process. We look forward to working with the MTO to set the standard for billboard aesthetics and partnerships. 

The investigation into a home grown insurance offering led to some difficult conversations with our friends at CNLA, but hopefully that is in the past and at the very least, we’ve shaken up the status quo to create a better, more relevant program endorsed by CNLA. These discussions with CNLA also resulted in a more equitable split of revenue between the provinces. 

The Grow program was another huge success this year. Funding from both the federal and provincial governments came through for New Entrant Worker Training for the landscape industry. The Incumbent Worker Training Program that trains existing employees to move up into supervisory positions, and the Employers of Choice Program, to train employers to enhance their ability to attract new employees, were also included in the funding.

Bill 118 passed in the Ontario legislature, reducing the impact of frivolous insurance claims on the snow and ice industry. Thanks to the efforts of the Snow and Ice Sector group, the reporting period for slip and falls was reduced from two years down to 60 days. This change will hopefully help to lower liability insurance premiums as fraudulent claims are reduced.

As spring drew near many members began to feel the pinch of supply chain issues. Equipment purchases that were made in late fall or early winter were delayed until after the start of the season or missed all together. Hardscape material suppliers were short on inventory and as the season went on, the selection grew smaller and smaller. Plant shortages continued throughout the season. The growers saw import restrictions of various related plants into the U.S. due to Box Tree Moth infestations in the GTA.

These supply chain pinches coincided with a booming market for residential projects. As the year progressed it seemed like everyone wanted to spend money on their home. Pool builders were booking well into 2022 and most design/build contractors were in the same boat. It became clear that there was more work out there than the entire industry could keep up with. The labour issue became even more urgent. Most contractors I spoke to could have been doing more work if they had the people to do it.

As we move into 2022, new challenges will surely appear, and the new board will roll with them. I look forward to serving you as LO’s rep on the CNLA board.