The Island's landscapers, nurseries and garden centres have recently been exploring options to create their own association on P.E.I.
Such an association, proponents say, would ensure higher standards and foster professional development within the Island’s garden sector.
Jim Landry, executive director of Landscape New Brunswick Horticultural Trades Association (LNBHTA), said, “Several P.E.I. companies began to work with LNBHTA and the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association a few years ago in order to improve their operations on P.E.I. As time passed, these Island companies began to see a need for P.E.I. association that could represent their industry and promote awareness and benefits of the local industry.”
On Aug. 11, interested Island companies are invited to meet and discuss the potential for a P.E.I. landscape, nursery and garden centre association. Landry noted that if there is support, the next step would be to identify local issues and concerns and then begin developing strategies to address those issues and the needs of member companies.
The session will be held in the Prince Edward Room of the Delta Hotel in Charlottetown from 6-8 p.m. For more information or to register, contact Landry at 1-866-752-6862.Both the New Brunswick and Canadian associations act as umbrella groups that seek to promote the sector at national and provincial levels. They help member companies to improve the level, range and quality of services they provide to customers and they also offer membership incentives such as group insurance rates, fuel discounts, support for training and assistance with financial agencies and banks.
Over the last 20 years, the CNLA has worked to implement an industry certification program called Landscape Industry Certified and currently there are 10 Island companies certified under this program. Landscape Industry Certified-related training is usually done during the winter months and covers topics as varied as financial management, safety training and industry skills in pond building, wall construction and concrete paver installation.
