In this episode of the Landscape Ontario Podcast, host Karina Sinclair discusses the industry's shift from gas-powered to battery-powered equipment in pursuit of a zero-emissions future. Joined by Joe Salemi, executive director of Landscape Ontario, they delve into the City of Toronto's considerations for banning two-stroke engines and Landscape Ontario's pivotal role in influencing this decision through a comprehensive study. The episode covers challenges faced in adopting battery-powered equipment, the impact on small businesses and strategies for landscapers to prepare for future regulatory changes. They also discuss technological advancements in battery-powered gear, advocating for a collaborative approach to achieving sustainable practices in the landscape industry.
Resources
Episode Transcription
Report: Beyond Gas-Powered Equipment: Exploring a zero-emissions future in landscape horticulture
Working toward a zero-emissions future - Landscape Ontario
Toronto City Council votes against two-stroke engine ban - Landscape Ontario
Green Cities Foundation
Trees for Life
--------
37:32
--------
37:32
Growing beyond limits:
In this episode, Joe Steeves shares his journey of working in his dream job within the green trades. Defined not by his cerebral palsy but by his passion for plants, Joe discusses the importance of educator and employer efforts in creating inclusive opportunities. Through a university-level, virtual learning program, Joe has gained knowledge in soil diversity, pest management, plant identification and arboriculture. Additionally, he shares his positive experiences working in the community garden in the town of Riverview, N.B., highlighting the support and accommodations provided by his town and employer. Joe's story emphasizes the rewarding aspects of working outdoors and his hopes for a stable, long-term career in the green trades. This episode highlights the importance of creating inclusive and supportive work environments.
Resources
Episode Transcription
Town of Riverview
University of Guelph: Horticulture Certificate
Video version of this episode
--------
22:41
--------
22:41
One click, no chaos:
Before you break ground on your next job, make sure you’re not putting lives — or your business — at risk. In this episode, we’re joined by Jean Lépine, chief strategy officer at Ontario One Call, to talk about the critical importance of getting your locates before you dig. Whether you're planting a tree, building a patio or trenching for irrigation, striking underground infrastructure like gas lines or telecom cables can have serious consequences. Jean breaks down what every landscaper needs to know to stay safe, avoid costly delays and stay on the right side of the law. If you want to protect your crew, your clients and your reputation, you'll want to dig into this episode.
Resources
Episode Transcription
Courses:
Groundwork
Know Risk
Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance
--------
40:12
--------
40:12
Safety First:
Safety is the name of the game in this episode of the Landscape Ontario Podcast. Peter Guinane joins me to talk about the importance of jobsite safety. With nearly 40 years in the industry, Peter has developed a strong safety culture at Oriole Landscaping so it’s top of mind every single day. And as we are on the cusp of the 2025 spring rush for landscapers, there’s no better time to pause and consider the safety culture at your company. Whether you’re a business owner, a supervisor or a brand new hire, everyone plays a role in keeping a workplace safe. And not just for yourself, but for your crew mates, too. So listen in and find out what some of the most common injuries on a landscape jobsite are and what to do if an inspector comes around. You might want to share this with your teammates, too, because it never hurts to get a refresher on safety.
Resources
Episode Transcription
Oriole Landscaping
Landscape Ontario training and professional development
--------
44:24
--------
44:24
Get better first:
Get better before you grow is the advice from this episode’s guest, George Uvari. The landscaping veteran turned business consultant talks about saving time and money by outsourcing certain tasks, the value of understanding personality types, finding peace and harmony, and attracting luck to your business. George believes it’s possible for business owners to reclaim time, reduce stress and even have fun running a successful company by shifting priorities from profit to people and processes. If you’re ready to work smarter, not harder, then take some time to learn from this episode of the Landscape Ontario Podcast.
Resources
Episode Transcription
Knowledge Tree Consulting
Oriole Landscaping
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
The Game with Alex Hormozi podcast
Canada - english