The industry is positioned for continued future growth because of many social trends, including:

• Aging baby boomers interested in garden and garden-related activities during retirement.

• The return of “staycation” and the rising concern for the environment.

Given these trends, the landscape industry is fostering strategic alliances with other business professionals to act on these social trends and work towards professional development.

At Congress 2010, a three-day horticultural, lawn and garden trade show taking place Jan. 12-14 at the Toronto Congress Centre, Landscape Ontario is partnering with the Ontario Parks Association, Communities in Bloom (Ontario), the Canadian Fence Industry Association, as well as the aquatic leisure industry, as a means of creating a one-stop buying and networking experience for business professionals.

The Ontario Parks Association will be running their annual Explorations 2010 trade show in conjunction with Landscape Ontario’s Congress 2010.  The 17th annual parks, grounds and recreation facilities trade show is dedicated to showcasing products and services related to parks and green spaces sectors.

“We are extremely excited about the partnership that we have established with Landscape Ontario and other business professionals at Congress 2010,” said Paul Ronan, executive director of the Ontario Parks Association. “By collectively combining the mandates of Ontario Park’s Association’s Protecting Tomorrow Today, Communities in Bloom – Ontario’s People, Plants and Pride and Landscape Ontario’s Green for Life, as well as the mandates of other businesses, we believe that these partnerships will influence our sectors future with positive growth”.

The Canadian Fence Industry Association is returning to Congress to host a showcase dedicated to high quality fence products and related services. Delegates will discover a wide selection of fence wholesalers and manufacturers of aluminum, bamboo, chain link, steel, wood and even some certified green composite fencing suitable for LEED projects.

Several vendors from the aquatic leisure industry are also participating at Congress 2010. Some of these vendors include builders and contractors, retailers, service providers, manufacturers and distributors of swimming pools, hot tubs and water feature products. 

The Green Forum is also back for its second year at Congress 2010 and is dedicated to the exchange of information and best practices on sustainable green initiatives as a means of planning for a sustainable future in Ontario and throughout Canada. The Green Forum is an opportunity for both corporate and municipal leaders to work together on solutions for the environmental challenges ahead.

Congress 2010 is also hosting the Second Annual Mayors’ Green Eggs Breakfast to officially open Congress/Exploration Trade Show and the Green Communities and Green Parks half-day event. Free transportation for mayors and elected officials is provided from VIA Rail Canada on their Green Mayor’s Express.

ABOUT THE CONGRESS 2010 PARTNERS

Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association is one of the most vibrant associations of its kind, comprised of over 2,000 members, ten sector groups and nine local chapters. Its trade mission is to promote the horticulture industry in Ontario, and its public mission is to promote the joys and benefits of green spaces.

The Canadian Fence Industry Association is a non-profit organization representing contractors, retailers, agents, wholesalers and manufacturers of fence products and services. They are dedicated to representing high construction standards as well as a high level of ethical business behavior in a competitive market place.

The Ontario Parks Association is a registered charity organization that is devoted to bringing together those people who are interested in the development and protection of parks and green spaces. The OPA is committed to educate park professionals and enable them to meet or exceed industry standards while actively advocating for the protection and enhancement of parks and open spaces. Our motto “Protecting Tomorrow Today” is a commitment to civic beautification and the advancement, protection and conservation of parks, open space and the environment in the province of Ontario.

Communities in Bloom Ontario is a non-profit Canadian organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community participation and the challenge of a friendly competition. The Communities in Bloom program helps inspire communities to enhance and sustain the visual appeal of neighbourhoods, public spaces, parks and streetscapes through the imaginative use of regionally-appropriate flowers, plants, trees and landscaping. A focus on the preservation of heritage and cultural assets with attention to environmental stewardship is an integral part of its success resulting in an improved quality of life for all.