The thirteenth annual National Awards of Landscape Excellence took place August 17th in Kelowna, British Columbia. The BC Landscape Awards of Excellence were also presented during the ceremony. In attendance were the CNLA Board of Directors, BCLNA members, representatives from Caterpillar Inc., DynaSCAPE Software, FCA Canada, HortProtect, Kubota, as well as other distinguished guests and sponsors.
Also in attendance, was MP Stephen Fuhr, who announced the contribution of $1.1 million to grow the domestic and international market for Canadian ornamental horticulture. MP Fuhr's announcement was well received by everyone in the room, as this significant investment in Canada's nursery and landscape sector will benefit the entire value chain, from the grower to the consumer. CNLA President, Rene Thiebaud, confirmed that the funding will be used in a variety of projects dedicated to increasing market exposure of Canadian ornamental horticulture products.
National judges received over 50 entries in the landscape categories alone, where only five could be named national champions. A huge thank you to everyone that participated in their provincial awards for a chance to be entered into the national awards - 2016 was one of the biggest years to date.
Harold Deenen was awarded the prestigious President's Award for his years of service and dedication to the both the association and the industry as a whole. Donnie Burke accepted the Green for Life Community Award on behalf of Nova Scotia Lands and the other groups involved in the restoration of the Sydney Tar Ponds into the beautiful Open Hearth Park. Bradford Greenhouses Garden Gallery in Barrie, Ontario was named Garden Centre of the Year. Van Belle Nursery took home Grower of the Year and will compete in the international competition next year.
Congratulations to all of the winners for truly outstanding projects. Each entrant into the Awards of Excellence program demonstrates a commitment to their community and environment, by upholding the standard of what it means to be a true landscape professional.
###
|