b'PRESIDENTS MESSAGEResilience in a Time of Disruption and ChangeW elcome toWe also need to continue to advanceaware of what landscape architects do the secondour advocacy and new thinking on waysand why we need a practice act. editionto tackle climate change. 2021 AGM AND CONGRESS of the OntarioINCREASING AWARENESS OFNature-Based Solutions:AssociationLANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE The Green Recovery that Ensuresof Landscapea Great Recovery ArchitectsIt is more important than ever to use Product Directory.our collective voices to raise the profileNext years AGM will also be held Published annually,of landscape architecture and the valueonline. It is being held on April 22, 2021. BY JANE WELSH it is a valuable toolof the work we do. As well, OALA has partnered with of products andDespite being unable to meet in personCSLA to deliver the 2021 Congress on services in place for the profession. It issince March, we have been successfulthe theme of Nature-Based Solutions: available in both print and digital format. with increasing awareness ofThe Green Recovery that Ensures a As of October 2020, the OALAlandscape architecture to all levels ofGreat Recovery.comprises over 2,000 members. Thegovernment. OALA members have metConfirmed keynote speakers include: largest categories of membershipvirtually with federal, provincial andMartha Schwartz, renowned include 932 full members, 395municipal politicians across Ontario.landscape architect and artistassociates and 338 student members.Many were unaware of the depth and variety of the work of our profession.Maude Barlow, senior advisor to the This past year has been dominated by: United Nations on Waterour experience of and reaction to theThe meetings provide an opportunityFor the first time ever, CSLA-OALA to convey the important role OALA pandemic, and members play in creating safe and2021 Congress will be held completelya rising awareness of the huge needaccessible places, protecting naturalvirtually in May 2021. We are excited to plan an accessible online program that to advance how we address diversityfeatures and functions and in addressing and inequity. climate change and climate resilience.will offer education, engagement and The OALA has been proactive, nimblyAll whom we met were duly impressed. networking to landscape architects all across the country!shifting plans to meet the manyThis increased awareness of the valueThe conference is chaired by Colleen challenges faced by our profession andof our profession led to a meetingMercer-Clarke with support from our stakeholders.in October 2020 with the Minister ofthe CSLA Committee on Climate Our Annual General Meeting, originallyTransportation, Caroline Mulroney.Adaptation, which includes OALA planned for May 1, 2020 in London, Ont.,The OALA had expressed their concernmembers Miriam Mutton, Ben Watt-was held virtually on June 23. Membersregarding the provinces plan toMeyer and myself.approved the extension of Councilintroduce billboards on the 400 seriesI hope you continue to find this resource terms for one year and an updatedhighways and Metrolinx rail lands. helpful, and we look forward to 2020 budget that was revamped toWHY ONTARIO NEEDS A PRACTICEreceiving any feedback you may have. address operational changes due to theACT FOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTSOur council and staff are always COVID-19 pandemic.The OALA continues to advocate for ainterested to hear your questions and THE POWER OF landscape architect Practice Act, ascomments. We hope to find meaningful LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE many U.S. states already have. ways to engage you in the work ofMany of our members have raised theirWe have prepared a double-sided, one- your association! collective voices to challenge us, bothpage document entitled Why OntarioThank you to our members who provincially and nationally, to moreNeeds a Landscape Architect Practiceprovided time and effort on many fully address diversity and inclusion.Act, which we hope you will share withongoing issues. We are committed to ensuring that theyour colleagues, friends and the MPPsWe look forward to continuing our important dialogue raised by the Blackyou meet through your work.conversation as we work toward a Lives Matter movement continues pastThe summary document, included onresilient association that meets the the events in mid-2020 and results inpage 6, outlines that a Practice Actneeds of our members and ensures meaningful, proactive action. would reduce red tape and risk ofwe continue to support the health and The pandemic has illuminated alitigation, ensure ethical practices andsafety of the public.critical need for healthy outdoorallow Ontario landscape architects toYours truly,space, and we can use our powerhave similar standing as the majority of as designers to promote health andU.S. states. recovery both through access toIt has been sent to several key MPPs nature and in creative ways to reshapeand circulated to the membership.Jane Welsh, OALA, FCSLA the public realm.Please share it to make politiciansPresidentONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS 5'