Industry leaders from across the country gathered in Regina, Sask., to commemorate award-winning projects showcasing innovation, craftsmanship, and a commitment to raising professionalism in the landscape sector.

The 22^nd annual National Awards of Landscape Excellence (NALE) brought together more than 100 industry members from across Canada, representing the full spectrum of the horticultural trades.

The NALE recognizes Canadian companies that have made outstanding contributions to raising professionalism in the landscape industry.

Each province nominates winners from its Provincial Awards of Excellence to compete nationally, with up to three submissions per category, 15 entries per association, across five categories: commercial landscape construction, residential landscape construction, commercial landscape maintenance, residential landscape maintenance, and landscape design.

This year’s winners are:

• Caterpillar Award for Commercial Landscape Construction

Rutherford Contracting for Innisfil Town Square Development, Innisfil, Ont.

• Caterpillar Award for Residential Landscape Construction

Swick’s Landscaping for Connaught Manor, Shaughnessy Estate, Vancouver.
● Intrigue Media Award for Landscape Design

Lavish Gardens for The Retreat Gardens Phase 1, Stirling, Ont.

• HortProtect Award for Residential Landscape Maintenance

The Landmark Group for Alpine Reflections, Thornbury, Ont.
● Home Depot Award for Commercial Landscape Maintenance

Land Tec Landscape Contractors for Uline Edmonton.

• Outstanding Achievement—Green Innovation

Clintar of London for implementing 100 per cent battery-powered vehicles and tools for maintenance at the Canada Life grounds since 2017.

• Outstanding Achievement—Use of Plants

Swick’s Landscaping for the Shaughnessy Shade Garden in Vancouver, thriving in diverse microclimates under a mature tree canopy.

• Outstanding Achievement—Landscape Feature

VisionScapes for Exquisite Solitude in the Foothills in Calgary, Alta., features a river, fire pit, and moat-surrounded seating area.

• Caterpillar Green for Life Community Award

Summerside and Area Garden Club for the Prince County Hospital Healing Courtyard Garden, Summerside, P.E.I.

• Green My City Award

Brookmill Blvd. Jr. Public School, Toronto District School Board, Scarborough, Ont., for vegetable gardens combining horticulture, Indigenous practices, and food security education.

• Communities in Bloom Award of Distinction

Ville de Rosemère, Q.C., for long-standing excellence in beautification, sustainability, and civic pride.