Download Why is the OALA Advancing a Practice Act?

Ontario Association of Landscape Architects: Elevator Speech
Why is the OALA Advancing a Practice Act?
The Act will protect public health, safety and well being in relation to the public realm, environmental
stewardship and landscape conservation.
Greater resiliency of natural systems in the outdoor environment – critical in the face of climate
change
Enable recreation, education, culture and creativity to support health and well being - critical
for enabling healthy communities
Protect the public from unqualified individuals from working as landscape architects in Ontario –
resulting in risk of harm from negligent landscape architectural work.
Differentiate the field of landscape architects from allied professions and elevate it to the
same legal and reputational status as those that have Practice Acts – Architects, Engineers,
Foresters
Landscape Architects in the United States are regulated with Practice Acts – both must
demonstrate competency with accredited education, experience and examination
What is the OALA?

The Ontario Association of Landscape Architects, founded in 1968, is the self-regulating
association representing the profession in the province.

Our over 1,700 members engage in both public and private practice, promoting sustainable
environments.

The OALA currently administers The Ontario Association of Landscape Architects Act, 1984
which includes responsibility for:
o regulating professional standards
o accreditation for the profession
o maintaining and improving the examining process
o approving educational and professional development standards

Be ready to talk about what LAs can contribute to making Ontario successful in terms of:
‐ protecting natural areas (and the environment); enhancing biodiversity
‐ building healthy and vibrant communities
‐ addressing climate change (managing the impact of climate change and using natural system to
reduce the global warming trend)
‐ green infrastructure (including green streets and green roofs and active transportation)
- contributing to Ontario’s economy.
“Public welfare in the context of landscape architecture means the stewardship of natural
environments and of human communities in order to enhance social, economic , psychological,
cultural and physical functioning, now and in the future” CLARB

OALA members are engaged in both public and private practice, applying artistic and scientific
principles to research, planning, design, and management of both natural and built
environments. We promote sustainable environments as stewards of the environment.

Landscape architects are key players in the multi-billion dollar construction industry. – Be
prepared to talk about projects and places (with passion) - the ones you know/yours

For example landscape architects:
• design new neighbourhoods, parks and open spaces
• participate in transit planning and design
• advise communities on sustainable site design practices
• advocate for Green Development and implement the goals of The Strong Communities Act
• have skills and knowledge in mitigating climate change

LAs create places for recreation and tourism; play a key role in protecting natural heritage
features. As our urban areas continue to intensify, carefully planned and designed communities
and open spaces become even more critical. LAs are integral to the development of a healthy,
thriving province.
Inspirational statement
 Landscape architecture is about creating great cites, streets, parks and public spaces – ones
that inspire healthy living and well being while protecting natural environments and people.
Landscape architecture is about creating safe, sustainable and resilient landscapes, landscapes
that evolve but endure over time.
Thank the Member of Parliament!

An opportunity for landscape architects to thank politicians. Politicians may not often be the
recipients of thanks, but, it seems appropriate as the work that you do, and that what we do is so
intertwined. We both share some of the same goals – creating safe and healthy communities,
generating economic prosperity, protecting the environment, and creating sustainable
landscapes. Together we create policies, you provide funding resulting in the recent stimulus
package. And landscape architects provide the necessary expertise to plan, design and oversee
the implementation of these inspirational visions.
Some key points from the 2013 Economic Study on impact of Landscape Architecture profession on
economy in Ontario & Canada:
1. Strong Revenue Growth – Landscape Architecture revenue in Ontario Annual Growth Rate 8.3%
ahead of Architecture and Engineering
2. Rapid Business Creation – From 2001-2011 Landscape Architecture businesses in Ontario more
than doubled, 8.1% per year, ahead of Architecture and Engineering
3. GDP Contribution – Strongest of Peer Professions. Over 12.1% growth rate/year
4. Employment – Fastest Pace of Design Professions – 2001-2011 employment doubled over 10
year period
5. Wages - Lag Peer Professions – Higher than median wage of all occupations, lower than land use
Planners, Architects and Engineers
6. Strong Economic Multiplier Impacts on GDP & Employment Greater multiplier on GDP than
other design professions
7. University Enrollment Demand High – Capacity Constrained – Lack of capacity for more
students; high interest