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• Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 2

  • Start
    02 Nov 2026
  • End
    23 Nov 2026
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  Level 2 of this program will offer a new experience for OPA training, taking place over three weeks of self-guided learning, allowing attendees to work at their own pace through content covering the following topics: 

  
  

  Week 1

  • Plant ID 2

  • Design Basics

  • Display Installation & Maintenance

  • Irrigation

  Week 2

  • Soil Amendments 

  • Fertilizer

  • Advanced Pruning

  Week 3

  • Attend 

  • Intro to Greenhouses

  • Leadership Skills

  
  

  Prerequisite: 

  • Completed HPP Level 1

  
  

  This course will have quizzes every Monday sent via email on the afternoons of November 9th, November 16th, November 23rd , 2026

  Our goal with our 3-Level Horticulture Practitioner Program is to provide valuable information for those looking to get into the field of Horticulture that will take them from newcomer to job-ready.  This program also aims to provide career advancement for those in the Horticulture field through attaining the OPA Horticulture Practitioner designation as a valuable resume asset. Each level will cover new topics or provide more depth to existing concepts, creating a strong foundation for those looking to build a career in the field of Horticulture.

  Level 3 of our Horticulture Practitioner Program will be running in January 2027 We're looking forward to providing you with new and exciting opportunities to expand your career and enrich your knowledge!

  Click Here to Register

  Show details
• Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 1

  • Start
    02 Nov 2026
  • End
    31 Dec 2026
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  OPA is happy to announce we are running the very popular Horticulture Practitioner Program again this year.  Level 1 of this program will offer a new experience for OPA training, taking place over three weeks of self-guided learning, allowing attendees to work at their own pace through content covering the following topics: 

  Week 1

  1. Legislation

  2. Tools

  3. Soil Science

  4. Plant Health Care

  Week 2

  1. Workplace Hazards and Safety Practices

  2. Small Engines

  3. Bed Preparation

  4. Pruning 1

  Week 3

  1. Public Relations

  2. Mowing Turf

  3. Planting Trees and Shrubs

  4. Plant Identification 1

  This course will have quizzes sent via email every Monday afternoon following the first day of your registration. 

  Our goal with our 3-Level Horticulture Practitioner Program is to provide valuable information for those looking to get into the field of Horticulture that will take them from newcomer to job-ready.  This program also aims to provide career advancement for those in the Horticulture field through attaining the OPA Horticulture Practitioner designation as a valuable resume asset. Each level will cover new topics or provide more depth to existing concepts, creating a strong foundation for those looking to build a career in the field of Horticulture.

  Levels 2 & 3 of our Horticulture Practitioner Programs are also available throughout the year.

  We're looking forward to providing you with new and exciting opportunities to expand your career and enrich your knowledge!

  Click Here to Register

  Show details
• Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 2

  • Start
    02 Nov 2026
  • End
    31 Dec 2026
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  Level 2 of this program will offer a new experience for OPA training, taking place over three weeks of self-guided learning, allowing attendees to work at their own pace through content covering the following topics: 

  
  

  Week 1

  • Plant ID 2

  • Design Basics

  • Display Installation & Maintenance

  • Irrigation

  Week 2

  • Soil Amendments 

  • Fertilizer

  • Advanced Pruning

  Week 3

  • Attend 

  • Intro to Greenhouses

  • Leadership Skills

  
  

  Prerequisite: 

  • Completed HPP Level 1

  
  

  This course will have quizzes every Monday sent via email on the afternoons  week after the start of your course start date.

  Our goal with our 3-Level Horticulture Practitioner Program is to provide valuable information for those looking to get into the field of Horticulture that will take them from newcomer to job-ready.  This program also aims to provide career advancement for those in the Horticulture field through attaining the OPA Horticulture Practitioner designation as a valuable resume asset. Each level will cover new topics or provide more depth to existing concepts, creating a strong foundation for those looking to build a career in the field of Horticulture.

   We're looking forward to providing you with new and exciting opportunities to expand your career and enrich your knowledge!

  Click Here to Register

  Show details
• Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 3

  • Start
    02 Nov 2026
  • End
    31 Dec 2026
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  Level 3 of this program will offer a new experience for OPA training, taking place over three weeks of self-guided learning, allowing attendees to work at their own pace through content covering the following topics: 

  
  

       Week 

  • Botany Turf Greenhouse Operations Production & Propagation Week 2 Advanced Display Design Interior plantscaping, green roofs, ponds etc… Xeriscaping Trade Calculations Week 3 Purchasing, ordering tendering materials Computer programs & Record keeping Basic Project Management Managing Staff, HR Skills, Leadership Skills

        Prerequisite: Completed HPP Level 2

  This course will have quizzes sent via email every Monday afternoon following the first day of your registration. 

  Our goal with our 3-Level Horticulture Practitioner Program is to provide valuable information for those looking to get into the field of Horticulture that will take them from newcomer to job-ready.  This program also aims to provide career advancement for those in the Horticulture field through attaining the OPA Horticulture Practitioner designation as a valuable resume asset. Each level will cover new topics or provide more depth to existing concepts, creating a strong foundation for those looking to build a career in the field of Horticulture.

  Click Here to Register

  Show details
• Parks Management Practitioner Program - Level 1

  • Start
    02 Nov 2026
  • End
    31 Dec 2027
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  

  
  

  Parks Management Practitioner Program

  Transitioning from front-line service delivery into management can be a challenging step in your career. This program is designed for professionals ready to take on new responsibilities and develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in leadership roles.

  With guidance from experienced Supervisors, Managers, and Directors, Ontario Parks Association (OPA) offers an exceptional learning opportunity covering key areas such as management terminology, labour relations, finance, and the unique challenges of working in the public sector.

  The program is delivered in three progressive levels, each building on the previous one to provide a comprehensive understanding of management structures—preparing you to advance from Supervisor to Manager and ultimately into Senior Management.

   Program Format

  • Self-study, three weeks per level

  • One quiz per week for 3 weeks (sent Monday afternoons via email after registration)

  • Instructor support: Questions may be emailed to the instructor, with responses within 48 hours

  • Instructor: Reg Langen (reg@ontarioparksassociation.ca)

   Level 1 Topics

  • Week 1: Safety & Compliance, Management I

  • Week 2: Finance I, Procurement I

  • Week 3: Professional Skills I, Policy

  ✅ Registration

  REGISTER HERE

  
  

  Parks Management Practitioner Program

  Transitioning from front-line service delivery into management can be a challenging step in your career. This program is designed for professionals ready to take on new responsibilities and develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in leadership roles.

  With guidance from experienced Supervisors, Managers, and Directors, Ontario Parks Association (OPA) offers an exceptional learning opportunity covering key areas such as management terminology, labour relations, finance, and the unique challenges of working in the public sector.

  The program is delivered in three progressive levels, each building on the previous one to provide a comprehensive understanding of management structures—preparing you to advance from Supervisor to Manager and ultimately into Senior Management.

   Program Format

  • Self-study, three weeks per level

  • One quiz per week (sent Mondays; July 13th , July 20th, & 27th at 12:00 PM via email)

  • Instructor support: Questions may be emailed to the instructor, with responses within 48 hours

  • Instructor: Paul Ronan – paul@ontarioparksassociation.ca

   Level 1 Topics

  • Week 1: Safety & Compliance, Management I

  • Week 2: Finance I, Procurement I

  • Week 3: Professional Skills I, Policy

  ✅ Registration

  REGISTER HERE

  Show details
• Parks Management Practitioner Program - Level 2

  • Start
    02 Nov 2026
  • End
    31 Dec 2027
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  

  
  

  Parks Management Practitioner Program

  Transitioning from front-line service delivery into management can be a challenging step in your career. This program is designed for professionals ready to take on new responsibilities and develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in leadership roles.

  With guidance from experienced Supervisors, Managers, and Directors, Ontario Parks Association (OPA) offers an exceptional learning opportunity covering key areas such as management terminology, labour relations, finance, and the unique challenges of working in the public sector.

  The program is delivered in three progressive levels, each building on the previous one to provide a comprehensive understanding of management structures—preparing you to advance from Supervisor to Manager and ultimately into Senior Management.

   Program Format

  • Self-study, three weeks per level

  • One quiz per week for 3 weeks (sent Monday afternoons via email after date of registration)

  • Instructor support: Questions may be emailed to the instructor, with responses within 48 hours

  • Instructor: Reg Langen – reg@ontarioparksassociation.ca

   Level 2 Topics

  • Week 1: Management II, Organizational Concepts & Structures I

  • Week 2: Professional Skills II, Politics I

  • Week 3: Finance II, Procurement II

  ✅ Registration

  REGISTER HERE

  
  

  Show details
• Parks Management Practitioner Program - Level 3

  • Start
    02 Nov 2026
  • End
    31 Dec 2027
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  

  
  

  Parks Management Practitioner Program

  Transitioning from front-line service delivery into management can be a challenging step in your career. This program is designed for professionals ready to take on new responsibilities and develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in leadership roles.

  With guidance from experienced Supervisors, Managers, and Directors, Ontario Parks Association (OPA) offers an exceptional learning opportunity covering key areas such as management terminology, labour relations, finance, and the unique challenges of working in the public sector.

  The program is delivered in three progressive levels, each building on the previous one to provide a comprehensive understanding of management structures—preparing you to advance from Supervisor to Manager and ultimately into Senior Management.

   Program Format

  • Self-study, three weeks per level

  • One quiz per week for 3 weeks (sent Monday afternoons via email after date of registration)

  • Instructor support: Questions may be emailed to the instructor, with responses within 48 hours

  • Instructor: Reg Langen – reg@ontarioparksassociation.ca

   Level 3 Topics

  • Week 1: Organizational Concepts & Structures II, Leadership

  • Week 2: Procurement III, Management III

  • Week 3: Politics II

  ✅ Registration

  REGISTER HERE

  Show details
• Smart About Salt Council- Training Webinar

  • When
    16 Dec 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    13

  Register

  OPA is excited to announce that we are working in collaboration with Smart About Salt Council  to host a Smart About Salt Training Webinar which will go over information on winter maintenance and the reasons to gain knowledge about best management practices (BMP's) when using salt. This workshop, running from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, will cover the following areas, as well as encourage our membership to pursue full membership with Smart About Salt Council:

  • Overview
  • SASC
  • Salt and the Environment
  • Elements of training
  • Practical demonstration
  • How to get and maintain certification
  • Q & A

  This session will be hosted online on December 16, 2026.

  This course will be worth 1 credit towards the Parks Practitioner Designation, and 2 additional credits can be awarded with proof of complete certification through Smart About Salt.

  Show details
• Book 7 Training

  • When
    18 Dec 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Online - Zoom
  • Spaces left
    39
  • Registered
    1 registrant

  Register

  Are you or your staff aware that if you block a lane of traffic to conduct your activities, you are required by law to take specific actions? The OPA Book 7 half-day course will give you all the information you need to ensure you work in compliance with ministry requirements. You will receive a reference book to help you safely secure your lane so you can proceed with your work in a safe and ministry compliant manner.

  This course will cover:
  

  • When to apply Book 7 procedures
    

  • How to draft a traffic layout plan 
    

  • What personal protective clothing, signage, and pylon placement are required

  • Ontario Health and Safety Regulations

    Required materials: Please purchase a copy of the Book 7 Manual found on the ServiceOntario Publications website.

  DATE:  Dec 18th, 2026

  TIME: 8:30 PM - 12:30 PM

  LOCATION:  Online - Zoom

  COURSE COST

  OPA Member: $192.00  

  OPA Potential Member: $296.00

  This course counts as 1 credit towards your Parks Practitioner Designation.

  Register above online. An invoice will be sent to you within 24hrs of registering. Payment can be made online through the invoice you will receive or via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association).

  
  

  Show details
• Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 3

  • Start
    04 Jan 2027
  • End
    31 Dec 2027
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  Level 3 of this program will offer a new experience for OPA training, taking place over three weeks of self-guided learning, allowing attendees to work at their own pace through content covering the following topics: 

  
  

       Week 1

  • Botany Turf Greenhouse Operations Production & Propagation Week 2 Advanced Display Design Interior plantscaping, green roofs, ponds etc… Xeriscaping Trade Calculations Week 3 Purchasing, ordering tendering materials Computer programs & Record keeping Basic Project Management Managing Staff, HR Skills, Leadership Skills

  Prerequisite: 

  • Completed HPP Level 2

  This course will have quizzes every Monday send via email on the afternoons of January 18th, January 25th and February 1st, 2027. 

  Our goal with our 3-Level Horticulture Practitioner Program is to provide valuable information for those looking to get into the field of Horticulture that will take them from newcomer to job-ready.  This program also aims to provide career advancement for those in the Horticulture field through attaining the OPA Horticulture Practitioner designation as a valuable resume asset. Each level will cover new topics or provide more depth to existing concepts, creating a strong foundation for those looking to build a career in the field of Horticulture.

  Click Here to Register

  Show details
• Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 2

  • Start
    04 Jan 2027
  • End
    31 Dec 2027
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  Level 2 of this program will offer a new experience for OPA training, taking place over three weeks of self-guided learning, allowing attendees to work at their own pace through content covering the following topics: 

  
  

  Week 1

  • Plant ID 2

  • Design Basics

  • Display Installation & Maintenance

  • Irrigation

  Week 2

  • Soil Amendments 

  • Fertilizer

  • Advanced Pruning

  Week 3

  • Attend 

  • Intro to Greenhouses

  • Leadership Skills

  
  

  Prerequisite: 

  • Completed HPP Level 1

  
  

  This course will have quizzes every Monday sent via email on the afternoons the week after the start of your course start date.

  Our goal with our 3-Level Horticulture Practitioner Program is to provide valuable information for those looking to get into the field of Horticulture that will take them from newcomer to job-ready.  This program also aims to provide career advancement for those in the Horticulture field through attaining the OPA Horticulture Practitioner designation as a valuable resume asset. Each level will cover new topics or provide more depth to existing concepts, creating a strong foundation for those looking to build a career in the field of Horticulture.

   We're looking forward to providing you with new and exciting opportunities to expand your career and enrich your knowledge!

  Click Here to Register

  Show details
• Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 1

  • Start
    04 Jan 2027
  • End
    31 Dec 2027
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  OPA is happy to announce we are running the very popular Horticulture Practitioner Program again this year.  Level 1 of this program will offer a new experience for OPA training, taking place over three weeks of self-guided learning, allowing attendees to work at their own pace through content covering the following topics: 

  
  

  Week 1

  1. Legislation

  2. Tools

  3. Soil Science

  4. Plant Health Care

  Week 2

  1. Workplace Hazards and Safety Practices

  2. Small Engines

  3. Bed Preparation

  4. Pruning 1

  Week 3

  1. Public Relations

  2. Mowing Turf

  3. Planting Trees and Shrubs

  4. Plant Identification 1

  This course will have quizzes sent via email every Monday afternoon following the first day of your registration. 

  Our goal with our 3-Level Horticulture Practitioner Program is to provide valuable information for those looking to get into the field of Horticulture that will take them from newcomer to job-ready.  This program also aims to provide career advancement for those in the Horticulture field through attaining the OPA Horticulture Practitioner designation as a valuable resume asset. Each level will cover new topics or provide more depth to existing concepts, creating a strong foundation for those looking to build a career in the field of Horticulture.

  Levels 2 & 3 of our Horticulture Practitioner Programs are also available throughout the year.

  We're looking forward to providing you with new and exciting opportunities to expand your career and enrich your knowledge!

  Click Here to Register

  Show details
• Park Encampments: Outreach & Response - County of Brant

  • When
    03 Mar 2027
  •  
    8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Syl Apps Community Centre
  • Spaces left
    36

  OPA Presents: Parks Encampments – Outreach & Response Workshop

  In partnership with the City of Toronto

  OPA is excited to introduce our Parks Encampments: Outreach & Response One-Day Workshop, developed in partnership with the City of Toronto and offered exclusively to our members.

  This interactive, full-day workshop is designed for Parks and municipal staff who work directly with encampments in public spaces. Together, we’ll explore best practices, safe operating procedures, and real-world experiences from the field.

  Participants will:

  • Gain a deeper understanding of the scope and complexity of park encampments

  • Learn about the factors contributing to homelessness and the value of a coordinated response team

  • Explore tools to track encampments, provide outreach, and engage effectively with clients

  • Discuss staff roles, responsibilities, and training—covering both hard and soft skills

  • Review tools and equipment needed to work safely across diverse park terrains

  • Share strategies to keep parks open, safe, and accessible for everyone

  This course blends seminar-style presentations with open discussion, encouraging participants to share ideas, raise questions, and collaborate on innovative solutions. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn from peers, exchange insights, and strengthen your team’s approach to this complex and sensitive issue. Spots are limited — don’t miss out!

  Register today to join the conversation and help shape best practices for encampment response in our public parks.

  Warm regards,
  The OPA Team

  
  

  Show details
• Sports Turf Maintenance

  • Start
    14 Apr 2027
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    15 Apr 2027
  •  
    12:30 PM
  • Location
    Online
  • Spaces left
    21

  Register

  Reg is our turf expert. He is an experienced turf management professional with over 20 years in golf course management, landscape operations, lawn care, and the parks industry. He holds a Golf Course Technician Diploma from Seneca College and an Advanced Golf Course Management certification from The Ohio State University.

  Reg was employed as Supervisor, Parks Operations at the City of Mississauga, where he oversaw turf care operations, including both seed and fertilizer contracts, ensuring the highest quality turf in public parks and recreational spaces. Additionally, he held the portfolios for Turf and Sports Fields, leading initiatives to improve field conditions, optimize resources, and promote sustainability.

  
  

  This course will cover: 

  • Challenges, Issues & Trends

  • Benefits of Grass & Sports Turf

  • Soil Types, Functions & Drainage

  • Characteristics & Selection of Grasses

  • Fertilizers & Nutrient Management

  • Cultural & Maintenance Best Practices

  • Plant Health Care & Integrated Pest Management

  • Irrigation & Water Management

  • Overview of Common Sports Facilities

  • Weather & Outdoor Sports

  • Risk Management

  • Equipment Maintenance

    
    

  OPA is excited to offer this course online, as a 2 day webinar series! Day 1 will run from 9:00am-12:00pm, and Day 2 will run from 9:00am-12:30pm, allowing 30 minutes at the end of the workshop for you to complete a 30 minute test.

  
  

  DATE: April 14th and April 15th, 2026

  Day 1 April 14th - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

  Day 2 April 15th - 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM to allow for a 30 minute test at the end of the course.

  LOCATION: Online - Zoom (no account or download required)

  
  

  COURSE COST

  OPA Member: $255.00

  OPA Potential Member: $356.00

  
  

  This course counts as 1 credit towards the Parks Practitioner Designation.

  
  

  Register below online. An invoice will be sent to you within 24hrs of registering. Payment can be made online through the invoice you will receive or via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association).

  
  

  Show details