Ontario Parks Association upcoming events

Parks Management Practitioner Program - Level 1 (19 Oct 2026)

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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; October 26th, November 2nd & 9th at via email)
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

Parks Management Practitioner Program

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

Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 2 (02 Nov 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

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

Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 1 (02 Nov 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

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.

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

Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 2 (02 Nov 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

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.

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

Click Here to Register

Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 3 (02 Nov 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

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.

Click Here to Register

Parks Management Practitioner Program - Level 1 (02 Nov 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Parks Management Practitioner Program

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

Parks Management Practitioner Program

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

Parks Management Practitioner Program - Level 2 (02 Nov 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Parks Management Practitioner Program

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

Parks Management Practitioner Program - Level 3 (02 Nov 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Parks Management Practitioner Program

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

Smart About Salt Council- Training Webinar (16 Dec 2026)

Wed, 16 Dec 2026 13:30:00 GMT

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.

Book 7 Training (18 Dec 2026)

Fri, 18 Dec 2026 13:30:00 GMT

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).

Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 3 (04 Jan 2027)

Mon, 04 Jan 2027 05:00:00 GMT

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.

Click Here to Register

Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 2 (04 Jan 2027)

Mon, 04 Jan 2027 05:00:00 GMT

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.

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

Click Here to Register

Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 1 (04 Jan 2027)

Mon, 04 Jan 2027 05:00:00 GMT

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.

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

Park Encampments: Outreach & Response - County of Brant (03 Mar 2027)

Wed, 03 Mar 2027 13:00:00 GMT

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

Sports Turf Maintenance (14 Apr 2027)

Wed, 14 Apr 2027 13:00:00 GMT

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).