Canadale Nurseries is marking a major milestone this year as the St. Thomas-based garden centre celebrates 70 years of growing deep roots in the community.
Founded in 1955 by Bill and Joan Intven, Canadale Nurseries began as a small roadside operation on Sunset Drive and has since blossomed into one of Ontario’s top destinations for gardeners.
That was Pauline Intven-Casier, daughter of Bill and Joan and current co-owner, vice-president and garden centre manager at Canadale Nurseries.
She recounts the “all hands on deck” approach for the family when they began expanding throughout the 60’s and 70’s.
Canadale’s focus on quality, innovation, and education, continues to make it a destination for plant lovers. The retail centre features demonstration gardens, free landscape plans, and a winding walkway where customers can find everything from annuals and houseplants to vegetable starts and patio planters.
Now led by the second-generation —with third-generation family members like Kate Holt also on staff—Canadale Nurseries credits much of its success to a dedicated team.
That long-serving team includes garden centre manager Jim Stinson, who recently celebrated 40 years at Canadale and Lesley Livingstone, garden centre supervisor with 24 years.
The wholesale nursery, which supplies garden centres across Ontario and Quebec, is led by veteran managers Robb Parmeter (37 years) and Rick Graham (35 years), supported by Shane Good and Jeff Haveron, each with over 30 years of experience.
Longtime staff including Mike Marchand, Geoff Baker, Devin McCloskey, Jason Hindley, Dustin Cardy, and Bob Lawrence have each served between 15 and 20-plus years. In the office, Connie Silcox brings 34 years of expertise as office manager.
To mark the anniversary, Canadale Nurseries is hosting special events throughout the year, including weekly plant promotions, the return of popular events like Dino Days and a Garden Party- taking place this weekend!
They have also introduced a commemorative 70th anniversary logo, which can be seen throughout the centre and worn by staff.
Intven-Casier said the family’s commitment to the community is as strong as ever, with long-standing support for organizations like the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, our local food bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Hospice of Elgin, among others.
Intven-Casier adds that in addition to giving back to the community and being a strong proponent of supporting local, Canadale Nurseries has been rooted with pride since the very beginning.
And it’s now been “70 years of passion for plants, gardening, and personal growth,” with the hope of many more to come.
Visitors are encouraged to follow along Canadale’s social media channels or sign up for their newsletter for updates on anniversary celebrations throughout 2025.
Written by: K. Freeman
