Our Great Canadian Team
At the heart of every successful project lies a team that not only brings an array of skills to the table but also a passion for excellence and a dedication to client satisfaction. The Great Canadian Team embodies these values, striving to make every phase of our projects from concept to completion as seamless as possible. Our clients often express gratitude for how effortless we make the experience, reflecting the proficiency, diversity, and skillset of our team.
Expertise Across the Board
Our professionals are experts in all aspects of our field, featuring a team where many hold prestigious designations such as certified landscape technicians, red seal carpenters, and accredited installers. This ensures that you, our valued client, receive service that adheres to the latest industry practices and standards. We pride ourselves on staying ahead in our field, constantly updating our knowledge and skills to bring you innovative solutions and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Leadership Team
President/Founder
Learn MoreChris O’Donohue has over 25 years of experience in the landscape and horticulture industry. He founded The Great Canadian Landscaping Company Ltd. in the year 2000. Chris holds the designation of a Certified Landscape Horticulturist in accordance with the Statutes of the Province of British Columbia. Chris has lived on the North Shore since he was a toddler and currently resides in Edgemont Village with his wife and two daughters. He serves his community proudly through the and with Edible Garden Project. He has also served as the Vice President of The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #44 and was on the Board of Directors with TB Vets. In 2010, his company was awarded “Service Excellence” from the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce. He was also awarded the “Forty under Forty” from Business in Vancouver in 2010. In 2011, Chris was awarded “Business Person of the Year” from the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce. From 2013-2017, The Great Canadian Landscaping Company Ltd. has been awarded “Best of Houzz in Design & Service”. Chris works hard to ensure customer satisfaction through his continuous development in education and systems that are implemented at The Great Canadian Landscaping Company Ltd..
General Manager
Learn MoreWith 20 years in the design and construction industries, Leigh brings her expertise in project management, design coordination, and her skills in small business management to her role at GCLC. Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, with a background in residential construction and design, and commercial and residential property management, Leigh has had a respectable career in small business and is passionate about all things’ architecture and design. Detail oriented and meticulous, Leigh loves to be the final set of eyes on any project to ensure everything is picture perfect. Outside of work, Leigh spends time with her partner exploring BC with their five children and hiking with her dogs.
Senior Estimator
Learn MoreBrent has spent the last 12 years working at the Great Canadian Landscaping company in numerous roles. Using his experience in the field, he is currently the Senior Estimator focusing mainly on Landscape Construction installations. Brent takes pride in bringing quality landscaping to the lower mainland and ensuring ultimate customer satisfaction. In his free time, Brent loves spending time with friends and family and staying active through going to the gym, hiking, and participating in sports like hockey and golf.
Senior Manager – Landscape Construction & Snow
Learn MoreWith over 15 years of experience in the landscaping industry, Alex Jordan is a seasoned professional who brings a wealth of expertise to every project. For the past decade, he has been an integral part of the GCL team, contributing his skills and dedication in various roles.
Alex’s passion lies in creating and overseeing landscape projects. He thrives on transforming outdoor spaces into stunning and functional environments.
Beyond his work in landscaping, Alex finds joy in spending quality time with his family. You’ll often find him hiking, mountain biking and skiing in his free time.
Senior Manager – Maintenance, Softscape & Snow
Learn MoreJoseanne joined The Great Canadian crew in January 2020, and has been landscaping since 2016. Originally from Quebec, she has been considering the North Shore her home for the past several years and has grown to know and love the area and its landscape. Jozz is a certified Red Seal Landscape horticulturist. She is described as tireless, thoughtful, detailed and diligent. Naturally artistic, she loves maintaining and creating beautiful spaces. When she’s not at work, you’ll find her enjoying a mix of active and R&R lifestyle with her friends.
Maintenance & Softscape Estimator
Learn MoreDharma’s love for the outdoors took root in childhood and her excitement for the natural sciences and desire to work outside was reinforced while achieving an environmental science degree in Sustainable Resource Management. She finds her work in landscaping extremely rewarding as its multidisciplinary nature encompasses so many of her interests and passions, and there are always new things to learn. In the 10 years she has been in the industry, she has gained experience leading teams in a diverse array of maintenance and install project types, completed her Red Seal education in general Landscape Horticulture, a diploma in Sustainability for Business, and has now joined the Estimating team at GCLC. You can usually find her reading about plants, hanging out with her dog, playing the banjo somewhat poorly, and exploring the BC backcountry on foot, wheels, snow and water.
Assistant Maintenance Manager (Vancouver)
Learn MoreKate was born with a green thumb and has had a love for all things nature since a very young age. Born and raised in North Van, she started her landscaping career 12 years ago working alongside her Dad and his small company; it was there she discovered her passion for plants and yearn for growth and knowledge. In 2019 she enrolled herself in school, then in 2022 completed her Landscape Horticulturist apprenticeship, earning her Red Seal in Horticulture. Kate prides herself on her attention to detail, extensive plant knowledge, and use of proper horticultural practices to beautify the landscape. In her spare time you can find her hiking with her dog, tending to her home garden, or in the outdoors seeking the next adventure that life has to offer.
Assistant Maintenance Manager (Sea to Sky)
Learn MoreBrandie joined the team in September 2021, bringing with her over 7 years of experience in the industry and a fervent commitment to crafting landscapes for public enjoyment. With a diploma in ecosystem management and urban forestry, she possesses extensive knowledge in both environmental conservation and horticulture. Brandie is dedicated to infusing sustainable practices into her work, understanding the significance of environmental preservation and the creation of green spaces in urban settings. Moreover, she finds fulfillment in educating her clients about sustainable gardening techniques and their positive impact on both the ecosystem and their personal gardens. Beyond her professional pursuits, Brandie relishes soaking up the sunshine on a patio or embarking on adventures with her wife and two dogs.
Senior Designer
Learn MorePassionate about landscaping since his younger age, three years ago Paul travelled across the world to discover new techniques and cultures. After finishing his landscape design studies in France, he spent two years in the field to gain a technical understanding of landscape design.
Paul believes that landscape design needs to evolve at different levels due to global warming, such as the use of native plants and local materials to reduce the environmental impact of our industry while keeping a high standard of landscaping.
The way your garden is laid out can drastically change the way you use and perceive the space. He will go through a complete landscape design process with you to ensure we create the landscape that fits YOU.
Horticulture Coordinator & Junior Designer
Learn MoreBrittany Pifer has over 11 years of experience in the landscape horticulture industry. Her experience and passion for horticulture is a huge asset to assisting clients in creating personalized planting plans, with a focus on future maintenance in mind. With experience & education ranging from landscape maintenance, install, design and management. She also has a strong passion for plants, community, design and sustainability which makes her an asset to the team. In her personal time, Brittany is spending time with her daughter & family, exploring the mountains and traveling to the sunshine coast on weekends. She is also an avid gardener, with an interest in creating beautiful wild flower gardens for the butterflies and bees.
Field Project Manager – Landscape Construction
Learn MoreBraden’s role is the Field Project Manager of Landscape Construction at Great Canadian Landscaping. He has over 9 years of experience in landscape construction ranging from natural stone patios, walls, pavers and putting greens. He enjoys transforming clients’ yards into their dream space while seeing the transformation throughout the process. Braden is happy to call Squamish home, he moved here over 6 years ago originally from Ontario. When he isn’t at work, you’ll find him outside hanging out with friends or on a mountain snowboarding.
Field Project Manager – Landscape Construction
Learn MoreAaron has been working at GCLC since April 2023 . He made the trip from Ireland to call Vancouver home and to broaden his skills and lifestyle in Canada . Aaron is a qualified carpenter with 6 years of experience in renovations and home building since moving here he has taken a huge interest in landscaping and outdoor spaces with a keen eye for detail and practicality “YOU LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY “ . He spends most of his spare time exploring Canada and its great outdoors.
Field Project Manager – Landscape Construction
Learn MoreI have worked at GCLC 1 year. I am passionate about building and managing landscape construction projects and I like to make people’s dreams come true by creating a sumptuous yard for them.
I have over 15 years of experience in landscaping and construction and 10 years as a heavy equipment operator.
Originally from France, I’ve been considering Canda my home for the past 6 years. I love Canadian landscaping so much, along with the people here in Canda.
On my free time I love skiing, fishing, and paddling on the ocean or lake.
Yard Manager / Machine Operator
Learn MoreSean has worked at Great Canadian Landscaping for the past 10 years and has enjoy many roles during that time. Currently, Sean is the Yard Manager and loves playing with machines. He enjoys being a part of the GCLC team and making sure everything is in good working order for the crews. When he’s not at work, you’ll find him working on his cars and taking them for a spin!
Manager – Accounting and Administration
Learn MoreCatherine Alderson has deep roots in the community as a lifelong North Vancouverite, providing information services in the landscaping industry since 2017. She holds a Masters Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from Western University and a Bachelor of Arts from Simon Fraser University. She is enthusiastic about providing good data to the team, to inform great decision making. When she is not at work, Catherine can be found volunteering in the community or making spreadsheets for fun.
Accounting Assistant
Learn MoreKaila has been working at GCLC just since 2022. She moved into the area over a year ago and is growing roots here in North Vancouver. Prior to Kaila moving here, she was a hairdresser back home; she is very passionate about developing relationships and anything revolving around creativity. When she is not at work, she is more than likely doing some sort of volunteer work, or growing in an internship she takes part in. Since being at GCLC, she has been excited to learn and strengthen skills that are being developed with the help of the team she works with.
Administrative Assistant
Learn MoreMary is most likely the first person you’ll see or talk to at Great Canadian Landscaping. She brings her many years of her customer service background to her role as office administrative assistant. Outside of work, you can find this North Shore resident getting her hands dirty in her garden, hiking on a local trail with her dog, or sipping a cup of coffee trying to solve Wordle!
Forepersons
Maintenance
Learn MoreI’ve spent the last 12 years working for the Great Canadian Landscaping Company as a Forman/Supervisor. I am a CLT certified Landscaping technician (Turf Maintenance) also I’m certified in emergency first aid for industry (OFA level 1 Equivalent), and I have successfully completed Smart Driver in the City on behalf of FleetSmart. In the Winter it’s all about Great Canadian Snow Management.
Maintenance
Learn MoreRyan joined GCLC in 2023. He has over 10 years experience as an arborist and landscaper. He has lived in North Vancouver for 8 years and loves the culture and community. Ryan loves plants and trees, and enjoys working outdoors. He is excited to be part of the Great Canadian team. When not working he can often be found snowboarding, golfing or enjoying some of the North Shore community activities. He also loves movies, reading and video games.
Maintenance
Learn MoreAlice originally from the UK has spent many years traveling all over the world working within different avenues of the Landscaping trade. From working in the mountains of New Zealand on new builds, to working on an eco farm in Malaysia. Alice has a joint honours degree in Creative Writing and Film studies of which part of her studies was within Germany, and after coming to Canada decided to further her studies within the Landscaping and Horticulture field and is currently completing her Red Seal. Alice looks forward to her progression within the industry and sees a future in creating green spaces within cities, and understanding how we can develop our water management design within this. Alice loves being outside in her spare time, if she is not tending to her plants at home, she is taking her kittens on hikes in the local mountains. She is most at home camping or being by the ocean.
Softscape
Learn MoreTroy’s interest in gardening started at a young age, when he realized the best tasting fruit came straight from the garden in his own backyard where he grew up, in Mississauga, Ontario. His curiosity grew as he enjoyed planting odd varieties of common plants like Purple Potatoes, Hopi Blue Corn, or Romanesco Broccoli. Later he moved to the West Coast, and studied Horticulture at UFV. He joined the Great Canadian Landscaping Company team in 2021, and has learned a ton from his knowledgeable colleagues. His experience with GCLC has made him a more well-rounded landscaper, improving his skills in other fields like carpentry, hardscape and design. In his spare time, he enjoys going for very long runs in the forest, swimming, camping, woodworking, cooking and eating amazing food.
Softscape
Learn MoreAaron is a Landscape Construction foreperson and horticulturist. I grew up in Vancouver on the Sunshine Coast. Since a young age, I’ve enjoyed playing with dirt, plants, and rocks. Not much has changed over the years. I have a background in maintenance, planting and softscape. My current focus is stonework and hardscape installations with the good folks at GCLC. I hope to utilize my intrigue and passion for the elements to help you build your yard into a comfy and aesthetic living space.
Jr. Forepersons
Carpentry
Learn MoreMy name is Fritz, and I am proud to be a skilled carpenter at the esteemed Great Canadian Landscaping Company.
My journey began in the service industry as a Barman, where I worked my way up from porter to becoming the owner of one of the top pubs in North Vancouver. Unfortunately, the unexpected arrival of the pandemic disrupted my thriving business.
However, I firmly believe that challenges are opportunities in disguise. Through unwavering teamwork and a thirst for knowledge, I have had the privilege of working alongside talented Red Seal Carpenters. It is my sincere hope to pass on the valuable skills and wisdom I have gained to our new team members, fostering a culture of growth and excellence.
In addition to my professional accomplishments, I have achieved remarkable feats that have left a lasting impact. I have proudly won a world cup, showcasing my dedication and talent on a global stage. Furthermore, I have contributed to the English language by having a word included in the dictionary, a testament to my creativity and innovation. Additionally, I was humbled to receive a Commanders Commendation for my selfless efforts in feeding the Canadian Army during their mission in Afghanistan.
Beyond my work, I find immense joy in pursuing my hobbies. Skiing allows me to embrace the exhilaration of nature, while drones and 3D design and printing fuel my imagination and inventiveness.
Above all, my ultimate goal in life is to continue my journey of learning and personal development. I am driven by a deep desire to make a positive impact on the world, no matter how small. With each step forward, I aspire to contribute to the collective effort of making this world a better place for future generations.
Being raised in the lower mainland, Medea has always had a deep love for nature and all things plants. Just out of high school she obtained a red seal in Culinary Arts and became a chef. Looking for a change, she shifted her focus to horticulture. For over 3 years she has gained her experience through online courses and in field training. She is now looking to further her learning by obtaining her red seal in horticulture.
In Medea’s spare time, she spends it relaxing and cooking with friends and family, going for hikes, spending time in her garden and finding a creative outlet through art.
Maintenance
Learn MoreDale joined the Great Canadian Landscaping Company Ltd. in 2019. A Western Australian resident now calling North Vancouver home. One of the many favourite parts of his job is the transformation process of a project, working alongside dedicated teams to clean and maintain client’s beloved garden space. Dale looks forward to obtaining his Landscape Horticulturist Red Seal and would also like to pursue further training in arboriculture. His overall goal is to continue expanding his knowledge in the field, building, and maintaining the beautiful Great Canadian landscapes with his team. Outside of work, Dale can be found taking weekend road trips, working on his garden, or traveling to Vancouver Island with his partner and their two cats.
Realizing Your Vision
Our process begins with your vision. From the initial discussions around concept design, through to the meticulous planning and onto the flawless execution, our team is with you every step of the way. We leverage our diverse expertise to transform your outdoor spaces into areas of beauty and tranquility, enhancing the value and enjoyment of your property.
Hear from Our Happy Clients
Don’t just take our word for it. Here are some testimonials from clients who have experienced the Great Canadian Team difference:
“Working with the Great Canadian Team was a breeze! Their diverse set of skills and attention to detail made our backyard renovation process smooth and enjoyable.”
“The team’s expertise in landscape design and carpentry truly set them apart. We couldn’t be happier with the results.”
“From the initial concept discussions to the final installation, their professionalism and dedication to quality were evident. Highly recommend!”
Areas We Serve
We service Residential, Strata, Commercial and Industrial properties in Vancouver, the North Shore, and Sea to Sky Corridor.
We are proud to offer Landscape Design, Maintenance, Installation, Carpentry and Snow and Ice Management services in these areas*
*Some exceptions may apply
Contact us today to learn how we can assist with your next landscaping project and elevate your outdoor space to new heights.