About WSIP

Landscape Ontario developed the Water Smart Irrigation Professional (WSIP) program in partnership with the Region of Peel and the Regional Municipality of York. The program is now available to irrigation contractors across the province.

This program provides select irrigation companies with specialized training and certification to provide 'Water Smart' irrigation system efficiency and maintenance services to clients. This partnership benefits local businesses by providing the irrigation industry with enhanced training and knowledge, while supporting environmental protection and sustainable water use.

The Water Smart Irrigation Professional (WSIP) Certification Program provides contractors with the tools and knowledge to promote water-efficient irrigation practices to clients.

Participants learn about new tools and techniques to optimize irrigation systems for optimal performance with minimum water usage. Participating contractors also learn about new smart technology -- computerized systems that deliver water more efficiently and even take rainfall into account.

Program Levels

There are currently three levels in the Water Smart Irrigation Professional program. Requirements and course curriculum for each level are outlined below. 

    • Suited for individuals who are new to the landscape horticulture industry

    • No additional requirements 

    Course curriculum includes:

    • Value of green spaces and turf in urban areas

    • Importance/benefits of irrigation to healthy landscapes

    • A history of irrigation

    • Responsible use of freshwater

    • The story and origin of WSIP

    • Intro to irrigation components and water conserving products

    • Water stewardship for the sustainability of future landscapes

    • 2-7 years experience in the landscape horticulture industry

    • No additional requirements

    Course curriculum includes:

    • Green Building Standards and their Impact on the Irrigation Industry

    • Green Roofs and Blue Roofs and irrigation’s role

    • Soils, Plants and How They Affect Scheduling

    • Water Conserving Irrigation Products

    • Water Conserving Products and Solutions

    • Water Conserving Products and Math

    • Irrigation System Assessment for WSIPs

    • 7+ years experience in the landscape irrigation industry AND/OR have obtained post-secondary education in a related field AND/OR have obtained one of the following industry certifications - CLHT, CLHM, CLD

    • Course curriculum includes:

    • Overview of ideas presented in level 1 and 2

    • Water conservation calculations

    • Irrigation system assessment

    • Presenting water conserving products to clients

    • Water Management (Horticultural) vs Irrigation Services (Hardware) - irrigators focus on repairing hardware not horticultural sciences to determine watering needs

Training Schedule

WSIP training and certification events are held regularly online through our secure online portal. Events are added regularly.

When you select an event from the list below, you’ll be asked to complete a short online application based on the requirements listed above before. Once we’ve verified your qualifications we’ll contact you by email to complete your even registration.

If the course you are looking for is currently not available, please fill out our general interest form and you’ll be the first to know when we launch new courses.

GENERAL INTEREST FORM

We’re here to help! Send us an email:
WSIP@landscapeontario.com