Our Team

Chris O’Donohue

President/Founder

Chris 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..

Steve Koonts

Director of Sales

Steve Koonts has worked in the landscape industry since 2005, using his years of experience in the many different areas with in the industry, Steve has become an integral aspect of the team working his way to Director of Sales. Within this role Steve values working in the community in which he grew up in, and takes pride in ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction. This role also allows him to mentor and support the new recruits as they enter the Horticulture and Construction trades, and further improve the overall team. When Steve isn’t working he loves spending time with his young family and playing sports such as baseball, hockey, and soccer.

Luke Gantenbein

Operations Manager

Julliana Gomes

Project Coordinator

Julliana graduated in Architecture and Urbanism at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro in 2013, and since then has loved working with renovations and project management. In 2020 Julliana arrived in Canada and, quickly, a pandemic and pregnancy made her immigration more challenging. Julliana’s objective as a GCLC team member is to help the company keep growing, maintain client’s satisfaction, and continue to grow in her profession.

Gord Driver

Estimator

Gord Driver has been working in the West Coast landscape climate for over 30 years. He brings with him years of experience in all areas of the industry including estimating , installing and project management. His roots are firmly planted on the North Shore having brought up four kids here. He spent the majority of those years running his own local landscape business and has been a part of The Great Canadian Team for over 6 years. Gord is here to share his knowledge, create new relationships, and manage your beautiful projects.

Brent White

Estimator

Brent has spent the last 12 years working at the Great Canadian Landscaping company in numerous different roles. Using his experience in the field, he is currently an Estimator focusing mainly on hardscape 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 and hiking, and participating in sports like hockey and golf.

Brittany Pifer

Estimator

Brittany Pifer has over 10 years of experience in the landscape horticulture industry. Her experience and passion for horticulture is a huge asset to assisting clients in creating personalized maintenance plans, as well as garden enhancements On 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, creating beautiful wild flower gardens for the butterflies and bees. Brittany spends her Mondays giving back to the community with a range of volunteer work, from caring for animals at Maplewood farm, community gardening, assisting at local schools.

Joséanne Thibault

Maintenance Manager

Joseanne joined The Great Canadian crew in January 2020, and has been landscaping for over 5 years. Originally from Quebec, she has been considering the North Shore her home for the past 7 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 and thinks of someday trying her hand at designing. When she’s not at work, you’ll find her enjoying a mix of active and R&R lifestyle with her friends and her little family.

Dharma Smith

Assistant Maintenance Manager

Dharma’s love for the outdoors took root in childhood and was passed down from her family, many of whom were passionate defenders of the environment or made their careers out of adventure tourism and other such avenues. Her excitement for the natural sciences and desire to work outside was reinforced while achieving an earlier environmental science degree in Sustainable Resource Management. She finds her work in landscaping extremely rewarding as it encompasses so many of her interests and passions, and there are always new things to nerd out about and get better at. She has landed happily in Maintenance where the meaningful client relationships and long term rewards are fulfilling, while having completed her Red Seal education in general Landscape Horticulture, gained experience leading teams in a diverse array of construction and install project types, and looks forward to continued growth within the industry. You can usually find her reading about plants, playing the banjo somewhat poorly, and exploring the BC backcountry on foot, snow and water.

Dave Carmichael

Senior Project Manager

Dave Carmichael is an industry professional, and for over 30 years specializing in all aspect of the landscape industry within the Vancouver area. His experience ranges from Green Roof applications, to Hard and Soft Landscape installs, in both commercial and high end residential units. Owning and managing his own landscape business for 25 years allows him as a Senior Project Manager to help grow and mentor the Project Team. When Dave is not working, he spends his time on his Harley Davidson, travelling, or hiking the surrounding Greater Vancouver Mountains.

Peter Bligh

Manager – Softscape and Safety

Peter has a Bachelor of Agricultural Science Degree specializing in soil science, plant diseases and insects, and has over 30 years of experience in commercial and residential landscape construction. He loves the challenge and satisfaction that landscaping brings everyday: bringing all the landscape components together resulting in a final product and lives up to or exceeds a clients vision. He grew up in New Zealand and travelled to Canada and Europe after university, I deciding to ultimately settle in Vancouver. His hobbies include sailing, skiing/snowboarding, travel, cooking and breeding and showing French Bulldogs.

Braden Kamphuis

Project Manager – Landscape Construction and Synthetic Turf

Braden is our hardscape project manager at Great Canadian Landscaping, he has over 8 years of experience in construction ranging from kitchens and bathrooms, to patios and putting greens. He enjoys transforming clients yards into their dream space. Braden is happy to call the North Shore home, he moved here over 5 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.

Alex Jordan

Field Project Manager – Landscape Construction

I have worked at GCL for over 10 years. I am passionate about building and managing landscape construction projects. In my free time I like to ski, mountain bike, camp and spend time with my family.

Sam Janaby

Field Project Manager – Landscape Construction

Sam has nearly 20 years of experience in residential, commercial, and industrial development, construction, and sales. He’s highly passionate and committed to an accurate execution and a beautiful result, every time.

Josh Molina

Field Project Manager – Irrigation / Landscaping Lighting

Josh Molina first began working in the irrigation sector from he was 15 years old. His many years of experience and expertise in this sector has allowed him to design, install and execute irrigation systems in commercial building, condo rooftops, sports fields and many homes. Outside of work he enjoyed spending time with his baby girl, fishing, and camping when he gets the chance.

Sean Gladwin

Yard Manager / Machine Operator

Sean has worked at Great Canadian Landscaping for the past 8 years, has worked many roles and is now 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!

Catherine Alderson

Manager – Accounting and Administration

Catherine 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.

Avideh Mohammadi

Bookkeeper

Avideh has over two years of experience in accounting, data analyzing, and database software. She has been with us since 2020, and currently working as a bookkeeper at The Great Canadian Landscaping Company. Swimming, hockey and reading biological books are a few of her interests.

Mary Alsop

Administrative Assistant

Mary 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!

Kaila Ronda

Accounting Assistant

Kaila 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.

Landon Giesbrecht

Maintenance

Landon loves The Great Canadian Landscaping Company Ltd. He has spent the last 16 years working for The Great Canadian Landscaping Company Ltd. as a Foreman/Supervisor. He is a CLT Certified Landscaping Technician (Turf Maintenance) and has successfully completed Smart Driver in the City on behalf of FleetSmart. Landon is also certified in Emergency First Aid for Industry (the OFA Level 1 Equivalent). In the winter, Landon is all about Great Canadian Snow Management. He has provided Snow and Ice Services for the past 14 seasons.

Kate Sibbald

Maintenance

Kate 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 10 years ago working alongside her Dad and his small company; since then she has moved on to complete her Landscape Horticulturist apprenticeship, earning her Red Seal in Horticulture. She joined the Great Canadian family in December 2019 and is excited to continue to see what opportunities may await her here. In her spare time, you can find her hiking with her dog, or in the outdoors seeking the next adventure that life has to offer.

Dale Cunnington

Maintenance

Dale 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.

Luke Old

Softscape

Luke joined the Great Canadian Landscaping company Ltd. as a Softscape Foreman in September 2017. Originally from the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Australia, he now calls Vancouver home. Luke brings with him 14 years of experience, completing his Horticulture Apprenticeship in 2008. Luke’s passion for horticulture intensified once he left Australia in 2015, since then he has traveled around the world, working in the United Kingdom and now Canada. Traveling has giving him the opportunity to master different horticultural techniques and learn a vast array of plant species that don’t exist in the warmer climates. Being new to the Pacific North West, he is continuously fascinated by the majestic snow capped mountains, picturesque autumn leaves and the explosion of colour during spring. Luke’s impeccable standards and his priority for customer satisfaction is what motivates him to come to work every day. When he’s not at work Luke likes so spend his spare time watching sports and researching the next exotic travel destination.

Troy Fitzgerald

Softscape

Troy’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.

Aaron Wentworth

Softscape

Hey, I’m Aaron. Hardscape foreperson and horticulturist. I grew up near Vancouver on the Sunshine Coast and 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, plant work and softscape. My current focus is stonework and hardscape installation 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.

Pierre-Michel Labrie

Landscape Construction

Pierre-Michel is a hardscape installation foreman working at the Great Canadian Landscaping company for 2 years, he is specialized in retaining wall, patio & pathways installation. Pierre-Michel has worked on some of the biggest commercial projects in Vancouver such as Shannon Wall Center, as well as a 2020 shortlisted winner for the HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence, as well as the International Design and Architecture Awards. Pierre-Michel is a former ski racer and mountain biker from Quebec who fell in love with beautiful British Colombia during a ski trip in 1996, he is a true nature lover, and driven by excellence and integrity. His passion for landscaping will make your property stand out and make your outdoor living space a true enjoyable and beautiful place.

Alex Grimble

Carpentry

After 20 years in the construction industry Alex has found a home with the Great Canadian Landscaping Company, and has been the Project Manager for the Carpentry division for the past year and a half. He works with a team of professionals that have been focused on creating beautiful custom outdoor living spaces, throughout the lower mainland, for over 22 years. This includes not only carpentry but hardscaping, soft scaping, and a large maintenance division. In this time he has managed the installation of numerous composite and natural wood decks, pergolas, swim spa and hot tub installations, architectural concrete forms, custom stairs, and many prefabricated and custom fences and gates to list a few accomplishments. He focuses mainly on safety and quality control, as well as mentoring team members that have an interest, but little experience in his trade. As a former personal trainer, he tries to stay fit with his two children, Kirk, and Olivia. They all enjoy biking, paddleboarding, tennis, hiking, and the occasional trip to the driving range. He leaves the skateboarding and scooting to the kids now.

Jacob Bardell

Carpentry

Jacob is a Red Seal certified Joiner. He has been active in the building industry for over 25 years, building everything from a simple fence all the way to 6-story condo buildings. Personal interests include, but not limited to photography, gardening, bike riding, and throwing the ball for his dog.

Grant McKenzie

Carpentry

Grant is now in his 3rd year as a foreman with GCLC. He earned his Red Seal in carpentry after his workplace apprenticeship and studying at BCIT. With 14+ years of experience, Grant loves passing along the knowledge he has to others, and still finding new things to learn as well. Earlier this year he, and his better half, welcomed their baby boy Carter into the world. With spending time with family, and playing/watching every sport imaginable, there’s plenty to keep him busy.

Basana Vu

Landscape Construction

Hagan Kirmis

Carpentry

John Locht

Maintenance

Brandie Roberts

Maintenance

Brandie joined GCLC in September of 2021. She has 5+ years working in the industry and is passionate about creating and maintaining landscapes for people to enjoy. She is very knowledgeable when it comes to the environment and graduated with a diploma in ecosystem management and urban forestry. She has her level 1 and plans to complete her Horticultural Red Seal. Brandie strives to integrate sustainable practices into the industry as she recognizes the importance of environmental preservation and creating green spaces in an urban environment. Outside of work, you can find Brandie enjoying the sunshine on a patio or exploring in her camper van with her wife and two dogs.

Mads-Kania Paquette

Maintenance

Mad’s love of nature stems from early childhood, growing up in a rural and forested area, spending time in family gardens, and being a member of their local Junior Forest Warden branch in Squamish. Mads has been in the landscaping industry for the last six years and is currently working towards their Red Seal. They’re excited about their future in Horticulture and where it may take them. Over the past decade of living in Vancouver, they’ve been involved in many volunteer planting events in their community, helping to restore local riparian habitats and parks. Once the sun is out, you can usually find Mads along a local trail or in the backcountry, field guide in hand as they look for alpine plants and new places to camp. Alternatively, you can just as easily find them in the crowd at any good rock concert.

Nicole Anderson (Batley)

Softscape

John Robinet

Landscape Construction

Dale Carlin

Landscape Construction

“Being a BC native growing up in the Lower Mainland, Dale has many years of experience working in building design, document and project management. He also has a Golf Course Design and Construction Diploma with several years of golf course turf management experience. In his downtime when not spending time with family you will find him working his way through his bucket list of golf courses, or on the baseball field coaching baseball.”

Jeremy Fish

Landscape Construction

Jared Baigent

Landscape Construction

Jared is a hardscape install Junior Foreperson and has been with GCLC for just over a year. He enjoys working in hardscape install, but is happiest when operating machinery. Outside of work you’ll find him studying for my pilots license, riding his motorcycle, or playing music with family and friends.

John Fritz

Carpentry

Fritz comes from the service industry as a barman, working up from porter to owner. Ask him about how he has won a World Cup, is responsible for a word in the dictionary, and was awarded a Commanders Commendation for feeding the Canadian Army in Afghanistan. His hobbies are skiing, drones, and 3D design and printing. He has a passion for continual learning and making this world a better place.

Haily Kirkpatrick

Softscape

Dale Carlin

Landscape Construction

Alice Gardner

Junior Foreperson

Alice 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.