From the President: 2026 Season-End Message

As we approach the close of another successful year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we have made together and thank our members, sponsors, partners, Board of Directors and dedicated staff for their continued support of the Western Canadian Turfgrass Association.

Nathan Wade, left, presenting Dave Duncan a token of our appreciation for a job well done at the 2025 BC Turf Management Field Day.

This past year has been one of growth, change, and significant accomplishment. While many members see the value of our conferences, educational programming, and networking opportunities, a great deal of work has also been happening behind the scenes to strengthen the foundations of the Association and position the WCTA for long-term success.

One of our most significant achievements was receiving official International Affiliate Chapter status with the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA). This milestone further strengthens our relationship with one of the world's leading turf and sports field organizations and creates new opportunities for WCTA members to access internationally recognized education, professional development, and certification pathways. As our industry continues to evolve, providing our members with access to world-class learning opportunities remains a priority.

Over the past year, the Association also successfully completed a full accounting system transition, modernizing our financial and administrative processes to better support our operations and membership. We continue to make progress on the development of our Continuing Education Credit (CEC) software platform, which is nearing completion and will help streamline professional development tracking and reporting for members.

This past fall we reached another important milestone with the onboarding of our new media partner. This partnership represents a significant investment in how we communicate with members, promote our industry, and share the many success stories taking place across Western Canada's turfgrass sector. We are excited about the opportunities this relationship will create in the years ahead.

Looking forward, we are preparing to create a new WCTA website and online member directory. These initiatives will improve accessibility, enhance member engagement, and provide a more modern and connected experience for our membership. Together with our other projects, they represent a continued commitment to improving member services and strengthening the Association's administrative capabilities.

As I reflect on the past year, I am proud of the momentum we have built. In many ways, we have been rebuilding and modernizing the core systems that support the WCTA. While this work is not always visible, it is essential to ensuring that our Association remains strong, responsive, and positioned to serve members effectively for years to come.

I am also incredibly excited about our upcoming Conference and Trade Show. This event continues to be the premier gathering of turfgrass professionals across Western Canada, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, suppliers, educators, and practitioners to learn, connect, and advance our profession. The enthusiasm surrounding this year's event is tremendous, and I encourage all members to take part in what promises to be another outstanding conference.

None of this progress would be possible without the dedication of our Board of Directors, members, sponsors, industry partners, and our incredible core staff. Your passion, expertise, and commitment continue to drive the Association forward, and I am grateful for the countless hours contributed to supporting our shared mission.

As President, I am proud of what we have accomplished together and even more optimistic about what lies ahead. The WCTA continues to grow, evolve, and invest in the future, ensuring that we remain a strong voice for the turfgrass industry and a valuable resource for our members.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. I wish you and your families a safe and enjoyable holiday season, and I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming Conference and Trade Show.

Sincerely,

Nathan Wade
President
Western Canadian Turfgrass Association