Press Release
Canadale Nurseries Ltd. to Close at End of 2027 Gardening Season
St. Thomas, ON – After more than 70 years of proudly serving our community, the Intven family has made the very difficult decision to wind down Canadale Nurseries Ltd. over the next two years. This bittersweet decision reflects the passage of time and the natural evolution of our family business.
“After much reflection and soul-searching, our family has decided the time has come to bring Canadale’s story to a close,” said President Tom Intven. “It has truly been a privilege and an honour to grow alongside this community and serve generations of gardeners. This farewell is filled with both gratitude and emotion.”
Business as Usual
For the coming year and the spring of 2027, Canadale will continue to operate fully as usual. Customers can look forward to the same exceptional service, expert advice, and extensive plant selection that have defined the Canadale experience for decades. In addition, shoppers can expect excellent sales and value throughout the year as the nursery prepares for its final season.
Celebrating a Legacy Built with Care
As Canadale enters its farewell chapter, the garden centre and nursery is committed to making its final seasons meaningful celebrations of its history and roots within the region. The Intven family extends profound thanks to our customers and extended community, whose loyalty and trust helped transform Canadale from a small family nursery into a cherished local institution.
Founded by Bill and Joan Intven, Canadale was built on simple but enduring principles: serve customers with honesty and warmth, and grow only quality plants. Their vision—and the values they instilled in their children—shaped Canadale’s reputation for excellence and inspired generations of gardeners.
A Tribute to Our Dedicated Staff
Equally central to Canadale’s legacy are the dedicated employees who have brought these values to life.
“Our staff have been the heart and soul of Canadale,” added Vice-President Pauline Intven-Casier. “Their passion, knowledge, and hard work created the welcoming atmosphere our customers came to expect. From early greenhouse mornings to bustling weekend sales, their commitment helped make Canadale what it is today.”
As the nursery moves through its final years, the focus will remain on honouring the past, celebrating the present, and expressing heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of Canadale’s extraordinary 71-year journey.
A Legacy We Will Always Cherish
While closing this chapter is not easy, we take immense pride in the legacy Canadale Nurseries leaves behind—one built on strong relationships, exceptional plants, and enduring partnerships. We are grateful for the many years of shared success, friendship, and trust from both our customers and our staff.
We are excited that the new owners of the property have a vision for the land that will build on the legacy that Canadale has created. It’s not our story to tell, so we’ll simply say that we selected them because they are local, have a strong sense of community, and are dedicated to continuously improving St. Thomas.
Thank you for being part of our story. We look forward to serving you over the next two years with the same dedication that has guided our business since the beginning.
Tom Intven, Pauline Intven-Casier, Kate Intven-Holt & the Canadale Team
What does this announcement mean?
Canadale Nurseries has made the decision to begin a thoughtful wind down of operations over the next two years. This allows us to continue serving our customers through 2026 and through the spring of 2027 while honouring our legacy, our staff, and our community.
Are you closing right away?
No. It is business as usual throughout 2026 and the spring of 2027. Customers can expect the same knowledgeable staff, high-quality plants, and service Canadale has been known for over the past 71 years.
Will you still be fully stocked?
Yes. We will continue to grow and bring in a wide selection of plants, trees, shrubs, houseplants, soils, and gardening essentials. As we move through our final seasons, availability may gradually change, but our focus remains on offering quality and value.
Will there still be sales?
Yes. Customers can expect sales, excellent value and seasonal promotions throughout the year as part of our final seasons. Details will be shared regularly in-store, online, and through our newsletter.
What happens with gift cards and store credits?
All existing gift cards and store credits will continue to be honoured, as long as the garden centre is operating. We strongly encourage customers to redeem them over the next year to ensure ample selection and availability.
How long will gift cards be valid?
Gift cards will be accepted throughout 2026 and into the spring of 2027, while the garden centre remains open. We recommend using them sooner rather than later.
Will Canadale still honour its plant guarantee?
Yes — we will continue to honour our guarantee for all purchases, in accordance with our established guarantee terms outlined below.
We guarantee all our plants to be in good condition when leaving our store. To ensure success with any plant material, proper handling, planting, and care are essential. All plants must be properly watered, and hardy plants must be planted in the ground, following our planting instructions for guarantee.
Providing our planting instructions are followed:
- Hardy Evergreens, Broadleaf Evergreens, Trees, Shrubs, Vines, and Fruit Trees & Shrubs – 1 Year
- Roses, Perennials & Clematis – October 31st of the year purchased
- Giftware & Clothing – 7 Days, in Original Condition and With Tags
- Annuals, Tropical Houseplants, Herbs & Patio Furniture – Guaranteed to be in good condition upon leaving our garden centre.
If a plant dies within the guaranteed period, we will issue an in-store credit for the original amount paid. Sale plants are guaranteed for the purchase price only. No cash refunds. We will not be responsible for insect and animal damage, acts of nature, chemical or fertilizer misuse.
YOUR RECEIPT AND DEAD PLANT ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL RETURNS.
Availability may be limited in 2027 due to the business wind-down.
Will staff still be here?
Yes. Our knowledgeable and dedicated staff remain at the heart of Canadale. They will continue to provide expert advice, friendly service, and the same welcoming experience customers know and trust.
Is the property being redeveloped?
We are excited that the new owners of the property have a vision for the land that will build on the legacy that Canadale has created. It’s not our story to tell, so I’ll simply say that we selected them because they are local, have a strong sense of community, and are dedicated to continuously improving St. Thomas.
Can I still plant trees and perennials with confidence?
Absolutely. Trees and perennials purchased now are long-term investments, and our team is here to help you choose plants that will thrive for years to come.
How can I stay informed?
We encourage customers to:
- Sign up for our email newsletter
- Follow us on social media
- Visit us in-store and speak with our team
Updates, seasonal highlights, and important reminders will be shared regularly.
How can I show my support?
Simply by continuing to shop with us, sharing your memories, and celebrating this chapter alongside us. Your support over the years has meant everything to our family and our team.
Have additional questions?
We kindly ask for patience, understanding, and respect as our team — like our community — takes time to process this meaningful transition. If you have additional questions;
- Call us at 519-631-7264
- Email [email protected]
- Speak with a team member during your next visit.
Our Commitment to You
Our mission is to provide excellence in quality, service, and selection. Our plants are grown with the greatest of care, so you can choose from our vast assortment with confidence.
Our Guarantee
We guarantee all our plants to be in good condition when leaving our store. To ensure success with any plant material, proper handling, planting, and care are essential. All plants must be properly watered, and hardy plants must be planted in the ground, following our planting instructions for guarantee.
Providing our planting instructions are followed:
- Hardy Evergreens, Broadleaf Evergreens, Trees, Shrubs, Vines, and Fruit Trees & Shrubs – 1 Year
- Roses, Perennials & Clematis – October 31st of the year purchased
- Giftware & Clothing – 7 Days, in Original Condition and With Tags
- Annuals, Tropical Houseplants, Herbs & Patio Furniture – Guaranteed to be in good condition upon leaving our garden centre.
If a plant dies within the guaranteed period, we will issue an in-store credit for the original amount paid. Sale plants are guaranteed for the purchase price only. No cash refunds. We will not be responsible for insect and animal damage, acts of nature, chemical or fertilizer misuse.
YOUR RECEIPT AND DEAD PLANT ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL RETURNS.
Availability may be limited in 2027 due to the business wind-down.
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