When the new owners of Georgina Rent-All purchased this long-standing business with the intent to take it to the next level as quickly as possible, they were impressed with how accepting the area rental community was.

You won’t find homemade french fries among the items for rent or sale at Trowelex Rentals and Sales, located in Castlegar in B.C.’s West Kootenays, 600 kilometres east of Vancouver and 600 kilometres west of Calgary.

In the summer of 1958, New Brunswick industrialist K.C. Irving walked into one of his logging camps in the interior of the province and didn’t like what he saw: cramped worker accommodations, uncomfortable common spaces and inefficient systems.

Watch the hit CBC TV show Murdoch Mysteries and see the dashing detective analyzing clues on an elegant wine glass, or notice the dinnerware and linens in the riveting television series The Handmaid’s Tale. Chances are those props have come from the shelves of Higgins Event Rentals.

When Blake Menning heard his company’s name called out at the Canadian Rental Association’s recent annual general meeting, he wasn’t sure he had heard correctly.

Harrigan Rentals, only 52 years young this year, has had quite a history. It’s one of British Columbia’s oldest family owned-and-operated rental firms and it was founded by Jim Harrigan.

What do you do when you’ve already founded 15 local and national businesses throughout your career — many of them rental-related — and generated hundreds of millions in sales?

Chris Clark has been an entrepreneur for as long as he can remember. He started his own lawn care company in 2000, calling it Peaks and Valleys Landscaping.

He hasn’t been in the rental industry as long as some “old-timers,” but Mike Maltby has had his hands in the Canadian Rental Association for more than a decade. Starting in early 2018, the 35-year-old will take on a one-year term to become the next president of the association.

According to Warren Carriere, once you get rentals in your blood, it’s really tough to change industries. Despite starting out on a career path in social work, Carriere found himself bitten by the rental bug more than 14 years ago.

Most of us are familiar with the mythical story of Icarus. Along with his father Daedalus, Icarus was imprisoned on the Greek isle of Crete. After being imprisoned in a labyrinth of his own design, Daedalus fashioned two sets of wings from feathers and wax. With these wings Daedalus and his son Icarus escaped imprisonment and death.

November 12, 2018 - The Canadian Rental Association (CRA) - Ontario Division tried something new for their monthly membership meeting in November by hosting a bus trip to Ottawa to watch the Las Vegas Golden Knights take on the Ottawa Senators.

About 20 Canadian Rental Association Ontario members made the trek to out-of-the-way Bracebridge, Ont., to attend the October 17 meeting at Muskoka Party Rentals, home of current CRA Ontari president, Kim Rixon. Attendees got a tour of Rixon's fast-growing 10,000-square-foot party and event rental store followed by some adult beverages and a buffet dinner of pulled pork and chicken at the nearby Quality Inn. Attendees got to check out some of Muskoka's expert Halloween-themed decorations for inspiration.

September 24, 2018 - The Canadian Rental Association (CRA) Ontario chapter hosted its annual golf tournament on Thursday, September 20th at the Springfield Golf and Country Club in Guelph, Ontario.

Young professionals are the future of our industry and developing next year’s leaders, as well as leadership for decades to come, is something about which all associations including the Canadian Rental Association spend a considerable amount of time thinking.

On July 19 the Canadian Rental Association executive committee was in Moline, Ill., at the American Rental Association office meeting with the ARA board of directors and staff in order to provide a Canadian perspective into the development of the latest iteration of the ARA strategic plan.

ARA Rentalytics has officially been relaunched.  The forecast calls for equipment and event rental revenue in Canada to total $5.4 billion in 2018 and grow each year to reach $6.3 billion in 2022.

July 5, 2018 - For the first time in more than 40 years, The American Rental Association (ARA) proudly unveils a new brand identity to reflect the evolution of the equipment and event rental industry. The move is part of an extensive branding initiative designed to carry the association forward in better serving its members and representing a community of equipment and event rental professionals.

On March 16th, a smaller than usual but enthusiastic group of rental professionals descended on Lind Equipment in Markham to wrap up the 2017-18 member meetings.

As we head into summer and activity at our rental operations shifts into high gear the staff and volunteer leaders of the Canadian Rental Association begin to regroup and plan for the upcoming year. With trade show season behind us for another year, we can all begin to look ahead.

April 19, 2018 - About 35 members and guests attended the Canadian Rental Association - Ontario division meeting on April 18th in Brantford.

According to the American Express Global Customer Service Barometer, customers will tell an average of nine people about good experiences and nearly twice as many (16 people) about poor ones.  

Nov. 13, 2018 - Vermeer Corporation announced its purchase of Vac-Tron Equipment, LLC, and its plans to bring the Florida-based company together with McLaughlin Group, Inc. which was purchased by Vermeer in 2017. This acquisition and integration of the two companies builds on the Vermeer strategy to provide a comprehensive suite of vacuum excavation technology, equipment, training and support to the growing underground utility and soft dig markets.

Hydrodemolition robots are quickly growing in popularity as an effective and speedy method of concrete removal for repair and renovation.

November 6, 2018 - JLG Industries, a global manufacturer of aerial work platforms and telehandlers, has announced the launch of a new full-service retail lending program from JLG Financial.

Nov. 5, 2018 - – Following Terex Corporation’s release of its third quarter 2018 results, Terex Aerial Work Platforms (AWP), driven by its Genie brand, is pleased to share these, along with its segment-specific, results.

Oct. 24, 2018 - Simon Meester joins Terex Aerial Work Platforms (AWP) as the new Genie Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing. In this role, Meester will have global responsibility for leading the business’s sales, commercial operations and marketing teams. The goal of his role will be to continue to strengthen the Genie brand’s reputation as an innovator and leader in the global industry, as well as developing deeper customer relationships and improving our commercial operations capability.

Oct. 24, 2018 -  POWR2 is launching the latest energy technology, Hybrid Energy Systems (HES). This sustainable equipment will help power rental companies expand their markets, cut maintenance and fuel costs, improve efficiency and reduce emissions. In addition, the technology will help extend generator life and increase resale value.

Oct. 24, 2018 - JLG Industries is pleased to announce the availability of a cold weather package for SkyTrak telehandlers. The optional cold weather package helps maximize machine performance in ambient temperatures down to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Oct. 24, 2018 - Doosan Bobcat North America has partnered with Plug and Play, a global startup accelerator and corporate innovation platform based in Silicon Valley, to explore Internet of Things (IoT) and autonomous solutions that can be incorporated in Bobcat® equipment. This partnership will enable Doosan Bobcat to build mutually beneficial relationships with leading startup companies who can help bring a variety of technological solutions to market.

Oct. 22, 2018 - CASE Construction Equipment introduces the all-new TV450 compact track loader (CTL), a new 10,610-pound vertical-lift machine with a rated operating capacity of 4,500 pounds at 50 percent tipping load. The newest and largest CASE CTL ever built features an industry leading 9,188 pounds of breakout force, and optional high-flow (3,450 psi at 39.5 gpm) and enhanced high-flow (4,000 psi at 35 gpm) hydraulics for high-power attachments such as mulching heads, stump grinders and cold planers.

Oct. 9, 2018 - JLG Industries now offers non-marking tires for JLG and SkyTrak telehandlers. These tires are designed specifically for telehandlers and feature excellent wearing characteristics, while protecting sensitive surfaces from unwanted markings.

October 11, 2018 - Approved for use in ANSI (United States) and CSA (Canada) markets, the new Genie® Lift Tools™ Material Carrier attachment offers Genie GS™-2669, GS-3369 and GS-4069 DC and RT rough terrain scissor lift operators a solution to efficiently carry materials to job sites.

Oct. 10, 2018 - CVTCORP and Bonfiglioli have announced they have entered into an exclusive licensing agreement for Bonfiglioli to manufacture and sell the CVTCORP mCVT patented technology for telehandlers and other equipment. The cooperation between Bonfiglioli and CVTCORP will also include developing a full line of transmissions based on the currently available mCVT.

Unless you’ve been on a secluded island without access to the outside world (however nice that may sound), you will be very aware of the fact that recreational cannabis use is now legal in Canada.

Chuck Rose has been a very good friend of mine for many years now. He recently sold the Hose and Hound Neighborhood Pub in Inglewood, Calgary. He’d owned it for many years and did very well with it, unlike many bar owners.

Oct. 29, 2018 - The Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) have collaborated to create a free e-course to help identify and safely control sources and products containing nanomaterials in the workplace, to protect workers from harm.

The PC government of Ontario elected earlier this year has announced it will "wind down" the Ontario College of Trades, set all journeyperson-to-apprentice ratios to one-to-one and put a moratorium on adding new compulsory trade classifications or reclassifying existing classifications. It has also promised an unspecified "replacement model for the regulation of the skilled trades and apprenticeship system" by early 2019. 

Oct. 24, 2018 - In the face of progressing technology, a phone full of confusing or only partially understood apps can seriously slow down productivity and overall workflow.

The Ontario government has announced it will cancel a planned hike of the minumum wage in the province to $15 from the present $14, pending further consultations. The increase was put in place by the former Liberal government and was to take effect at the start of 2019.

We have all had bad days. You know, those days where work has piled up, deadlines are upon you, co-workers are complaining about everything without offering a solution, your supervisor or manager expects the world and the walls seem to be closing in around you and your performance is starting to slide.

As I write this, I’ve just returned from competing in the semi-finals of the World Championships of Public Speaking that was held in Chicago in August. I placed third in my heat, which leaves me in the top 30 speakers in the world for Toastmasters International for 2018 in this contest.

Our sister publication, Rock to Road, recently published a column by the president of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association criticizing the Manitoba government for refusing to release information on how much needs to be invested in infrastructure in the province. 

Sept. 4, 2018 - Canada Pension Plan Investment Board boosted its stake in shares of United Rentals by 116.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 43,376 shares of the construction company’s stock after purchasing an additional 23,366 shares during the quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board owned 0.05% of United Rentals worth $6,403,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. | READ MORE

Over the past year there has been a spotlight on workplace violence, harassment and sexual harassment. Allegations have run rampant in the media, sports, entertainment and politics.

I have two businesses. As you already know, I’m a professional speaker. But I also run a company called Syner G Apparel and Solutions. I help customers differentiate themselves from their competitors through the use of promotional products and corporate apparel.

Control your processes and more with these leading-edge information technology products.

Oct. 24, 2018 - EquipmentWatch has announced a new suite of fleet consulting products now available to contractors and equipment professionals seeking efficient solutions to large-scale fleet problems. Through an exclusive partnership with Price Digests, these solutions cover all major equipment types across construction, lift & access, agriculture, and commercial truck.

Oct. 10, 2018 -  Point of Rental Software has furthered its mobile programming push by forming a dedicated mobile development team. Senior Developer Lead Matt Gaffin heads the team, which will build on the company’s award-winning mobile apps to create a unified mobile experience across its four products.

Oct. 3, 2018 - Kerridge Commercial Systems has announced it has acquired inspHire and Current-RMS. inspHire is a premium supplier of rental software to European, U.S. and Australian-based companies, providing equipment to businesses in the equipment and tool, construction, access and lifting, medical, oil and gas as well as specialist sectors. Current-RMS supplies cloud based, fully integrated rental management solutions to the AV, production and event industries.

September 26, 2018 - Texada Software has partnered with Home Hardware Stores Limited to become a preferred software vendor for the Canadian chain’s nearly 1,100 stores. 

August 22, 2018 - Point of Rental Software has acquired PartyCAD, a specialized computer-aided 3D design program for the events industry.

It has been almost a full year since the U.S. implemented its electronic logging device (ELD) and hours of service (HOS) mandate and now the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) plans to roll out a similar mandate.

August 13, 2018 - Charter Software Inc., maker of the ASPEN Business ManagementSystem, has partnered with MSI Data to deliver its Service Pro field service management solution to servicing and precision ag dealers who perform equipment or product installations, repair, planned or preventive maintenance, inspection, and other field services.

June 11, 2018 - Lauren Harris has been named as Point of Rental’s Director of Marketing, making official what’s been known within the company for some time.

May 17, 2018 - Fast, precise and global communication with the equipment manufacturer is key for customers to get the very best out of their investment. In order to get closer to the customer, ALLU is proud to announce the launch of its own ALLU Mobile Application at Intermat.

May 7, 2018 - Point of Rental Software’s worldwide team has added Josh Nickell as its Director of Global Strategy. The former CEO of Nickell Rental will join the company in May, continuing a 20-year career in the rental industry after selling his company to Sunbelt Rentals.

May 3, 2018 - Charter Software has announced the addition of new ASPEN Multi-Currency Exchange Rate plug-in to the ASPEN Business Management System.  

Oct. 16, 2018 - ARDCO has announced the launch of its new AMT Dump Beds for the Articulating Multi-Purpose Truck (AMT), offering payloads of 10 to 20 tons, volume upgrades for lighter materials, and tire options to suit extreme conditions where other articulated dump trucks simply can’t perform. For optimal machine versatility, the beds can be added or removed from the modular AMT platform when needing to change the back-end attachment for different jobsite tasks.

Sept. 4, 2018 - Caterpillar has announced that it has entered into a preliminary agreement with Weiler, Inc. to sell the Cat® purpose-built forestry business. The sale is subject to negotiation of a final agreement, the closing of which is expected by early 2019.

July 25, 2018 - The Little Wonder AgVac 5S vacuums waste into a self-contained debris loader.

March 23, 2018 - The Next Gen 18" Hydro-Drive Sod Cutter for Golf applications is perfect for soft touch, shallow cut, bent grass.

April 16, 2018 - – Vanguard™introduced the first in a complete line of all-new single-cylinder horizontal shaft commercial gasoline engines built from the ground up based on customer input.

April 19, 2018 - — Classen, an industry-leading brand of commercial and residential turf care equipment, offers its PRO HTS20 Hydro-Drive Overseeder.

April 12, 2018 - Classen gives landscapers a versatile and easy-to-use turf rake with its PRO Hydro-Drive.

Auto mechanics deal with it all the time — the phone call requesting an over-the-phone diagnosis. Inevitably the conversation includes the vehicle owner providing a not-so-spot-on impression of the sound their car or truck is making, whether a screeching, whining, clunking or grinding noise.

February 28, 2018 - Featuring a revolutionary new compact design, Toro introduces the all-new 24-inch stand-on aerator.

February 23, 2018 - —Little Beaver's Kwik-Trench mini-trencher is offered in two models, the KT 200B and KT 2400B, both able to trench up to 30 feet per minute.

February 15, 2018 - MQ Whiteman has introduced the TuffTruk, an innovative and powerful compact buggy.

July 26, 2018 - The Model DRZ-PH-O power drain cleaner from General Pipe Cleaners offers a quick, clean way to clear clogged sink, tub and laundry drains in 1-1/4" to 3" lines.

July 25, 2018 - The Rammy Flail mower 120 ATV is an agile mower for cutting hay, meadow grass and small trees.

April 30, 2018 - General Equipment Company has introduced the FCS18 RIP-R-STRIPPER – the first self-propelled unit in its long line of floor-covering removal machines.

March 28, 2018 - Electric Eel eCAM Ace WiFi Pipeline Inspection Camera System enables users to record video with their mobile device.

March 1, 2018 - An updated Tool Selection Guide for drain cleaning equipment is available FREE from General Pipe Cleaners.

Feb. 20, 2018 - ProBarrow is a professional grade electric powered wheelbarrow that is designed, built and tested here in Canada.

January 25, 2018 - General Pipe Cleaners is offering the popular Gen-Eye POD® video inspection system with the Wi-Fi option at no extra charge during the Rental Show in February and the Canadian Rental Mart in March.

Oct. 30, 2017 - Briggs & Stratton Corporation has announced that it will move production of its V-Twin Vanguard engines from a joint venture partnership in Japan to its existing manufacturing facilities in Statesboro, Georgia and Auburn, Alabama. The increased production in North America will create approximately 50 new jobs at each of the facilities.

October 30, 2017 - General Pipe Cleaners’ new, mobile-friendly website offers quick, easy, intuitive access to General’s full line of drain cleaning, inspection and repair tools – including how to use them and where to buy them!

October 5, 2017 - Fein adds the JMC USA 90 compact magnetic base drill to its Slugger line of metal working tools and accessories.

August 31, 2017 - General Pipe Cleaners Power-Vee® drain cleaner with automatic feed makes clearing small drain lines faster and easier.

The Samson Modular and Portable Barrier is a next-generation, patent-pending, tested and certified mobile physical barrier designed to block and stop vehicles from a motorcycle and up to 12-ton heavy trucks from breaking through without the use of anchors. Certifications include: ASTM, PAS68 and IWA 14.

April 5, 2018 - National Event Supply has introduced a number of new items for the party rental industry.

February 23, 2018 - Signature Systems Group, a supplier of performance composite matting and specialty flooring systems, has introduced UltimaTurf™, a new line of artificial turf floor covering.

February 15, 2018 - Bring ethereal beauty, form, and functionality to your space by adding a Rainier Cloud, new architectural fabric sculptures from Rainier Tent.

Jan. 23, 2018 - Filmmakers in Waterloo region will now be able to rent out industry-standard film equipment like lighting and grip gear because of a partnership btween The Working Centre's Commons Studio and Lighthouse Equipment Inc. in Kitchener. CBC News reports. | READ MORE

January 12, 2018 - National Event Supply has introduced a new industrial metal dining chair.

September 13, 2017 - The Cow Milking Contest from Twister Display has been a huge hit ever since it introduced.

July 27, 2017 - LENZIP Manufacturing Corporation, a manufacturer of industrial and commercial grade zippers has released the LENZIP No. 12 Marine Grade UV Zipper.

June 12, 2017 - Zap Zip Table-Top Game is based on the unique combination of light, sound and games.

May 30, 2017 - Battle the Blaze is a knockdown game were kids toss bean bag (or water balloons) to knock over the flames on the burning building.

March 15, 2017 - Wertz Werkz has introduced a number of new games for the party rental industry.

Oct. 22, 2018 - It is official: recreational marijuana is legal in Canada with effect from October 17. With that comes a patchwork of jurisdictional laws establishing where and how marijuana products will be sold and used by consumers.

Oct. 10, 2018 - Your investment in equipment is critical to your business. Whether a single machine is rented, leased, bought, or borrowed can make or a break a company in a matter of years.

Oct. 10, 2018 - The Buildings Show provides an unforgettable experience as Canada’s largest event for products, services, educational programming and professional networking for the Design, Architecture, Construction, Renovation and Real Estate sectors.

June 14, 2018 - The National Heavy Equipment Show is getting ready for another edition, with dates being announced for March 28 and 29, 2019 at the International Centre in Mississauga.

Shows across North America featured a vast array of new technology for the rental industry.

It’s the annual rite of spring for the equipment and event rental industries. Once again, thousands of rental store owners, managers and workers got together to look over the latest technology, make valuable connections, meet friends and pick up business tips.

Back in Drummondville for the second year in a row, 49 companies hailing from Canadian locales such as Gatineau, Rouyn-Noranda, Montreal and Edmonton, and as far away as Europe, China and the United States, attended the Canadian Rental Association’s Quebexpo 2018. More than just an equipment show, the exposition generated valuable networking opportunities for newcomers and regulars with its lunches and ever-popular cocktail on opening night.

The 2018 Canadian Rental Mart featured a new twist - a door prize for a trip for two to anywhere valued at $2,500. The lucky winner was Joel McFadyen of Elmvale Rental Supply in Elmvale, Ont.

The Canadian Rental Mart saw its move to the International Centre in Mississauga attract about 200 attendees from 79 different rental stores. While not as large as some past crowds, exhibitors noted the quality of attendees was excellent, with visitors typically being owners or senior managers with buying authority. These influential industry leaders toured a 40,000-square-foot show floor featuring a full selection of rental-ready equipment from Canada's top suppliers. 

March 8, 2018 - The record-breaking 2018 World of Asphalt Show & Conference and AGG1 Academy & Expo concluded a successful run, March 6-8, with a very positive atmosphere, as attendees and exhibitors conducted business and discussed issues affecting future growth such as infrastructure funding, and industry experts shared best practices during well-attended education sessions.

February 23, 2018 - New Orleans was home to the 62nd edition of The Rental Show which ran from February 19 to 21.

Rental Mart 2018 sneak peek - an advance look at some of the great technology coming to the Rental Mart this year.