Prince Edward County could be ready to move ahead with a new by-law to allow the naturalization of lawns.
Lawn alternatives and naturalized landscapes can be more sustainable and provide a greater ecological benefit to native wildlife.
Committee of the Whole is to receive a report at its meeting on Thursday that would allow more flexibility for naturalization efforts on private property.
The by-law would include provisions to ensure property owners maintain grass and weeds at a reasonable height and that a number of plants, including Glossy buckthorn and Himalayan Balsam be deemed local weeds prohibiting their growth on private property.
Staff used results from a public consultation to construct its recommendations.
Prior to discussing the staff report, councillors will hear a deputation from Prof. Nina–Marie E. Lister, School of Urban + Regional Planning and the Director of the Ecological Design Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University.
She’s commending the by-law that staff are proposing but does make some suggestions such as changing the term “allowing” lawn naturalization to “supporting the rights of property owners to naturalize their yards” noting that the Ontario Superior Court has already ruled that a person has the right to naturalize their yard.
