THUNDER BAY — City council heard nine deputations from concerned citizens who think some items in the proposed boulevard gardens by-law need to be pruned before ratification.
Height limitations, a ban on shrubs and plant supports, and mandatory registration were the common themes from all those who presented to council.
They argued that these height restrictions severely limited the amount of food which could be grown and banning of shrubs restrains biodiversity among pollinator species that use those plants.
Their concern with a registration process was that it could potentially alienate those from participating in a boulevard garden.
Furthermore, they pointed out that the by-law does not prohibit the use of chemicals like pesticides and rodenticides.
After the deputation, councillor Kristen Oliver asked the administration if there was a way to take in what they had heard from the deputants and bring a report back to council before ratifying the by-law.
City manager John Collin said they were willing to “consider additional changes” with the “caveat” that council consider that boulevards are city-owned properties and that the by-law balances safety on public lands and homeowners' desire to garden.
“We are always open and receptive to them and should council be willing. I would suggest that before placing this bylaw before council for ratification, we could take a look at three areas,” said Collin.
The three areas Collin pointed out are allowing shrubs within the height restrictions with the appropriate setback from curbs, sidewalks, driveway edges, road edges or shoulders, a one-metre height restriction from the top of planter boxes, and restricting all pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers.
Council Kasey Etreni asked if administration would allow one more addition to the referral.
She wants administration to look at allowing planter supports “to be added as long as it stays within the height restriction.”
Council voted unanimously to support Etreni's amendment
Milkweed grows beyond one meter in length, said Councillor Rajni Agarwal, and monarch butterflies lay their eggs as the plant blooms.
She asked for an amendment to remove the height restriction for soft-scaping of native plant species.
Her motion was defeated two to 11. Councillor Trevor Giertuga was the only other person to vote in favour of Agarwal’s amendment.
Council voted unanimously for Collin’s proposal.
Administration will look into allowing shrubs, increasing the height restriction from the top of planter boxes to one metre, allowing plant supports, and restricting the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers.
Administration will present their findings in a memorandum in the new year and council will vote to ratify the bylaw.
