REQUEST FOR DIRECTION
DATE: October 06, 2015 Report No. CSS-15-014
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Blair McDonald, Director, Community Safety Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw
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ESSENTIAL QUESTION:
Does Council wish to enact a bylaw in order to aid in the enforcement of the type and amount of modification that can be made to the boulevard abutting privately owned property?
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That the Committee of the Whole receive Staff Report No. CSS-15-014 for information, provide any additional direction to staff as the COTW considers advisable, and direct staff to prepare a report for Council's consideration.
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BACKGROUND:
Concerns have been raised from time to time regarding Township property in the form of boulevards. Often residents will see the boulevard land as an extension of their own property and want to make modifications or revisions to the boulevard lands. Recognizing that, at times, it can be advantageous to both the Township and the property owner to allow the property owner to change the landscaping of the boulevard, Engineering and Public Works created a process in which the owner of land abutting the boulevard can make application to the Director of Engineering and Public Works for a boulevard alteration permit. Through this permitting process, the Director is able to ensure that both the Township's and the home owner's interests are met.
Unfortunately, in some instances, property owners or occupants will take it upon themselves to alter the boulevard landscaping without a permit. At times, these alterations are unacceptable due to many possible factors. For example, they may obstruct traffic sightlines, make access to any municipal works located within the boulevard exceedingly difficult, or not be in keeping with property maintenance standards. In these instances, there is not an effective enforcement mechanism in place to ensure compliance ...
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