Non-standard boulevard planting under scrutiny in Centre Wellington

New rules are in the works for planting on public boulevards in Centre Wellington.

Following a report by Colin Baker, managing director of infrastructure on Aug. 25 councillors here have accepted a recommendation to approve the Boulevard Plantings Policy and Guidelines for non-standard boulevard treatments.

He called it “an operational policy for the public works side of things.”

In his report to council, Baker said, “part of the charm and unique character of Centre Wellington is the pride that the property owners, residents, the Fergus, Elora and Salem Horticultural Societies and township staff taking in planting and maintaining public gardens, planters, hanging baskets, parks and open spaces.”

He noted the township encourages the continued beautification of these areas.

However township staff have noticed an increasing trend in residents landscaping the township boulevards beyond the standard grass or sod.

Baker explained that the boulevards are part of township road allowances between the curb or edge of pavement and the private property line.

He clarified that sometimes the sidewalk is not the same location as the private property line.

This area provides snow storage in the winter and often contains underground water, sewer, gas, hydro, cable and telecommunications infrastructure in addition to above ground hydro telecommunications.

Baker was equally clear in his belief that most of this landscaping is well maintained and does not create safety issues.

However, he said there is a lack of clarity around recommended types of landscape treatment and maintenance expectations.

This has resulted in vehicle and pedestrian safety issues, damage to municipal equipment and the non-standard landscape treatments.

He explained the use of river stone, retaining walls, or hard edging can potentially damage sidewalk plows or blowers while overgrown vegetation or fencing can obstruct signs and sight lines for drivers exiting driveways or entering intersections.

Baker believed the planting policy and guidelines would help provide options for residents while avoiding conflicts with pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

The policy requires property owners to register their boulevard garden with the township and adhere to the guidelines which include a list of suggested planting materials, groundcover options, retaining walls and fence setbacks, height limitations and provisions for planned and unplanned maintenance.

Under that policy, the township reserves the right to require the boulevard be returned to turf grass at the property owner’s expense.

In the event of emergency work homeowners may get no notification, but in the case of scheduled work, homeowners would be given 30 days to salvage plant materials.

In the event of unscheduled work, the property would be restored to turf standards unless the property owner stated an intent to re-establish previous boulevard planting.

He said in the past there have been many interpretations as to how the properties are managed.

“What we’re trying to do is take what is working well and expand on that.”

Councillor Kirk McElwain said one item of the policy which jumped out at him regarded the use of mulch.

With the issue of termites in both Elora and Fergus, McElwain asked if there were specifications regarding the type of mulch used.

Baker agreed that was a good question.

He said the policy had not referred to specifics but suggested a notation could be added.

CAO Andy Goldie noted the township website includes information regarding mulches and the termite issue.

Councillor Fred Morris asked how the new policy would be enforced.

Baker said that would be a role of public works.

Generally it starts with a discussion with the landlord.

“We try to educate the homeowner why it is important to maintain the areas in a proper way.”

He also agreed that most of the non-standard boulevards are beautiful and well maintained.

“It’s the other few we are trying to deal with.”

Councillor Mary Lloyd asked what steps residents could take to report perceived issues.

Baker said there are a number of options including reporting matters through the property standards process.

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