Quote:
Originally Posted by bomberjet
I think there should be some type of process that allows for this type of stuff. I've driven through Wolseley and seen some of the "gardens" on the boulevard. Nothing more than a pile of weeds. But if someone maintains it and makes the neighbourhood a more inviting place to live, than go for it!
Not sure where the by-law comes from, but it might have something to do with clearing snow originally. In all the newer developments, the city has to be really careful what the approve. In some of the smaller towns with newer developments, there is no where to pile snow because the driveways take up the entire frontage. Especially on curves.
So if the city says they need 1m from the curb and 0.5m from the sidewalk, I believe that on the context of snow clearing. Everybody knows how high the snow banks get. So if people start putting a garden, then they'll put some edging, then it turns into a small fence, then it turns... you see where I'm going. Then the city gets complaints that the snow piles have flattened all the gardens.
Then it turns into the guy in St. Vital that won't cut the grass. Where does he think the money will come from to pay for the city to cut the grass on everyone's boulevard? You choose to live in a sprawling new subdivision, you should be prepared to pay for it.
It's a fine line. In terms of safety along the boulevards, I'm not sure about that.
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The minimum standard for clear zones for local streets -- design speed of 50km/h -- is 6 feet when it has a 90 degree curb. Without the curb the recommendation is 7-14 feet, but they allow for 6 feet still (though not recommended).
This garden was within the clear zone, therefore the traffic engineers deemed it unsafe.
Personally, I think this is a crock. First I don't think that local streets should have a design speed of 50 km/h. Second, making a street green is one of the best ways to invite people to walk. Local streets should be for people, not cars.
Examples:
Local street for the car:
Local street for people:
Images courtesy of
Andrew Price's Blog