BATTLEFORD —
Two months ago, at the Town of Battleford's June 19 council meeting, a Battleford resident noted his opposition to a ticket he received for unmowed grass outside his home. He claimed he had intentionally planted natural grasses and that this was allowed under the town's bylaw.
Nathan Anderson's concerns with the town's bylaw prompted discussion with town administration, council, and the town's bylaw office, continuing up until their Aug. 21 meeting, when they shared a decision with the public.
"He came to council to ask if he could have permission [to grow grass] and also stated that our bylaw, the way it's written, would allow him to do this,” Mayor Ames Leslie said.
"But as we talked through administration, and with Ross [McAngus] and the public safety officer, the one word that kind of trips him up a little is intentionally planted. 'Deliberately planted' is in our bylaw, and I do believe a lot of it is not grass that can intentionally be planted."
Noreen Hoffart, the town's interim CAO said that the town has been monitoring the grass since the June 19 meeting. They have now noticed that the grass is not being maintained and is untidy and unsightly and in contravention of the town's Nuisance Abatement Bylaw.
Despite Anderson claiming that the grass is a natural garden and allowed under the town’s bylaw, Hoffart asked council at the Aug. 21 meeting to authorize the town to adhere to the order to cut Anderson's lawn, issued by the public safety officer in June.
"It has gotten out of hand, and it's time to get it tidied up. Period. I've driven by many times ... It looks awful," Councillor David George said.
"I'm sorry we can't help ... it's not so much for me the sight, but that we're trying to kind of manipulate the bylaw, it just doesn't work," Councillor Alexis Christensen said.
The motion passed unanimously, and Anderson is expected to mow his lawn by Aug. 31, 2023.
"If he doesn't comply with this order, the town can step in and have our contractors do it and charge it back to him on his property taxes, so there is no financial implication to the town," Hoffart added.
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