Mr. Compeau introduced the report.
Councillor Tozzo asked if naturalized lawns would still be required to conform to the 8 inch maximum height. He further asked if there were progressive fines for the illegal parking of recreational vehicles. He inquired if vehicles could be towed and the owner billed for the expense. Mr. Compeau confirmed that naturalized lawns would be required to follow the same standards. He explained that the City would be pursing an education and warning approach for enforcement. He stated that there were no set ceilings for the fines that could be issued. He noted that the City could also escalate matters to the court system if required. He confirmed that the City could tow vehicles.
Councillor Amos asked if it would be possible to set up workshops for the public to attend. He sought clarity on what would happen if yard contained an 'offending plant'. He sought further confirmation that the items listed in Section J were a set standard across the province. Mr. Compeau stated that staff were keen to set up workshops this fall to tie into an education campaign. He explained that the onus would be on the complainant to describe the 'offending' plant and staff would go to ensure that is accurate and the provide education to the owner of the property. He confirmed that it was a standard.
Councillor Amos sought to confirm that Section N (5) only applied to private dwellings and not commercial lands. He pointed to section N(b) and asked if that was intended to disallow the storage of recreational vehicles on driveways. He noted that many people do not have detailed knowledge on plants and asked if the by-law officers would be receiving adequate training to enforce the updated by-laws. Mr. Compeau confirmed that it would only apply on private dwellings. He explained that all definitions were remaining the same from the old by-law and that staff were only adding the Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) violations. He further confirmed that training would take place.
Councillor Stephen thanked staff for the update and asked for an explanation regarding asphalt as a suitable covering. She asked for further clarification on whether driveways were included in the definition of yard. Mr. Compeau explained that the coverings had been carried over from the property standards by-law as it remained the main material for driveways. He noted that it was only an example covering. He confirmed that the term 'yard' covered everything that was not municipal property.
Councillor Chaves asked for clarification on what would happen if asphalt was removed from the document. Ms. Morley stated that it would not impact the ability for that material to be used for driveways.
Councillor Hassan asked for an explanation if this would have an impact on mowing requirements. He sought confirmation that no-mow May would remain a voluntary event. He further asked if any changed were being proposed to the Zoning By-Law related to this. Mr. Compeau stated that during no-mow May staff allow for grass to grow to a higher height. He confirmed that outside of no-mow May height restrictions remained for lawns. He further confirmed that it was a voluntary program and no changes were proposed to the Zoning By-Law at this time.
In response to a question from Councillor Hassan, Mr. Compeau stated that in terms of enforcement if an offending vehicle is removed then there would be no immediate charges. He stated that staff also have the option to use fines to ensure compliance to an order.
Councillor Hassan asked if the City could have residents buy a permit for a recreational vehicle to be parked at a certain places for a specific amount of time. Ms. Morley stated that a permit system had been proposed in 2019 and not adopted by staff. She explained that any amendments here would have to be done via a Zoning By-Law amendment.
Councillor Osanic asked if the definition of inoperative motor vehicles included a vehicle with a flat tire. She inquired if dog waste requirements also applied to backyards. She asked for an explanation of how this would apply to the condominium subdivisions in the City. Mr. Compeau confirmed that the definition included a vehicle with a flat tire. He further confirmed that backyard dog waste fell under the Property Standards By-Law. Ms. Morley explained that condominium corporations would likely had extra enforcement rules in place for residents and enforcement actions from the City would be against the corporation itself.
The Chair provided an opportunity for members of the public to speak. There were no comments received from the public.