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A couple of weeks ago, Julie Barnes says her husband had an idea: to use a portion of the grassy boulevard in front of their Haultain area home to build some large garden planters.
He ordered the new cedar and built the boxes – believing that it would be OK because a couple of other neighbours had at least one of their own on their grassy boulevards as well.
That was not the case.
“We found out that a neighbour complained to the city,” says Barnes. “So, that’s when we ended up getting the citation from the city.”
The citation indicated that the planters needed to be removed and that a bylaw inspector would be back to check on them in two weeks. If the planters were not removed, they’d get a $500 fine.
According to a statement provided by the City of Saskatoon, the raised beds contravene a section of Traffic Bylaw Sec. 58.2(1) which states that no one can place “any material” on a boulevard unless they have written permission from the general manager.
So why did the couple put the boxes out onto the city-owned boulevards?
“We’re quite shaded here in the front yard, and our backyard is quite small because we have our garage back there, so there’s not a lot of space,” she explained.
The plan was to fill the boxes with dirt and to plant flowers to attract bees and a variety of vegetables and herbs as well. Barnes believes it’s also a way to create more of a sense of community.
She says her husband is speaking with Ward 6 Councillor Cynthia Block to see if there’s some way they might be able to keep the planters.
Barnes believes that some of the city’s concerns have to do with protecting a tree several feet away from the planters, along with providing adequate access for those with mobility issues.
“We’re concerned about the trees too. We love this tree, it’s beautiful. But, we’re giving it lots of space. As you can see, the sidewalks don’t manage to kill the tree…but we’re quite a far distance from them.
“We’ve also got quite a wide pathway here to the street. So, accessibility isn’t really an issue.”
She’s hoping the city reconsiders its position and allows them to keep the planters, citing places like Victoria, B.C. and Calgary, Alberta where boulevard planters are allowed.
When asked however, why the couple didn’t inquire prior to building them whether there were any rules about building structures on the boulevard, Barnes wasn’t sure.
“We just see them all over the place…with our neighbour, he’s had one for several years and there hasn’t been an issue. When we go for walks we see raised beds all over the neighbourhood. It never would have crossed my mind that there would be a $500 ticket.”
The statement from the City of Saskatoon also indicates that two other residents on the same block also received tickets for their raised boulevard planters. One person has complied with the city bylaw and removed their planter.
An extension has been granted by the city for “one homeowner,” and a date has not been set. The boulevard garden guidelines – at this point – permit non-invasive vegetables and flowers, and temporary structures like potted plants, chairs and bird baths. They should be removed prior to winter to allow for snow removal and street sweeping.
In a further email to CKOM, Barnes said that residents must maintain their boulevards by mowing and watering them. If they must maintain it, she believes she should be able to get a benefit from it as well, which can also promote community and environmental wellness.
An administrative review of the guidelines is now underway.