Markham posts signs urging residents to cut grass

Yorkregion.com
July 30, 2015
By Laura Finney

If you live in certain parts of the city, you may have noticed signs reminding residents to cut their grass.

“We put up these signs to remind residents to maintain their grass and property right up to the curb,” said ward 6 Councillor Amanda Collucci.

According to the Keep Markham Beautiful bylaw, grass must be kept cut below six inches.

So far the signs are in wards 5 and 6.

‘We got complaints’

Ward 5 Councillor Colin Campbell said they have noticed in some areas, particularly in newer sections with more townhouses and rental properties, grass was getting too long.

“Tenants and owners are not keeping property up in front of the house, and that includes the boulevard. If you have one between the sidewalk and the road, it’s your responsibility on the bylaw to keep that trimmed,” he said. “We noticed a lot of people were not doing that. We got complaints.”

This has been an ongoing issue, he said, and they decided to use the signs to help educate people about the bylaw.

“The vast majority of people keep their houses beautiful, and have pride in their homes,” said Campbell.

“We just want to get the message across to those that don’t. We want the place to be beautiful.”

He said he has been working with several community groups to help spread the message, and so far it has been successful.

“These signs have been very well received. We think that they are working,” said Collucci.

And if residents do not comply, it can be costly.

“If you don’t cut it we will cut it and we put it on your taxes,” said Campbell.

Collucci said it could cost just over $60 an hour if city staff cuts your lawn, plus a $50 fee.

“That’s not the way we want to approach it. We want people to be proactive,” said Campbell. “It’s really for the sake of the neighbourhood.”

For more information about this, and other bylaws visit markham.ca.