Natural Garden Exemption -
98 Castlefield Avenue (North Toronto)
The Toronto Community Council recommends that City Council grant an exemption under Municipal Code,
Chapter 202, Section 202-2D to cancel the served notice and to allow a natural garden to remain at 98 Castlefield
Avenue.
The Toronto Community Council submits the following report (October 2, 1998) from the Commissioner, Urban
Planning and Development Services:
Purpose:
To provide information to Toronto Community Council regarding a request from the owner for a natural garden exemption
for 98 Castlefield Avenue in Ward 22, submitted in response to a notice served requiring that long grass and weeds be cut.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Not applicable.
Recommendations:
(1)That City Council grant an exemption under Municipal Code, Chapter 202, Section 202-2D to cancel the served notice
and to allow a natural garden to remain at 98 Castlefield Avenue;
OR
(2)That City Council confirm the served notice and direct that a second notice be given under Municipal Code, Chapter
202, Section 202-2D requiring the cutting of grass and weeds, as prescribed in the regulations.
Council Reference/Background/History:
Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 202 regulates "tall grass and weeds", requiring same to be cut upon receipt of a served
notice. This regulation also provides for an exemption which may be requested on receipt of such a notice, on the basis that
the lands form a natural garden. This exemption is required under the regulation to be reported on for decision by City
Council. Background information is set out in this report to assist Council.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
On June 18th, 1998, a notice was served to the owner of the property known as 98 Castlefield Avenue in Ward 22 to require
that grass and weeds be cut, in accordance with Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 202. A letter was received on June 22nd,
1998, from the owner requesting exemption from grass and weed cutting requirements on the basis that the property
contains a natural garden.
On September 25th, 1998, Parks staff advised that at the time of their inspection, there were no noxious weeds or tall grass
on the property. They also advised that some of the plant growth encroaching over the sidewalk needed to be pruned back
and that the front stone retaining wall needed to be raised up in order to prevent future erosion onto the sidewalk.
Information from Parks staff concluded that provided the homeowners continue to remove noxious weeds and tall grass
that they had no objection to the contents of the rest of their garden. This information is included in this report for the
information of Council in rendering their decision.
Conclusions:
This report is submitted for information to Council in deciding whether or not to exempt the subject lands as a natural
garden.
Contact Name:
Judi McBurney
Technical Advisor
Urban Planning and Development
392-7963
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Mr. Peter Kemerer, Toronto, Ontario, appeared before the Toronto Community Council in connection with the foregoing
matter.
