Sault greenlights boulevard gardens
Citing growing interest among residents and community groups, the City of Sault Ste. Marie is allowing boulevard gardens for the first time this year.
However, those wishing to plant on their boulevard should be aware of restrictions that are in place, particularly with regard to invasive species.
Along with the aesthetic value of boulevard gardens, staff at the city said they have environmental benefits, as well.
“Perennials, annuals, what have you, pollinator plants, that will actually allow homeowners to not have to mow that section of their lawn, which has some great environmental benefits, reducing greenhouse gas emissions because you’re not mowing as much, also helping with stormwater filtration,” said the city’s sustainability coordinator, Emily Cormier.
“There’s some specific rules that pertain to what can and can’t be planted there … All of that is listed within the details of the report and the bylaw.”
Citing growing interest among residents and community groups, the City of Sault Ste. Marie is allowing boulevard gardens for the first time this year. (Mike McDonald/CTV News)
Some restrictions deal with height – plants can be no taller than 75 centimetres, except within intersections where plants cannot be more than 30 centimetres in height.
Invasive plants are also prohibited. According to the Invasive Species Centre, such plants can spread quickly and cause damage to infrastructure.
“If they go to seed, then those seeds still have natural dispersal mechanisms, whether it’s from birds or wind or things like that,” said Derissa Vincentini, a community science coordinator with the centre.
“Roots can grow underneath bricks, they can grow underneath asphalt, but of course, they grow underneath fencing and everything, as well.”
o Download our app to get local alerts on your device
o Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Crop-producing plants are also not allowed in boulevard gardens because they can attract pests and wild animals.
Also prohibited are trees, light fixtures, fences, concrete slabs and signage. Residents are encouraged to contact the city should they have any questions.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trump delivers rambling response to his hush money conviction
A day after a New York jury delivered a historic guilty verdict in Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee held a press conference Friday where he spoke publicly about the conviction and his White House bid.
Mediterranean diet helps women live much longer, a large new study finds
Women who closely followed a Mediterranean diet lived much longer than those who did not, according to a new study that followed more than 25,000 women for 25 years.
How did Ontario's bankrupt 'Crypto King' travel the world on Scene+ points?
Newly released documents suggest Ontario’s so-called ‘Crypto King’ paid for months of world travels with $13,000 worth of Scene+ points while bankrupt – but how?
'We will go with the majority': Liberals slammed by opposition over proposal to delay next election
The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it.
Solutions coming for piled-up bodies outside Newfoundland hospital
Health officials in Newfoundland and Labrador say they are only weeks away from a solution to move unclaimed human remains out of roadside freezers and into a nearby hospital.
Actor Nick Pasqual charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing estranged girlfriend
An actor who has appeared in film and TV projects like 'Rebel Moon' and 'How I Met Your Mother' has been arrested and charged with stabbing his estranged girlfriend multiple times.
'Unprecedented': Human smuggling from B.C. to U.S. soars, using train, Uber and foot
American prosecutors and law enforcement officers say they're dealing with a huge increase in human smuggling from British Columbia.
The northern lights are returning to night skies across Canada this Friday
If you missed the brilliant displays of the aurora borealis over North America on May 10, you may have another chance to see them on Friday night.
Incendiary device thrown at Vancouver synagogue, Jewish Federation says
An incendiary device was thrown at a Vancouver synagogue Thursday night, leading to increased police presence at local institutions, the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver says.