Loyalist Township will be looking at changing the safe yards by-law at their next council meeting on Sept. 11. This could mean a wide variety of changes for both township and residential lawncare.

The township strategic action plan details initiatives and goals surrounding property standards and safe yards. Residents' needs and environmental impacts are high priorities for the township, as outlined in the plan. To better serve residents, and the environment, the township recognized the bylaw will need to consider initiatives that would normally bend the rules a little.

Trends geared towards environmental protections and enhancements such as "No-mow May," can have great benefits, according to the township, but also can inflict with certain by-laws if not done correctly, or if the by-law is out of date. Deputy Mayor Nathan Townend explained how these sorts of initiatives are worth protecting within the bylaw.

"It's probably worth considering that those things are in line with goals in our strategic plan. Particularly, as they pertain to bio-diversity and ecological enhancements as part of our climate action plan that we review these standards and these by-laws to ensure that no one's unnecessarily caught-out." said Deputy Mayor Townend.

Coun. Paul Proderick noted that the geography, and different population types within the township must factor into changes to the bylaw.

"There are different interpretations, I guess, of what makes a safe property, and I think we have to also balance the fact that we're a rural-suburban type of community, and there's going to be different variances." said Proderick.

Deputy Mayor Townend provided notice of motion back in July for staff to review the by-law and report on potential changes. The motion was approved at their Aug. 14 meeting, and staff will be returning to council on Sept. 11 with their report.

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