We find it ironic that Ward 2 Councillor Ian Findlay has decided to speak so publicly about dandelion control and the lack of lawn mowing by our city workers in city parks when in fact, it appears that he has not ever cut his own front yard! It is laughable that he he has “some concerns that the parks aren’t being done within the 10-day cycle” and that he “understands the frustration they have over the less than immaculate conditions.” While he awaits “Reassurances that we have a number of mowers that are broken down/rain delays/funding issues” or just a lack of “Strict adherence to policy” he should be reminded that “People in glass houses should not throw stones.” Unfortunatly (sic) elected officials tend to be under more scrutiny than the average citizen, so they must lead by example. DB
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Yes it is true. I do not cut my front lawn. I am in the third year of a naturalization project of my whole yard. I have planted over 500 trees on my lot. These include white pine, white spruce, white popular, sugar maple, shaggy hickory, ohio buckeye, butternut, black walnut, tennessee coffee tree, american chestnut, larch and white ash.
We also have a number of urban critters residing on our property including squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, bats, raccoons, skunks and too many birds species to name.
I do have a rear yard which contains a large grassy area that has been mowed six times this year. In fact it was cut again yesterday (June 5).
My young family enjoys both areas equally.
I would be more than happy to provide anyone with a tour of my lot to demonstrate my reforestation efforts.
As you are aware, there are a number of parks within the City of Guelph that contain large amounts of naturalized areas as well as manicured areas. When the City takes a position to maintain an area, then we need to maintain that area. A review of our current policy is necessary as it does not seem to be addressing the needs of our residents.
People enjoy both the naturalized areas as well as the manicured areas within our city.
What I have asked for at the June 5 meeting of City Council is that the ECOS Committee review our 10 day cutting policy to see if it is providing the service to which our citizens demand and expect. Councillor Ian Findlay
