Boulevard Maintenance

Defining Boulevards

The boulevard is the section of land between the property line and the edge of the pavement or curb of the road. Property owner(s) and residents are required to maintain the City boulevard bordering their property, where it borders the front, back or sides of the property. This includes the maintenance and upkeep of separated boulevards, which is the area between the curb and the sidewalk. 

The boulevard is a public space. Underground utilities such as water mains, storm mains, sanitary mains, hydro and gas lines share the boulevard.  City staff or utility companies require access to maintain these underground utilities, or for other purposes such as to build new sidewalks, install street signs, or prune street trees. 

Importance

Boulevards are important features because:

  • Invasive plants in boulevards can spread to other areas
  • Obstacles can restrict pedestrians and people in wheelchairs or with strollers
  • Overgrown vegetation can cause sight-line issues
  • Their landscaping and maintenance affects the overall look and feel of the street
  • There can be an increase in peak flows in creeks and ravines if there is overuse of impervious materials

Landscaping Options

Residents have options regarding how their boulevards are landscaped, but need to ensure that:

  • Aesthetics are preserved
  • Impervious areas are limited
  • Parking is not impacted
  • Pedestrians have safe access
  • Sight lines are protected
  • Street trees are protected

Plantings in boulevards (trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass) are valuable amenities that greatly enhance the aesthetics and health of our neighbourhoods.

  1. General Guidelines
  2. Boulevard Access
  3. Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw
  4. Care of Sidewalks During Snow / Ice
  5. Chafer Beetles
  6. Construction
  7. Rocks & Aggregates
  8. Rubbish Removal
  9. Trees
  10. Utilities

Plantings in boulevards (trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass) are valuable amenities that greatly enhance the aesthetics and health of our neighbourhoods. However, certain policies need to be followed for safety, environmental and aesthetic reasons:

  • A distance of 0.3 metres beside the roadway must be clear, to allow people to open doors to exit vehicles.
  • Grass must not exceed 15 centimetres in height.
  • Invasive plants and noxious weeds are not permitted.
  • Landscaping should be drought resistant and be watered enough to maintain plant health.
  • No food crops, berries, fruit, vegetables or other attractants for bears.
  • No pesticides are permitted.
  • Shrubs should be maintained at a maximum height of 0.9 metres.
  • Sidewalks and multi-use pathways must be kept clear.
  • Sightlines for pedestrians and drivers must be kept clear at crosswalks, roads, lanes, and driveways.
  • Where shrubs are within 3.0 metres of the edge of a roadway or 2.0 metres from a driveway, the maximum height is 0.6 metres.