New User-friendly Boulevard Garden Encroachment Permit

The City of Mississauga’s Encroachment By-law is getting updated with a new, user-friendly process for residents interested in installing and maintaining boulevard gardens on public lands.

“It is wonderful to see a user-friendly process available to residents who are passionate about their gardens,” said Ward 1 Councillor Jim Tovey.  “Our city has so many talented gardeners with great visons that are making our city beautiful.”

Council directed that Works Operations and Maintenance staff review the Encroachment By-law to streamline the installation of boulevard garden encroachments.

“City staff has developed a simpler process for residents wanting to install and maintain boulevard gardens,” said Bob Levesque Acting Director Works Operations and Maintenance. “The current Encroachment By-law prohibits encroachments onto public lands except where a minor encroachment agreement exists. These conditions are not suitable to boulevard gardens. The new process will allow residents to enter into a written agreement for boulevard gardens separate from a formal Encroachment Agreement or Minor Encroachment Agreement. Residents are encouraged to apply for a permit in advance of planting. Staff recommends an administration fee of $50 plus applicable tax for the Boulevard Garden Encroachment Permit.”

Applicants will be required to provide the City with a sketch of the proposed garden in accordance with the requirements of the Encroachment By-law. Staff will then evaluate the encroachment to ensure that the garden does not:

• conflict or interfere with Transportation & Works operations and/or guidelines for sightlines;
• create a safety hazard for vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists or anyone performing maintenance activities on City owned lands;
• contain sharp or dangerous objects; and
• include plants or materials that may: impede drainage; contain vegetables or grains; or prevent or obstruct snow clearing or removal operations.

The permit reads that the applicant is responsible for:

• all maintenance and repairs to the garden encroachment;
• the restoration of City lands to the then current City standards, including all applicable costs and expenses; and
• any injury or damages sustained or suffered by any person as a result of the existence of the garden encroachment.

The permit process will be on the June 22 Council agenda for approval. For more information, read: Boulevard Gardens and By-law Amendment