After holding a pilot project in May 2023, Melissa Halford, director of development services for the Town of Gravenhurst, says No Mow May should continue as an annual initiative.
Council agreed and unanimously approved the idea during the April 30 Planning Council meeting.
Halford explained the program will see by-law officers not enforce specific sections of the property standards and community standards by-law detailing how “grassed and landscaped areas” should be maintained and how high grass is allowed to grow, respectively.
However, Halford added residents will still have to get rid of giant hogweed, ragweed, and poison ivy on their lawns.
Halford said there was “lots of great feedback” about the program, which staff used to modify how it will be implemented going forward.
The idea was brought forward by Mayor Heidi Lorenz last year with Halford explaining in her recent report to council that early spring is an important time for insect feeding, notably pollinators like bees, so not mowing your lawn gives them more opportunities to get something to eat.
“Residents had concerns with the message that was being presented in that No Mow May wasn’t just about the loss of bees and pollinators, but included small rodents, as well as other fauna and flora,” she added.
Halford said it prompted staff to create clearer messaging for the program, which includes the new slogan: “No Mow May… put your rakes away.”
Coun. Sandy Cairns pointed out how some residents were confused about whether the program was mandatory or not. She added the program only means the town “won’t send by-law after someone” if a resident doesn’t maintain their lawn to a prescribed standard. “Each and everyone’s lawn is different,” she added.
“This program is strictly voluntary,” clarified Halford.
