The City is pleased to introduce the new Land Maintenance By-law (By-law 2025-117) which will take effect tomorrow (July 1).
This new-and-improved by-law will replace the previous Clean and Clear Yards By-Law and Littering By-law, and outlines realistic expectations for land maintenance in the city, as well as a number of other exciting updates that support the City’s various environmental initiatives.
The Land Maintenance By-law was created under the guidance of the By-law Review Ad Hoc Committee who had been tasked with reviewing and updating the Clean Yards, Littering, Noise, Property Standards, and Short-Term Accommodations by-laws. After gathering feedback from the community on the Clean Yards and Littering By-laws and careful consideration, the following changes have been implemented:
· General languages changes to improve readability and understanding.
· New enforcement of littering through new presumption clauses which hold the owner of a vehicle that litter was deposited from and/or person identified within the content of the litter responsible.
· Provisions around standing water to limit breeding of insects.
· Clarification surrounding responsibilities of tree maintenance.
· Provisions to facilitate the inclusion of naturalized gardens including specific criteria regarding planting of native species, height restrictions, location relative to property lines and requirements for regular upkeep.
More information specific to creating naturalized gardens can be found on the new Naturalization page on the City’s website.
For the complete Land Maintenance By-law, including enforcement and set fines, visit: Belleville.ca/Bylaws.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
