We live in Downtown Windsor on historic Victoria Ave. Over the course of 20 years, we four neighbours have planted bio-diverse native plants in our front yards and have mulched in between.  Our yards are well-maintained, require little watering and no pesticides, and provide refuge and food for pollinators such as bees.

There are many residents of Windsor who have created environmentally friendly habitats on their front lawns. As our climate changes and our population ages, this number will only increase. 

We have become aware that the planting of biodiverse plants on easements and 1’ on the house-side of the yard is not currently permitted according to the city of Windsor's by-laws.  At present, the city of Windsor only allows monoculture grass or astroturf on these areas.  This is a short-sighted policy which is overdue for revision to be in line with our City’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan (2012 and 2020), as it does not align with any practices that are aimed at addressing climate change and the current crisis we are experiencing. 

We are asking the City of Windsor to amend its by-law by broadening its definition of ground cover to be more progressive and align more with its Climate Change Adaptation Plan.

Thank you for your support!!!