Port Hope has an abundance of natural beauty that isn't being fully expressed as much as it should. By signing this petition, you will play an important factor in showing support to Council, that 1) environmental reform is needed to the following By-laws and support 2) the implementation of supportive environmental policies. 

1) Here are the following By-laws that currently create barriers to building a blooming Port Hope:

Clean Yard By-law (BY-LAW NO. 79-2024)

• “2.1. Every owner of property shall keep the vegetation in every yard clean and cleared up
• 2.2. For the purposes of Subsection 2.1, ‘clean and cleared up’ shall mean: (b) in turf grass areas, that the grass has been cut so that its height is maintained below 10 cm in height”

Property Standards By-law (Under Review)

• “3.04 In addition to the General Requirements of Section 2.02, all yards shall be kept clean and free from: (1) long grass (maximum 10cm in height), brush, heavy undergrowth”
• “Keeping grass short and maintaining yards” is noted as an aspect of this By-law on Port Hope's official website

According to the town's Community Climate Action Plan, Strategy #13: Protect Port Hope’s Natural Spaces and the Clean Yard By-law, some of the municipality's goals is to:

• “Increase naturalization and beautification of public spaces and lands favouring native tree and plant species where possible”
• “Review bylaws that may prevent naturalization of private properties”
• “Develop and distribute guidelines for naturalization of private property including native tree, shrubs, wildflowers and plant species, pollinator gardens, and best practices for maintenance, pruning and care” 
• “encourage Naturalized Areas on properties within the Municipality"

Considering these points, inconsistencies in language becomes clear in some of Port Hope's rules around naturalization, that do not reflect the town's true commitment to sustainability. In addition to altering existing By-laws to be more inclusive of biodiversity, we need to call on Council to encourage naturalization within our community.

2) Here are the changes signing this petition will support for an increased biodiverse landscape: 

1. The creation of a Boulevard Garden and Maintenance By-law inspired by this Draft By-law 
2. Creating a municipal wildflower planting program where residents can register a part of their property for free naturalization services

As of today, the town is doing a By-law review, which presents the perfect opportunity to alter the language in these rules, create new ones, and help residents build ecologically sound spaces. Sign today to make an impact!

Visit our website to learn more and get involved!! - click here!