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THEBACHA/FORT SMITH
A petition has been launched in Fort Smith against a proposed bylaw change that would make residents responsible for moving ditches between their lawns and the roadway.

Brad Brake of Fort Smith stands in the overgrown ditch between his property and the roadway. Brake has launched a petition opposing a proposed bylaw change which would see the town stop mowing such areas and make it the responsibility of homeowners. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

The petition was begun on Facebook in early July by town resident Brad Brake, who noted the municipality has mowed the ditches for decades but now wants to put the onus on property owners.

"I just wanted to put a petition out and see if we could generate some interest to get some people to sign up and maybe see if we can't get (council) to change their minds," he said.

As of early last week, about 20 people had signed the online petition.

"Not as many signatures as I would like, but I haven't really circulated it as a hard copy," said Brake, adding he hopes to place the petition in stores and restaurants.

The town recently distributed a flyer to residents informing them it is now their responsibility to mow the ditches.

Brake currently cuts grass right to the roadway on one side of his property because there is only a slight grade there.

"The problem is that on one other side it's nothing but weeds and it's at a steep angle and has a lot of rocks in there," he said. "I really don't want to be beating up my equipment."

In addition, he noted some residents have ditches several feet deep in front of their properties, explaining they are for water retention during spring melt.

Mayor Janie Hobart said the proposed change to the Unsightly Premises Bylaw has been the norm throughout Canada for many years.

"This is what's very commonplace all across the country that people are responsible all the way to the roadways for their properties," she said. "In most communities, they have to shovel their own sidewalks. All we're asking is for people to ensure that their grass is mowed."

In fact, Hobart noted it was the homeowner's responsibility even when she was growing up in her hometown of Edson, Alta.

The mayor added many residents of Fort Smith already mow the ditches.

"This is not going to affect a lot of people," she said of the proposed bylaw. "What it is it's more a formality."

Hobart said the change is being made to allow for a better allocation of work by town employees.

"There are better ways that we can spend our resources," she explained. "We've got all kinds of things, like repairs on our parks, repairs on our boardwalk, fire abatement, just general maintenance of trails. Those kinds of things that need to be done that we could better spend our money on."

She added no town position would be eliminated as a result of the change.

The proposed change to the bylaw passed first reading on June 19 and will be considered for second reading during the council meeting on July 17.

Prior to the upcoming meeting there will be a public consultation on the proposed change, beginning at 7 p.m.

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