Greater Napanee council upholds grass order with 10-foot buffer

A resident challenged the Town's 25-year-old by-law.

Greater Napanee council has upheld a grass-cutting compliance order for a naturalized property, but reduced the required mowing buffer from 15 feet to 10 feet.

The decision came after Julie Bogdanowicz spoke to council about her naturalized garden, which includes plants intended to support pollinators. She asked council to cancel the order, saying the issue has caused significant distress for her family.

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She added that she would consider legal action for damages if the town ordered the garden destroyed.

Town staff told council the grass bylaw is more than 25 years old and is one of the municipality’s most common areas for enforcement requests. Staff recommended that the bylaw be reviewed by the next term of council following extensive public consultation.

Councillors debated the balance between naturalized lawns, neighbouring properties and concerns about black-legged ticks and Lyme disease.

Mayor Terry Richardson said the municipality could not ignore the public-health concerns associated with ticks in the region.

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The final motion requires Bogdanowicz to maintain a 10-foot mowed buffer along the southeast, south and east property boundaries, with grass kept below 10 inches. Wetland areas are exempt.

The compliance deadline is Sept. 8, 2026.

Councillors Martin and Norrie opposed the motion, arguing the order should be suspended until the bylaw is reviewed. 

The motion carried.

Story by Emily Chatwood