Some vacant lots remain overgrown as Winnipeg enforces grass-length bylaw

CBC

5 days ago

As Winnipeggers are warned to keep their grass short or face bylaw fines, some residents are wondering why some vacant lots are consistently overgrown.
James Bothwell lives next to a vacant lot with overgrown vegetation on Spence Street in the city's West End.
He says the long grass and brush is "just a nuisance" and a potential safety issue for the people and animals that live in the area.
"My window overlooks it and I never look out my window," Bothwell said.
The property next to Bothwell's home has received two complaints so far this year, the city said in a statement to CBC News on Tuesday. The city said it has issued one compliance order to the property owner.
Bothwell says he saw city officials cut the property's grass twice last year. But as far as he's aware, he said they haven't been back so far in 2025.
Winnipeg's neighbourhood liveability bylaw requires homeowners to keep grass and vegetation from growing longer than 15 centimetres.
Officials said vacant lots are enforced to the same standard as occupied properties.
Waverly West Coun. Janice Lukes, who chairs the city's public works committee, said the city has received about 4,000 calls from residents about overgrown grass and weeds so far this year.
She said 75 complaints are addressed daily, with municipal inspectors being sent out to decide whether a formal warning should be issued to a homeowner. After that, homeowners have about 10 days to cut their grass or the city will send a crew out to do it for them.
Lukes said it's fair for the city to issue fines, as they cover the cost of enforcement and mowing.
"When you live in an urban environment, there are rules that we have to follow," she said.
"We're asking people to be good citizens and keep it within six inches or less."
In June, East Elmwood resident Wayne Moody's front and back lawns were mowed by city workers after someone complained that his grass was too long.
At the time, he told CBC News he had cut his lawn about two weeks before he received a non-compliance letter in the mail. Still, he expects to see the mowing cost added to his property tax bill.
Lukes said the city is working to educate residents about the grass bylaw. She says many people aren't aware it exists.
"Mow the lawn or cut the grass and you won't get fined. It's pretty simple," she said.
The owner of the Spence Street property next door to Bothwell told CBC News he's not in Canada at the moment, but he plans to mow the lawn or hire someone to cut it once he returns.
Tall grass and weeds in vacant Winnipeg lots a growing concern
10 hours ago
The city says vacant lots and properties are enforced to the same standards as occupied properties, but residents want the city to do more about uncut grass and weeds.