Kanata couple told to rip out $40K landscaping over bylaw violation

CTV News

2 days ago

Ottawa Bylaw is forcing a Kanata couple to rip up their nearly $40,000 landscaping project after a neighbour's complaint. CTV's Katie Griffin reports.
A Kanata couple's new landscaping project meant to beautify their property and make it more accessible has turned into a massive headache.
After a complaint from a neighbour, the city now says most of it has to go.
'Just about everybody else in the neighbourhood loves it,' said homeowner Dean Kline. 'They just come by and they go for walks and they say 'wow, what a beautiful job you've done.' So, it's disappointing, we put a lot of money into this.'
Kline and his wife Pam spent nearly $40,000 to re-do their front lawn, which now includes interlock, river rock, stepping stones and gardens.
The issues arose because the landscaping was done on the City of Ottawa's right of way.
'Apparently you can't have any stonework at all,' said Pam Kline. 'Has to be dirt or grass or mulch. That's the only thing allowed, so if you look around, I can't even imagine how many homes in my own neighbourhood, let alone the city, would be in hardcore violation.'
The Klines
A Kanata couple has been told they have to rip out some of their nearly $40,000 landscaping project over a bylaw violation. (Katie Griffin/CTV News Ottawa)
The couple was issued a 'notice of violation' that stated they had until Sept. 30 to rip it out or the city would do it for them and send a bill.
'The bylaw prohibits hardscape on the city's right of way as it interferes with drainage, snow removal and can impact other city services,' Roger Chapman, the director of By-law and Regulatory Services, said in a statement.
'Keeping the right of way clear of obstruction helps ensure city services can be delivered to residents, and that staff can work safely and effectively.'
The city said information about work allowed within its right of way is available on its website or by calling 3-1-1.
Interlock near the garage has also been cited as an issue.
'That beautiful circle which inspired us is going to get chopped up because there's a width restriction that we've also just learned about called private right of way,' said Pam Kline.
The Klines
Part of this interlock circle by the garage is also going to have to be dug up. (Katie Griffin/CTV News Ottawa)
Dozens of neighbours have signed letters of support for the Klines.
'I think it's time to revisit the rules,' said neighbour David Haggarty. 'Drive around you'll see everybody, all sorts of people have done it.'
Dean Kline says working with the city to figure out next steps has been a challenge.
'It's like you need a lawyer to get through all this paperwork and the technical parts they want you to cover, which is not for the average person,' he said.
'To the different departments you have to submit all this information and none of them want to see the whole thing. They just want to see their little part of it… and it's hard to get somebody to give us that full overview of what we have to do.'
The Klines said they hope to get an extension and want city bylaws to be clearer.
'I would like them to educate the contractors and all the taxpayers so that they know how to proceed when they start this,' Dean Kline said.
'We thought we had done that but apparently we didn't, and it looks like we're going to have to pay the price.'