City hall urged to change grass-cutting schedule

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This article was published 18/05/2016 (3764 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

City hall needs to change its grass-cutting schedule to comply with Mother Nature, says Transcona Coun. Russ Wyatt.

Wyatt said that parks staff mow boulevards, parks and playing fields on a 10-day cycle from May to September but the grass grows faster in May and June than it does in late August and September.

Wyatt said the current work schedule means the city’s green spaces look awful in the spring and early summer.

“We have a beautiful city. We have a very short season when it comes to our spring and summers,” Wyatt told reporters. “Winnipeggers want their parks in a presentable fashion that can be used and looks beautiful.”

Wyatt said the public works department needs to alter the work schedule of its park staff to accommodate the grass growing season.

“For some boulevards and parks, you’re not cutting grass — you’re actually harvesting hay,” Wyatt said. “In late July, August and September, they’re still on the cycle of cutting grass whether it needs it or not and that doesn’t make any sense.”

A motion to council, from Wyatt and Coun. Ross Eadie, to alter the mowing schedule was referred for to the public works committee for further consideration.

Wyatt said a change in schedule shouldn’t cost the city any more money, adding it could free up parks staff for more weed control and shrubbery trimming.

ald.santin@freepress.mb.ca