Grass Cutting Services - Operations Completed by Transportation Services - by Councillor Stephen Holyday, seconded by Councillor Michael Ford

Locations that receive grass cutting service under Transportation Services Right of Way Grass Cutting Contracts may be cut up to seven times per season. Weather conditions may play a role in determining the actual amount of cuts required. The reduced service levels have resulted in a state of disrepair for many of our traffic islands, centre medians and parkettes. In some cases the City fails to meet the property standards expected of residents, or creates situations where the integrity of the plant materials are degraded due to aggressive cuts spaced too far apart. Visual comparison of these locations using a tool like Google Street View confirm what the neighbours have observed over time, deteriorated conditions over the years which detract from the beauty and enjoyment of our streets. It is important to recognize that annual weather variation can affect appearances and growth rates year-to-year. It is also worth noting significant recent effort by staff to improve contract management and oversight as well as communications on this program. However, a re-examination of the service levels are needed to ensure the long term health and vigor of the plant materials, and flexibility to address annual weather changes. I am requesting that the General Manager, Transportation Services, develop a plan to restore our traffic islands and centre medians to the state they were several years ago.