by Christie Page
I love moving through our community in the late summer when the gardens are at their fullest. Walking is a great way to understand the pulse of the neighbourhood around me. I feel lucky to live in an area full of visual interest and destinations that all of Calgary comes to visit. Our sidewalks are incubators of connection where you can run into old and new friends. That private but public facing space outside your front door is a real catalyst for what Hillhurst-Sunnyside is. It’s where spending time can put you in touch with those that live nearby.
On the other side of the property line is a public sidewalk and boulevard that is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain. Could it be more than a chore? Could it help bring friends past your stoop? Grass is a pain to mow and isn’t as prestigious to show off as it once was, so what can the property owner do?
Planting trees is the jurisdiction of the city, but flowers or short shrubs can be planted by the property owner. Adding vegetation such as wildflowers can help build healthy ecosystems for pollinators and reduce the heat island effect. Maybe with economic, political, and climate uncertainty you’re feeling a calling right now to create a victory garden or the lower levels of a food forest to help with food security.
This spring is a great time to get started. If you’re on a corner lot be mindful not to block site lines for vehicles seven metres back. Please note the City is not responsible for restoring anything but lawn should it need to dig up this right of way. Most important, always call 1-800-242-3447 before you dig to make sure it is safe. If you like, prior to starting any alterations on City Owned lands, you can call 3-1-1 to apply for approval of the proposed boulevard alterations.
Beautifying the boulevard is a gift you can give to the community at large. I look forward to walking down your street this summer saying hello and seeing what you have created.
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