A boulevard is the area of land between the property line and the edge of pavement, sidewalk, or another constructed pathway.
Boulevards provide:
- space for utilities and utility-related infrastructure, both above and below ground;
- space for the storage of snow during snow removal;
- safety buffers between traffic, pedestrians, and private properties;
- space for sidewalks, trees, bus stops, fire hydrants and other infrastructure;
- space for drainage infrastructure;
- area for future roadway expansion; and
- improvement to the aesthetics of a neighbourhood.
In general, the property owner or occupier is responsible to maintain to the back of a curb or sidewalk.
Maintenance includes, but is not limited to:
- mowing, pruning, line-trimming;
- keeping ditches clear;
- cleaning and maintaining driveway access culverts;
- clearing appropriate space around fire hydrants;
- ensuring that plantings do not interfere with signage or sight lines;
- ensuring residential water shut-off valves are accessible;
- ensuring safe and unobstructed passage on sidewalks and pathways for pedestrians and cyclists; and
- ensuring trees and shrubs do not extend over the sidewalk, pathway, or road at a height of less than 2.75 metres (Traffic and Highway Regulation Bylaw No. 1549 – Section 14, Trees, Hedges and Fences).
The District may require a property owner or occupier, within the boulevard adjacent to their property, to:
- remove any landscaping, plantings or additions located in the boulevard to facilitate work that the District deems necessary; and/or
- remove any landscaping, plantings or additions located in the boulevard that compromises the safety of the public or may cause harm to other infrastructure located within the boulevard.