During deliberations of the Mayor’s Budget directions with regard to reducing and eliminating city grass cutting across the city. I raised concerns that the proposed elimination of grass cutting in Albion Estates Park, Aylmer Parkette and Tapleytown Men’s Club Park would be a real loss for local residents and students. I pointed out that these parks are in close proximity between two schools and private residents. I raised the concerns that such a plan would raise the risk of tick bites and possible tick borne illness.
Subsequently, Councillor Tom Jackson and I moved an amendment to pause the reductions for one year during the budget debate. Regrettably, our amendment was defeated by the majority of councillors.
Included in the grass cutting reductions were the following parks and parkettes
a) Albion Estates Park – grass cutting reduction (park)
b) Aylmer Parkette – grass cutting reduction (parkette)
c) Tapleytown Men’s Club Park – grass cutting reduction (park)
Subsequently, I corresponded with the Director of Environmental Services requesting that if the decision to cut grass cutting services to Albion Estates Park, Aylmer Parkette, and Tapleytown Men’s Club Park was solely to reduce costs then I would suggest funding through the landfill royalties. I stated that I remained concerned that these parks are well used by local communities and allowing them to naturalize will like increase the risk of tick exposure, and bites. The Director of Environmental Services responded, I checked with staff and none of these locations are slated for mowing reductions. While they were on the list initially, they were removed in the final version. No funding needed!
Thank You!
We are grateful that environmental services management and staff reviewed these parks and decided to continue maintaining them as in past years. My residents living close to these parks as well as several hundred students from Billy Green and St Paul Elementary Schools are truly grateful.
Brad Clark Report 
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