Property Standards

It would be helpful to have any changes to the previous bylaw highlighted. That way the public can easily see what’s changed.

Boundary Trees Ownership and Responsibilities

The Supreme Court of Ontario clarified the ownership of Boundary Trees, many people do not realize how boundary tree ownership is determined vis-a-vis the court decision. The city should take this in to account when requiring that diseased trees be removed from private property. If one of the home owners refuses to accept responsibility then the city should be more proactive to use the tools at their disposal to resolve the matter (e.g. add expense to property taxes).

Vehicle driveway boulevard area parking cannot impede road traffic or sidewalks.

Many residents are parking vehicles which are too large for the boulevard area of their driveway, which causes the vehicle to extend excessively onto the roadway (up to 4+ feet in many circumstances). This creates a traffic hazard for motorists as vehicles can frequently be parked in the path of motorists and cyclists. The sidewalks are also partially or completely blocked for pedestrians.

Improve Lawn & Road Maintenance

I noticed the residential streets in Pickering are in desperate need of repair. Paved streets have deep cracks with lots of weeds growing out of them. Street signs/posts look old and signs are crooked. They desperately need repair. There is garbage or debris floating on the streets and I have yet to see a city sweeping machine go by. In Markham, I used to see these machines regularly. It made a huge difference. Finally, my neighbour's lawn is overgrown and full of weeds. Where is the accountability both to the owner and for the City of Pickering? I recently moved here and am deeply disappointed that there isn't more pride of place/ownership here. These streets look like a ghetto. I'm embarrassed.

Sidewalk snow removal

Reduce from 24 hours to 12 hours! Homeowners don’t have to do it if it snows again within a 24 hr period. It’s really difficult to navigate many neighborhoods in the winter on foot.