What the hellstrip? Should we allow this in Sault Ste. Marie?

Should Saultites be allowed to plant anything on their boulevards other than the usual boring turfgrass?

The issue will be aerated at next week's city council meeting, at the request of Ward 2 farmhand Lisa Vezeau-Allen and Ward 5's son of the soil, Corey Gardi.

Variously known as hellstrips, boulevards, road verges or tree lawns, the narrow strip of land between the sidewalk and the curb is essentially a no-man's-land.

Technically, it belongs to the city.

But if you think the city's going to keep it properly seeded, watered and trimmed, think again.

As the adjoining property owner, that's your job.

"Boulevards tend to be difficult places to grow plants – the soil conditions are often poor, there is little shade, and there can be high salt levels from winter maintenance or pets," declares the website Network of Nature, dedicated to restoring Canada’s unique biodiversity by encouraging the planting of native seeds, plants and trees to establish a national network of native habitats.

"Boulevards are heavy-use areas which may be used for everything from piling snow, foot traffic, car drop-off areas, and dogs' rest stops," the website says.

Couns. Vezeau-Allen and Gardi will be pushing at Monday's city council meeting to join Barrie, Guelph and other cities that have decided to allow boulevard gardens, which tend to be easier on the eyes than patches of weedy grass, and provide helpful nectar sources for pollinators.

"Well-chosen, non-invasive plants that are designed to retain moisture can reduce water usage and the need to use mowers and fertilizers, improving the health of our ecosystem," they say.

Here's the full text of their resolution:

Boulevard gardens

Mover: Coun. L. Vezeau-Allen
Seconder: Coun. C. Gardi

Whereas the City of Sault Ste. Marie deems it necessary to regulate the maintenance and use of the boulevard portion of highways under its jurisdiction; and

Whereas the City of Sault Ste. Marie is committed to promoting environmental sustainability as outlined in its Strategic Plan and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Plan; and

Whereas boulevard gardens can help beautify streetscape and well-chosen, non-invasive plants that are designed to retain moisture can reduce water usage and the need to use mowers and fertilizers, improving the health of our ecosystem; and

Whereas a key responsibility of the City’s Environmental Sustainability Committee is to assist in formulating and recommending environmental and sustainability policies; and

Whereas various horticultural and environmental groups have expressed an interest in boulevard gardens; and

Whereas boulevard gardens can help beautify the streetscapes, and attract pollinators to the area, improving urban ecosystems; and

Whereas communities such as Barrie, Guelph, Caledon and others have developed boulevard garden guidelines and policies; and

Whereas there is a desire to support boulevard gardens;

Now therefore be it resolved that request appropriate departments to work with the Environmental Sustainability Committee in developing a revised bylaw to support boulevard gardens in the community.