Turf war between elderly Toronto man and city over fake grass rages on
The city is refusing to back down from a court battle with an elderly man over artificial grass.
“I think the city is bullying me. I think it's not fair,” homeowner Frank Leone told CTV News Toronto on Tuesday.
An image of Frank Leone, and the artificial turf that he used for his front lawn. (CTV News Toronto)Leone said he installed synthetic grass on his North York lawn months ago because he is in his 80s, has suffered a stroke, and has limited mobility.
While there is no specific bylaw pertaining to fake grass, artificial turf is not listed as an approved material for soft landscaping.
To approach the issue within the bounds of the law, Leone said he had a bylaw officer inspect his grass last October, which led to an approval for his synthetic grass.
But just a month later, a city building inspector had a different take on the lawn after a neighbour complained about the landscaping.
The inspector said water could not pass through the fake grass, which led to Leone charged with a failure to comply with an order.
“He's the one being dragged into court and he has a disability. Because the city can't agree with itself,” former city councillor Karen Stintz said.
She pointed out that Leone even has written approval for the grass from a bylaw officer – proof she thought would put an end to the saga.
But Stintz said the city is not backing down.
“I cannot believe that this is the approach they are taking with an elderly man who wants to live in his house, in peace,” she said.
The next step is the city is taking the matter to trial, which means Leone will have to travel to court at least two more times this month, and then again in May.
“This is ridiculous,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.