Moncton City Council is getting closer to allowing residents to have front yard gardens.
A zoning bylaw would be amended to also include fruit and vegetable gardens along with boxes, trellises and arches in the front yard.
Councillor Paulette Theriault believes the changes are important and she urges residents to embrace the idea.
“I have a garden and I love it. It’s not just the vegetables and the food is good and fresh… but it’s also a very healthy experience both mentally and physically.”
City staff examined other cities across Canada and noted many did allow for front yard gardens including the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Councillor Brian Hicks thinks having a back yard garden is great but he has some concerns about the front yard.
“One of the calls that I have received over the years and it’s one of the more difficult calls to resolve and that is unsightly premises. It’s kind of in the eye of the beholder sometimes.”
The bylaw changes unanimously passed first reading at the last council meeting.
The next step is a public hearing which is scheduled for May 3 at Moncton City Hall.
