Dear Editor
Regarding the tall grass concern article in the Regional News-Optimist Aug. 30, 2023 and picture with caption Sept. 7, 2023, I never expected that my difference of opinion with the Town of Battleford over interpretation of Bylaw No. 5-2020 paragraphs 9 and 10 would become newsworthy.
I allowed a deliberately planted lawn, now of assorted grass species to grow tall. Natural landscapes that include larger areas of tall grass are not a new phenomenon and are allowed in progressive jurisdictions, just new to Battleford although allowed for by the bylaw. I support natural landscapes as part of a healthy environment, because they can be less taxing on resources (water), less reliant on the use of chemicals and enhance biodiversity. I liked the way my tall grass looked, particularly when it blew in the wind.
While Town officials found my front yard to be unsightly and awful to look at, I sought the opinion of my neighbours and regular passersby well into the growing season and before my presentation at a town council meeting and received approval. Passersby stopped while I was chopping the tall grass down and indicated they were sorry to see it cut.
I plan for a new configuration next year, hopeful for a result that is more pleasing to those who care to look at my front yard with what may be a narrow focus of what grass must look like.
It has said that “everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it” and also that “the day before something becomes a breakthrough, it was just a crazy idea.”
Nathan Anderson
Battleford
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