With spring’s arrival, maintenance of property by the municipality and private contractors is a common sight. The Town of Pelham has received calls from the community with questions about what is and is not permitted with this type of work.

Landscaping and lawn care businesses providing services strictly for safety, security, or sanitation purposes are permitted. This is to ensure that properties remain safe, property standards are met, and grass is maintained to help prevent weeds, ticks, and mosquitoes in tall grass and standing water.

Under provincial direction, businesses are not permitted to conduct landscaping projects that are to beautify a property, or for aesthetics, such as planting shrubs and trees or installing garden features or fountains.

“Many people rely on lawn care and landscaping businesses to maintain their property,” said director of public works Jason Marr. “We recognize the obligation we all have to maintain our property for safety and security. For the time being, the restriction is placed on adding those additional aesthetic features, but the work that is permitted allows residents the peace of mind that their properties can still be maintained during this time.

Companies operating in Pelham have been contacted by the bylaw department, and must adhere to guidelines of physical distancing and provide safe worksites, including: one person per vehicle, a maximum of four persons per site at any one time, maintaining physical distance of two metres (approximately six feet) from others at all times, and hand sanitizer must be available to workers attending sites.

As per the provincial regulations, some activities are not permitted until further notice. Examples include construction of pools, sheds, detached garages and carports and decks. Installation of new asphalt, interlocking brick / pavers or concrete driveways are also not permitted under the direction of the province’s list of essential workplaces.

During normal business hours, concerns around enforcement of COVID 19 emergency orders should be directed to Pelham Bylaw at 905-658-2869 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday to Sunday. After hours, please call Niagara Region’s dispatch line at 905-984-3690 or 1-877-552-5579. Do not call 911.

For more on the Town’s response to COVID-19, visit: www.pelham.ca/covid19