Boulevard Gardening

A boulevard is the area of city-owned land between the homeowner’s front property line and the street curb. The City allows residents to beautify their streetscape on the municipal boulevard using alternatives to turfgrass. The main plant guidelines are:

• All flowers and shrubs used to create a boulevard garden shall be limited to perennial or annual plant material up to 75 cm tall except within street intersection lots where flowers and shrubs shall not exceed 30 cm tall.
• Boulevard gardens shall not consist of any crop-producing plants.
• Noxious weeds and invasive plants are not permitted.
• Trees, light fixtures, fences, pillars, signage, little libraries, fencing, posts, walls, inground irrigation systems, or hard mulches such as pea gravel or small rocks or
• Bricks or concrete slabs shall not be permitted. 

Why Boulevard Gardening Matters

• Beautification: Boulevard gardens enhance the visual appeal of our streets, making them more inviting and attractive.
• Environmental Sustainability: support biodiversity and support local ecosystems.

Getting Started with Boulevard Gardening

Before getting started with your boulevard gardening, please consult the following resources:

1. Consult the City’s Streets and Related Matters By-Law. Before you start planting, familiarize yourself with the By-Law. It outlines guidelines and regulations to ensure compliance with municipal standards.
2. Read Clean Norths Grow Me Instead Guide. Clean North has put together a comprehensive guide on selecting non-invasive plant species to Sault Ste. Marie.

• Northern Ontario Plant Database
• Northern Ontario Grow Me Instead Guide
• Ontario Native Plants
• Northern Wildflowers