Mississauga Man Fights for Right to Rewild Suburban Yard
Wolf Ruck, a resident of Mississauga, Ontario, is challenging traditional notions of lawn care, describing a traditional lawn as a “sterile monoculture that is basically a dead zone”. Whereas, his own yard is a vibrant suburban wilderness, buzzing with diverse wildlife.
His rewilding initiative, filled with tall grasses and native flowers, has become a haven for bees, butterflies, voles and chipmunks, with occasional visits from deer and coyotes. However, this deviation from the norm has not been well-received by all, as Ruck now faces legal challenges from local authorities.
Ruck argues that private property can be used effectively to counter biodiversity loss and global warming. He has allowed nature to dictate the growth of his garden, and initiated the rewilding process about four years ago, by planting milkweed, Canada goldenrod and scattering seeds from local parks.
His approach, however, led to issues with authorities in 2022, due to an anonymous complaint from a neighbour. The complaint claimed that Ruck’s oasis violated city bylaws relating to the control of ‘nuisance’ weeds and a ban on grasses taller than 20cm. Initially, Ruck agreed to a compromise by trimming some of the tall grass, but enforcement officers returned with strimmers a year later, causing significant damage to his garden.
The issue escalated last year, and Ruck took his case to Ontario’s superior court of justice. Ruck argued that the city’s bylaws infringe his right to freedom of expression and suggested the legislation has been applied arbitrarily. Despite losing his case and being left with a C$7,000 bill for Mississauga’s legal fees and enforcement costs, Ruck has lodged an appeal and started a petition to rescind Mississauga’s weed control bylaws.
The City of Mississauga maintains that their nuisance weed and tall grass control by-law does not violate the charter of rights and freedoms. As the case is presently before the courts, they have declined to make any further comments.
In concluding remarks, Ruck said, “We have so little control over the way things are trending in the world today – at least I have the satisfaction of knowing my garden is within my control. I’m just trying to do my best.”
