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Residents in Thunder Bay can now take the next step in establishing their boulevard garden.

The city’s new Boulevard Garden Declaration System is up and running.

In February, city council approved a new by-law allowing residents to plant the gardens.

The new by-law requires homeowners, property owners and tenants to complete the declaration and acknowledgement form if they plan to garden on the boulevard.

The form allows the city to keep track of where gardens are, so they can contact gardeners prior to any planned construction work, so plants and other materials in the garden can be moved before work starts.

“There have been strong calls from the public to allow for boulevard gardens,” said Thunder Bay Climate Action Specialist Danielle Thom. “We hope interested homeowners, property owners and tenants take advantage of a new place to plant perennials and annuals to help beautify the city and also make a positive environmental impact.”

There are specific regulations when it comes to plant heights and setbacks, which are required to keep the public and city staff safe on roadways and sidewalks.

The regulations generally deal with sightline issues and hard objects in the boulevard area.

The declaration and acknowledgement forms are online, and paper forms are available on the first floor of City Hall.

To declare your garden or to learn more, click here.