From the Milton Canadian Champion
Town may increase weed control budget
Town councillors have heard the message that residents want better weed control in parks and on boulevards, and will be looking at it when it comes to next year’s budget.
Possibilities for improving the maintenance of the areas include more frequent mowing during dandelion season, or the more expensive option of increasing fertilizer, aeration and over-seeding treatments.
The Town currently spends about $220,000 on upkeep of boulevards and passive park areas. Increased mowing of both would cost about $150,000 more, while the multi-faceted treatment would cost an additional $320,000.
Several councillors said at Monday’s town council meeting that they regularly receive calls from residents about the state of the parkland, and suggested that moving toward fertilizer, aeration and over-seeding would pay off over time. Town sports fields are already maintained using that system.
“The people in the Town of Milton take pride in the appearance of this town and this is a solid investment,” said Ward 6 Councillor Mike Cluett.
The options will be discussed by councillors during the upcoming process to establish the 2014 budget.