Canada: Mississauga bylaw governing tall grass violates freedom of expression rights, court rules
Residents have the freedom to express themselves through their front lawns, Superior Court Justice Michael Doi ruled this week.
By Carly Lewis
Toronto Life
January 9, 2026
Excerpt:
“In this case, I find that the impact of the bylaw’s tall grass and nuisance weed provisions on the right to freedom of expression is relatively serious,” Doi wrote in a decision dated Jan. 6.
“Given the nature of Mr. Ruck’s expressive content about the importance of ecological conservation and re-wilding with nature, and his desire to convey this by offering his lifestyle as an example for others, the impugned provisions of the By-law serve to restrict his right to free expression on his own private property in a manner that is not insignificant.”
Ecological advocates worried Ruck’s earlier failed attempts to challenge the city would set a negative precedent across the GTA, but Ruck’s persistence in reaching the most recent ruling may now be a boon to homeowners fighting similar battles.
The Star earlier wrote about the City of Burlington taking homeowner Karen Barnes to court over what city staff say are infractions to a similar bylaw. In Barnes’ case, the Burlington bylaw contains exceptions for naturalized gardens. The city disagrees Barnes yard meets that definition. Barnes’ is, similar to Ruck, arguing the city’s bylaw and razing of her yard violate her charter rights.
The city ripped up a butterfly haven in this Burlington woman’s front yard. Now she’s in court fighting the move on religious grounds
Doi wrote that the “most appropriate remedy” in finding Ruck’s freedom of expression rights were violated was to strike down the sections of the bylaw pertaining to the 20 centimetre rule as well as a section that requires homeowners to remove plants on the noxious weed list from their property.
Read the complete article here.
Read the complete article here.
Source: https://cityfarmer.info/canada-mississauga-bylaw-governing-tall-grass-violates-freedom-of-expression-rights-court-rules/
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