Some people absolutely love doing yard work, for others maintaining their lawn is a real chore. Still, it's something most homeowners have to do on a regular basis, but one Winnipeg man says the city is forcing him to do extra yard work... and isn't paying him for it.
Richard Hykawy is upset that he has to cut the grass on the boulevard adjacent to his home.
Under the neighbourhood livability by-law, it's up to homeowners, like Hykawy, to mow the boulevard grass next to their properties provided it isn't on a major thoroughfare.
"Slavery is where they own the property, and you're forced to work for them for little or no money time after time after time" said Hykawy. "So the legal definition of slavery does apply here."
Hykawy is trying to throw off the city’s shackles and fight his ticket in court.
In 2013, he fought a similar ticket, but the city dropped the case citing a technical error. Hykawy hopes this time it goes forward so he can win outright.
Winnipeg lawyer Norman Boudreau thinks he may be facing an uphill battle.
"What this gentleman has to prove is that the bylaw creates an undue hardship on him," said Boudreau. "That this is unmanageable, he can't do this. I don't think the court is going to buy that."
Neighbor Trish Paterson certainly doesn't buy it.
"I get someone to do my lawn and grass, I think he can do that too."
For Hykawy it's a matter of principle.
"It's not my property! I'll keep fighting it, I'll keep going to court time and time again till the city realizes they can't treat people that way."
No one from the city would address the specifics of Hykawy's complaint. A spokesperson tells CTV News it doesn't comment on matters before the courts. However in a statement, the city said, "Most people who cut their lawns also cut the boulevard; only occasionally does the city come across property owners who do cut grass on their property, but leave the boulevard uncut."
