2014.04.11 The Waterfront Trail (2)
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Images tagged "waterfront-trail"

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  1. Paul says:

    Mr Ruck, I have heard other places now claiming that the reason for the 8-inch rule is of allergies. That is, the concern is that when turfgrass species go to seed, the pollen becomes an irritant. My understanding is that the pollen is much heavier than many other kinds of pollen. Proximity seems to be a big factor in exposure. Also it seems that these species will adapt to heavy mowing and will eventually go to seed closer to the soil level. It the safety hazard is pollen because of going to seed, then, more mowing could mean mowing lower and lower until the plant is harmed due to over-mowing. And if the problem is these species being the safety concern, perhaps should be placed on the prohibited list. LOL. What do you think?

  2. Paul says:

    The changes in the new bylaw, on the whole, sounds promising, Mr Ruck. Did they consult with you when the review committee or staffers researched and went through the drafting of the language? Your impact is stamped on the new bylaw, however, are you satisfied with the natural garden and related exemptions? In my Town I asked for a review of the old bylaw (after 6 years of being issued notifications, much like yourself but without a crew entering the properties) and the result was a similar set of exemptions. But still vague, ambiguous, and subjectively based on aesthetics, including the max length limit. So, in that regard, I wasn’t satisfied but at least it was a move in the right direction. I’d rather they regulate for substantive safety or health reasons than aesthetics. Last bylaw lasted two decades. This new one maybe considerably shorter. Time will tell.

  3. admin says:

    To my Knowledge, to date there has been NO PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT from City of Mississauga OFFICIALS or from the Ward 1 Councillor, Stephen Dasko, to inform residents that they are now free to re-wild their lawns without being harassed by By-law Officers triggered by anonymous “Karens”, e.g. https://www.mississauga.ca/publication/turfgrass-and-prohibited-plant-species-by-law/

  4. admin says:

    Yes, Mississauga’s old Nuisance Weed and Tall Grass Control By-law 125-2017 has been repealed.The bylaw was struck down by the Ontario Superior Court in early 2026 for violating Charter rights to freedom of expression, prompting city council to implement a brand new Turfgrass and Prohibited Plant Species By-law 0050-2026.The new rules establish the following guidelines:Height Limit: Turfgrass (defined as cultivated lawn grasses) must not exceed 20 centimetres in height.Exemptions: Naturalized gardens and ecological landscaping are officially protected and exempt from the 20 cm height limit.Prohibited Plants: The old list of “nuisance weeds” has been dropped. The city now focuses exclusively on a short list of 5 plants that cause actual physical harm (such as Poison Ivy and Giant Hogweed).

  5. Paul says:

    Mr Ruck, have you inquired from the city what evidence (such as studies or reports) they have in hand so as to enable the public, and the elected reps, to make informed decisions about the new draft by-law? How is the bylaw review going, do you think?

  6. Paul says:

    Well done, Mr Ruck.
    While there has been no hint of an appeal by the City, have they attempted to update their bylaw provisions yet?

  7. Eric Allen Montgomery says:

    My Kandalore daze were 1970-77, including a winter camp that final year. I recognize and remember Fred (although no last name). He and Michael “Ketso” Kettimer stand out as staff who I’ve managed to remember after all these years.

  8. Christine Solosky says:

    Excellent interview on CBC-Radio. I will have a look at the documentary.

  9. Paul Reynolds says:

    Been doing this for years initially in urban Hamilton ,and then and now in the suburbs of Hamilton , can’t wait to be able to view the film !

  10. Bravo, Wolf! This is excellent news and sets a very important precedent. Onwards and upwards, just like the grasses, tall forbs, bees, and birds!

  11. Kyla Moore says:

    Sending heartfelt congratulations and deepest appreciation from Thunder Bay, Ontario for all your efforts in fighting the good fight to get this win on the books.

  12. Stephanie Gilman says:

    Congratulations! Thank you for taking on this fight.

  13. Cameron Peterson says:

    I have started the same belief in my yard albeit my yard is 170 x330, I did two plots, intending them to be wildflowers but I ordered seed from amazon and first season results were disappointing. No backlash from neighbours or the local government. Questions on my intent though. Neighbours have commented the bumblebees, etc will pollenate their gardens and fruit trees. I can send photos if you supply contact

  14. John Smith says:

    You’re a legend– congrats!

  15. Jennifer Johne says:

    Congratulations from Georgian Bay! The outcome in your favour is good. I wonder though… that this win hinges on the idea of expression. Could someone else use the same point to thoughtlessly spread non-native and invasive plants?
    I am hopeful that your win will become further wins for others in similar circumstances. Turning the tide towards native plants and native ecosystem health can begin at home. After all, the mess (of which the lawn is symbolic) began at home – with the gardening industry selling us ornamental and exotic plants without any care to the consequences.

  16. Charles Agro says:

    Way to go Wolf! It’s absolutely insane to try stop this during a climate collapse. Waste of money and time, to stop something that will be a net benefit, since those plants will retain water and lower stress on the sewers.
    A farmer told me “a weed is just a plant growing where you don’t want it to. Any plant can be a weed”. It sure seems like you don’t have any weeds at all, and that everything is exactly in the right place. You should connect with “Crime Pays but Botany Doesn’t” would would 1000% side with you and maybe even amplify your case.

  17. Kim Crockett says:

    Well done Wolf, it’s nice to get a win in times like this. We all thank you for putting up the fight on behalf of all of us and the pollinators too.

  18. Richard Gold says:

    “The City provided no evidence that it had searched for less restrictive alternatives.” I think that’s likely because they never thought anyone would go this far to fight a case over something as banal as tall grass and “weeds”. I love your tenacity. It is possible to “beat City Hall”, as long as you pick your battles carefully and are certain that you’re right. I was certain that the law would be on your side. So were you, obviously. They’re criteria for enforcing this by-law were just too vague.

    Now I’d like to find out who the gutless “anonymous” neighbours were. I hope that the fact that they cannot “bitch” and negate your rights anymore will be a disconcerting paradigm shift for them. Will refute their antiquated, environmentally unhealthy, presumptuous values. I would definitely want the cowards to know that there is no such thing as a right to anonymity when they fuck around with other people’s rights.

    Well done, Wolf.
    Richard

  19. Lynn says:

    Look forward to viewing this film. Thanks for standing up for naturalized yards.

  20. DM says:

    I am so glad that W. Ruck is taking on the City to protect biodiversity. I met Mr. Ruck while tending someone else’s native garden and he explained the problems he’s having with the Mississauga by-law people. I drove by his home to check it out as I love to see other gardens that have been rewilded. Standing on the road, the thing that struck me was the joyous cacophony of sound–crickets, cicadas, etc. coming from the Ruck home while the adjoining properties were deadly silent. No wonder eco-systems are collapsing. What are the birds and others on the food chain supposed to eat?

  21. Diane Lucas says:

    Good Day
    Thank you for your dedication and love for Nature. We leave our Acre to Mother Nature’s infinite wisdom. We live on the Bruce Trail, and our neighbors have never complained. A Queen Bee has chosen the far corner location of our deck to have her hive, and I was thrilled.
    Your Sincerely
    Diane Lucas

  22. Oleh Iwanyshyn says:

    good to see Metafilms recognizes the value of your efforts to help save our planet

  23. Morar Murray-Hayes says:

    I wonder when the city will realize just how embarassing this is for them.

  24. admin says:

    Thank you for your interest. The RUCK v MISSISSAUGA (CV-25-00001572-0000) Hearing is currently scheduled for July 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM. It is a “Long Motion” with a 3-hour timeslot. My Oral Presentation is estimated at 45-60 Minutes with the Respondent’s arguments to follow. The CCF Intervener lawyer(s) also are allotted time to present their Section 2(b) Freedom of Expression Charter arguments. I’ve submitted a Request to the SCJ Trial Office for a “hybrid” Hearing, i.e. Zoom access for far-flung parties unable to attend in person. Stay tuned for confirmation of Zoom Access Code by the SCJ Trial Office.

  25. Greg Knittl says:

    I’m considering attending your hearing on July 2nd but I’m about 3 hours away from Brampton by GO and foot. Could you please confirm it’s the courthouse at 7755 Hurontario? I know court schedules are approximate at best but when is your matter supposed to start and how much time is scheduled? I.e. I’d like to be sure there will be substantive arguments, not just some motions and then adjourned.

  26. Darlene Montgomery says:

    This is absurd. I love your garden. This is so wrong. We need to support our wild plants and animals. People are so out of touch with their environment. Where I live it’s the same. My neighbor hates squirrels and all wildlife and sprays toxic weed killer on every wild plant.

  27. William Cook says:

    Fun times under Wolf’s tutelage with Gordon Graydon Alumni in 1974 with chaperone John Logan (RiP). Did not win the golden boot.

  28. Keith Fairbank says:

    Where’s the go fund me link for your legal defence?

  29. admin says:

    No issues to date … I periodically apply an automobile vinyl-rubber-plastic protector/conditioner to keep the gaskets flexible.

  30. Noel says:

    Thanks for the post.

    How are the compass and lid holding up?

    Any leaks or cracks from the repetitive opening and closing of the lid?

  31. Gerard Ballack says:

    i like all your postings and your website

    we met on the trail yesterday

    Karen and Gerard

    you have inspired me to get my stuff organized as well………….thank you sir

  32. 7 Waters Deep says:

    The yellow bee arrives with his Kat woman lost long ago as she was Dakota. His name was chief Hiawatha. Hopi Navajo Dakota
    7777. The white dove elder and the white feather I have seen. I am a white man but my soul is of Sirius. I am doing my best to unite the tribes. Accept all. Individually
    Thanks 7 Waters Deep

  33. Wolf Ruck says:

    The sliding seat moves the C of G for and aft a bit, depending on the weight of the rower, just like in a rowing shell. Overall trim is adjusted by positioning passengers for and aft accordingly. When rowing solo, gear or balast like a bulk water container can be positioned for optimal trim.

  34. Curtis says:

    It looks like the position of the seat puts the rower’s weight too far forward. How does the boat perform with the center of gravity that close to the bow?

  35. admin says:

    Are you looking to buy or sell?

  36. Shelly Hill says:

    Looking for 16 square stern sportpal?

  37. Wolf Ruck says:

    This article was reposted from twohawks.com and is similarly described in the two references below … Kindly address the original author/s about any concerns or inaccuracies as they are best able to confirm their sources.

    ~https://www.inquisitr.com/3526290/native-american-hopi-prophecy-of-asteroid-apocalypse-sparks-end-of-world-fears-after-eight-previous-prophecies-proved-true/

    “The first white man to learn about the nine prophecies of the Hopi ancestors was a Christian minister Reverend David Young, who met a Hopi elder called White Feather in 1958.

    According to Frank Walters, in his 1963 Book of the Hopi, Young met White Feather, an elder of the Hopi, while driving on a deserted stretch of road in the summer of 1958. He stopped and offered White Feather a ride.

    After a brief silence, the elderly Hopi introduced himself as “White Feather, a Hopi of the ancient Bear Clan.””

    ~https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-americas/hopi-prophecy-and-end-fourth-world-part-2-002281

    “The Nine Signs of White Feather’s Prophecies
    In the summer of 1958 a minister named David Young was driving across the Four Corners region of the U.S. when he picked up an old Hopi man named White Feather by the side of the road. This spiritual elder of the Bear Clan (the most sacred of all the Hopi clans) confessed that all his sons were dead and that the Hopi ceremonial cycle was slowly becoming extinct. After sensing Reverend Young was trustworthy, he decided to pass along nine primary Hopi prophecies that together would herald the destruction of the Fourth World.

    White Feather stated that these “Nine Signs” would mean that the Fourth World was about to come to a close. He said that his ancestors had foretold the coming of all of the following events, long before they arrived:…”

  38. There is a great inaccuracy at the beginning of this article. Frank Waters did NOT talk about a man named White Feather in the “Book of the Hopi.” I have read the book, it is not in there. The story about this alleged “Hopi Elder” smells a bit funny. A white Pastor picked him up hitchhiking, and he tells him of the sacred Hopi Teachings? I believe this is total nonsense. The Elders entrusted with this wisdom do not casually relate it to complete strangers. Exactly the opposite. I do not know who started this absurd story, but it is totally incorrect…

  39. Gary Smith says:

    Hi Wolf,

    Soooo glad we met and spoke yesterday at GGMSS Reunion.
    Your work is totally fantastic!!!! I just tried to buy tickets for a showing of Free Wheeling but nothing seems within distance for me. When will it be in Toronto? I absolutely love it and am so impressed. Yes movies is where it is at! Mine is such an old fashioned art.

    I can see that you too have allowed yourself to really enjoy your life.
    Gary

  40. redlineduck says:

    Terrific! What a great cycling document, Wolf. Thanks for sharing. Wonderful shots all along the way. Reminds me of a poem…Ich weis nicht, was soll es bedueten, das Ich so traureg bin. Ein Madchen, aus alten Zeiten….blah, blah.

    Fellow recumbent riders to boot. Awesome cycling trails and spectacular bridges.

    Glad to hear it went well…rain and cold must have been quite a challenge. Keep posting and stay safe (and warm).

    Larry, Roxy, Quinn and Makenna