The City of Maple Ridge will allow a mulligan for new lawns, despite Metro Vancouver’s watering ban.
Metro Vancouver’s stage 2 water restrictions are in effect, but the municipality is offering a short-term grace period for lawn watering permits. This measure supports residents and businesses who made financial commitments to recently complete new lawn or landscaping work before the restrictions were announced recently by the regional district.
Metro advanced straight to stage 2 restrictions due to low snowpack, a forecasted hot summer and drought, and the need to maintain water pressure during critical infrastructure upgrades.
Permit applications will be accepted until May 8. Short-term permits (typically valid for up to 21 days upon application) may be issued for new landscaping covering a substantial portion of a property, and newly installed lawns (sod, turf or seed) covering a substantial portion of a property. The work must have been completed prior to May 1.
Applications must include proof of work completed before May 1, such as receipts, invoices or photos.
Permits can be applied for at MapleRidge.ca/WaterWise by May 8, and must be clearly displayed on site. Existing permits remain valid until expiry or until further restrictions are implemented.
Permits will not be issued for:
• Lawn or landscaping projects started after May 1.
• Watering of existing (established) landscaping and lawns.
• Lawns treated with nematode treatment started after May 1.
The city advises this is not a typical summer, newly installed lawns may not survive, even with a permit in place. Delaying new lawn or landscaping work to later in the year when the restrictions have been lifted is strongly recommended.
The ban prohibits
• Lawn watering by hand or sprinkler at any time
• Filling or topping up decorative water features, such as fountains
• Washing surfaces like driveways and sidewalks except for health, safety or surface preparation
The ban does allow:
• Watering trees, shrubs, flowers by sprinklers from 5a.m. to 9a.m. any day
• Watering trees, shrubs, flowers by hand, soaker hose or drip irrigation at any time
• Vegetable gardens can be watered at any time
• Car and boat washing only with a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle
• Washing driveways, sidewalks, or hard surfaces by commercial cleaning operation
Non-residential properties are subject to similar restrictions.
These restrictions do not apply to the use of rainwater, grey water, any forms of recycled water, or other sources of water outside the regional and municipal drinking water supply system.
Bylaw staff will actively monitor compliance and provide education throughout the season. Fines for non-compliance start at $450 per offence. Report watering violations to MapleRidge.ca/Report, contact 604-467-7305, or email Bylaws@MapleRidge.ca.