In Burlington, Ontario, apparently so. This is in spite of a 1996 Ontario case that determined growing naturalized gardens is an expression of environmental beliefs and therefore protected as freedom of expression under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 

Just over two years ago, Karen Barnes reached out to Small Change Fund for help fighting back against the City of Burlington’s approach to her naturalized garden. An approach that has thus far included threats of fines, razing the garden to the ground (charging Karen for the privilege) and a summons to appear in court. You can read more about the seven year long saga in an article by Doreen Nicoll on rabble.ca.

As upsetting at this case is, it’s also about more than one Burlington garden. As Karen puts it, this fight is about a “precedent-setting legal challenge to allow Canadians the right to protect nature on our own yards.”

Small Change Fund is digging in for the fight. Keep an eye out for more news on this important case!