Toronto family shocked they have to rip out $20K synthetic grass putting green
CTV
A Scarborough family said they were shocked to get a notice from the City of Toronto that the artificial grass in their backyard, including a putting green, will have to be ripped out.
A Scarborough family said they were shocked to get a notice from the City of Toronto that the artificial grass in their backyard, including a putting green, will have to be ripped out.
Cedo Trivanovic is an avid golfer and installed the synthetic grass in his backyard four years ago. As much as he and his family enjoy golf, he said, at the time, they also decided to install the fake grass because it was easier for his mother-in-law to enjoy the backyard.
"She had health issues. She could go out in a wheelchair or a stroller, and she doesn't get caught in the mud, and she could see her flowers," Trivanovic told CTV News Toronto.
According to Trivanovic, there were no issues until a neighbour complained that rainwater ran off the synthetic grass and onto her property -- but he's adamant the fake lawn is porous and allows drainage.
"Underneath is 10 inches of gravel, then limestone, then perforated turf, so the drainage is actually better than grass," said Trivanovic.
Trivanovic said he demonstrated this for a Toronto bylaw officer and proved he could put "water anywhere here, and it drains away."
The family was still given a violation notice, requiring "a minimum 50 per cent of their rear yard must be soft landscaping." It also stated they must correct the violation and "bring the property into compliance."
