That portion of Francis Maltby’s controversial eco-yard that had colonized the City-owned right-of-way along Boyle Avenue got the chop Thursday morning. Francis has for last few years allowed the garden on his own property to revert to a wild and untamed state. He also permitted his private jungle to spread onto the City-owned right-of-way. That gave ammunition to some of his neighbours with whom he has been in a dispute for 16 years. They filed complaint with the City demanding that the shaggy growth be cut as they regarded it as unsightly. Talks between Francis and Mayor Mark McKee, City Council and municipal officials went nowhere and a City mower clear cut the right-of-way — but not the growth on his private property — at 7:30 am on Thursday, June 25. The City’s Darren Komonoski said Francis cooperated fully with the works crew. Please click on the image to see it in a larger format. David F. Rooney photo