Ron Miller on the land behind his house. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

beautifying turns ugly

Resident upset after city damages land

Jun 12, 2019 | 12:34 PM

A Prince Albert resident is upset with the city after a piece of public land he spent years caring for was damaged recently.

Ron Miller, whose home backs on to Marquis Drive took care of the public green space’s lawn behind his house.

Recently the city came and cut the grass down to the dirt in some places.

Miller said he took on the responsibility to prevent weeds from spreading into his yard, and to beautify the city.

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Apart from his time, Miller said he contributed financially by supplying top soil, weed killer, even underground sprinklers to irrigate. He received permission to care for the land and said to see it ripped up without prior knowledge upset him.

“When I came out here, I am going to be honest with you, I was crushed. It brought tears to my eyes because I spent hours out here,” he said.

Miller said the city’s Park Manager Tim Yeaman told him the landscaping was for dandelion control.

Miller said a city worker did visit him, but didn’t receive an apology he expected.

“I just kind of told him what I thought and we parted and not on good terms,” he said.

In his talks with officials at the city, Miller said he was told they would reimburse him. He said he was not sure if they would follow through on the promise. Overall Miller said it’s left him with a negative experience after donating his time.

“What the hell is the use to try to help the city and beautify the city,” he said.

paNOW reached out to the City of Prince Albert for comment but did not receive a reply before deadline.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn