A family from Scarborough, represented by Tony Cacciatore, recently received a notice of violation from the city regarding their hockey and basketball nets, which had been placed on the right-of-way. This right-of-way refers to the narrow strip of grass between the sidewalk and the street, which is meant to remain clear for various municipal services.

Cacciatore discovered the notice earlier in the week, stating that he had three days to remove the sports equipment. He expressed his surprise, noting that the nets had been in their location since 2019, when the family first moved to the area. Cacciatore remarked, “It came out of nowhere. The net has been in place since 2019... It’s never really bothered anyone.” He emphasized that the presence of the nets had not interfered with garbage collection, solid waste management, or snow removal services.

The city officials, while encouraging the use of sports nets, pointed out an uptick in nets being improperly left in public right-of-ways. They clarified that while hockey and basketball nets are permitted on the street curb when in use, they must be removed or placed back on private property when not actively being utilized. In their statement, the city explained, “The boulevard – the space between the sidewalk and the road – is part of the municipal right-of-way and must remain clear to support essential services like waste collection, snow removal, and utility maintenance.”

Cacciatore emphasized the importance of physical activity for his children, stating that playing sports keeps them engaged and away from screens. He acknowledged the inconvenience of having to remove the equipment frequently but recognizes the need to comply with the city's directive. “I’ll have to take it down and wheel it back and forth, which is far from ideal, but we do what we have to do for our kids, right?” he remarked.

Although Cacciatore plans to adhere to the city’s request to remove the nets, he hopes for a compromise in the future that would allow families in the community to enjoy recreational activities without disrupting municipal services. He stated, “Let’s come together and figure out a way it can not interfere with the civil servants who have to remove snow, do the solid waste removal, but still have it available for our kids to play.”

This situation highlights the ongoing balance that many municipalities face between maintaining public right-of-ways for essential services and allowing residents to engage in recreational activities. As communities continue to grow, finding a workable solution for parents and local governments remains a priority.