The City of Winkler is cracking down on what they deem as "unsightly yards."

Properties plagued by noxious weeds, rubbish such as trash, refuse, waste material, glass, lumber (not neatly piled) or piles of earth would be considered unsightly.

Lawns growing beyond 8 inches from the ground would also fall under the by-law.

"There's been a number of people who've been complained about more than once, and the yards never got cleaned up," Winkler Mayor Martin Harder explains.

While the legislation has been in place for many years, Harder says the "teeth were somewhat limited."

Property not in keeping with surrounding lots in a one block radius, and considered detrimental to the area, would be subject to the by-law.

Parking vehicles on a front, side or backyard in a residential area, except on a designated driveway, would not be allowed.

Any costs the city incurs to fix the issue would be passed on to the property owner. A progression of penalties are also connected to infractions of the by-law, but Harder says the goal is cleaning the mess.

"Penalties are a last resort," he says.

A repeal process is also in place with an appointed review panel.