Winnipeg man hopes city forced to cut and run from grass-mowing bylaw

WINNIPEG – A Winnipeg man who says a city grass-cutting bylaw is a form of slavery is facing an uphill battle in court.

Richard Hykawy (HY’-kah-way) says he is trying to strike a blow for any Canadians who are required to cut grass or clear snow on city property adjacent to their homes.

Hykawy has been fined for refusing to trim the grass on a strip of city property next to his house.

He is asking a Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench judge to declare the bylaw a violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, because it amounts to forced labour and slavery.

Hykawy is representing himself in court and was told by a judge this morning he had not filed his affidavit correctly.

Hykawy has also so far failed to notify the provincial and federal governments that he is raising a charter challenge, so the case has been postponed for at least a few weeks.