GREAT MOMENTS IN THE LAW

City News, Canada - Jon Tennett loves to tinker in his garage. It's not an uncommon pastime for an 81-year-old man, but what is unusual is the city's response. Because Tennett fixes his neighbors' lawn mowers and other small machines, the City of Pickering has charged him with operating an illegal business - even though he's never charged a penny for his work.

"They could get a lot of revenue elsewhere than looking at an old 81-year-old man trying to keep his mind busy," he points out.

On the same street, a retired nurse is facing a similar problem. Janice Saroop has a lush garden, which she proudly shows off to visitors. "This one here is a spider plant, and this is a mint," she explains. But because she sells those plants three times a year, the city is threatening her, too - even though all her profits go to charity. . .

But Pickering's commercial zoning bylaws do not allow any form of home business whatsoever - and the penalties are severe. Tennett's case is currently before the courts and if he loses, he could be fined up to $25,000.