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Spokesman John Caines said when mail carriers notice something that could be considered a hazard, they notify a supervisor, who inspects the property and notifies the resident if necessary. Mr. Marino said an inspector came to measure his steps sometime last week.

“A 12-inch step is a very high step,” he said. “There’s nothing new here. This is about health and safety for our employees … When we have snow or ice or dog problems or steps that are too high, we have to take precautions.”

After receiving the note, the 75-year-old went to the post office — which was holding important notices for his medical appointments, he said. After a discussion, Mr. Marino agreed to move his mailbox to the bottom of the steps.

“The guy moved his box. Delivery has been resumed,” Mr. Caines said on Monday. “As far as we’re concerned, the case is closed.”

But when the deliveries resumed late last week, Mr. Marino said he got into an argument with the mail carrier after banning the Canada Post staffer from walking on his lawn.

This is about health and safety for our employees

“I saw the mailman and I said ‘What the hell is a matter with you?’ ” Mr. Marino recalled Monday. “He claims that my steps are hazardous, that they are a danger. Well then my lawn could be dangerous too.”

Sometime after the argument, police were called to the home. Canada Post would only say “a threat was made.” Mr. Marino says the mailman alleged that he was threatened with a baseball bat — an accusation Mr. Marino disputes, claiming he does not own a baseball bat.

Winnipeg Police confirmed it was investigating reports of a threat at the home, but would not comment on specifics in the case.

Mr. Marino said he had yet to receive any mail by Monday afternoon — which Canada Post says could be because he did not have any mail to be delivered.

National Post

jedmiston@nationalpost.com