Weed Control
Methods of Control
The City of St. Albert has developed its own Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan which is used to prevent and manage all weed control problems within St. Albert. The crew at Public Works boasts up to five Certified Pesticide Applicators to carry out this plan. For more information on how the City uses this plan and to download and view the City of St. Albert's IPM Plan please visit www.stalbert.ca/pest-control.
The Provincial Weed Control Act and the Agricultural Pest Act contain regulations that identify various plants as weeds respectively. These lists are by no means comprehensive, particularily in relation to introduced species that have negatively impacted natural environment parks.
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The Weed Control Act places plants into three categories:
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Restricted weeds are required by law to be removed because of their competitive nature and the threat they pose to agriculture and the environment due to their ability to spread rapidly and the difficultly involved to control them. The City ensures that these types of weeds are destroyed in accordance with this legislation.
Noxious weeds have the potential for rapid spread and by law they must be controlled to prevent this.
Nuisance weeds are the most common weeds and are usually widespread across the province. Although they have the potential to cause economic losses, they are also so biologically suited to their environment that they cannot be effectively eradicated.
Following the IPM plan the City strives to control these types of weeds in accordance with all federal, provincial and municipal regulations.
Spraying in Park Areas
When a park area is treated, City crews post notices. This ensures users are aware of the spraying and also notifies them of the date when normal park use can resume.
Public Works continues to explore available alternatives to the chemicals
currently used in weed control. When chemical spraying programs
are necessary, they are coordinated with a view to park uses and
seasonal activities. School fields are not sprayed until the schools are
adjourned for the summer and sports fields are maintained in the off-season.
If you have any questions or concerns about spraying in your area please contact Public Works at 780-459-1557.
For additional information on The City’s approaches to parks and open spaces, chemical free lawns and beaver management guidelines please visit www.stalbert.ca/land and check out our Office of Environment page.
Invasive Plants
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An invasive plant is a non-native plant that spreads easily, aggressively and may displace or alter natural plant communities. To read more about invasive plants in St. Albert and to check our feature Weed of the Week please click here. |
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Alberta Invasive Plants Council
For more information on invasive plants in Alberta,
visit the Alberta Invasive Plants Council website at www.invasiveplants.ab.ca.
