Not All Flowers Are Friendly

News Release
Not All Flowers Are Friendly
The City of Edmonton is asking property owners to pursue, capture and destroy some of the worst offenders on public and private property – noxious weeds.

Noxious weeds are highly dangerous because they can spread quickly, invading crops, public spaces and entire ecosystems. They cause a significant amount of damage to parks and green space in and around our city each year and also make properties unsightly.

Noxious weeds are regulated under the Alberta Weed Control Act and landowners are required to control them on their property. Municipal enforcement officers will soon be out patrolling the city to help raise awareness about the impacts these plants have in Edmonton.

Twenty-nine species of noxious weeds are currently known to be growing in Edmonton. This year enforcement officers will be focusing on the 12 most troublesome of these weeds, including Canada Thistle, Creeping Bellflower, Himalayan Balsam and Yellow Toadflax.

If enforcement officers find noxious weeds on private property, the property owner will be issued a local authority notice to remove or control the weed. If they do not comply, the City has the authority under the Act to enter the property and initiate weed control measures.

Weed control costs vary depending on the level of infestation and area to be cleared. All costs will be added to the landowner’s property tax bill.

Residents are encouraged to call 311 to report noxious weeds found on public or private property. For more information on identifying, controlling and preventing the establishment of noxious weeds on private property, residents can visit edmonton.ca/weeds.