Weed Control

Weed Control Act of Alberta

The Weed Control Act of Alberta directs that all landowners are responsible for keeping weeds under control. This also includes the County. The County is responsible for controlling weeds on properties under County control, and directing private landowners/tenants to do so on their properties as well.

Weed notices may be issued to landowners, and measures to control growth and seed production are strictly enforced.

Problem Weeds

Weeds are categorized as "noxious" and "prohibited noxious" when they are aggressive, difficult to manage and invasive in nature. These weeds:
  • Infest pastures and crops
  • Alter natural habitats
  • Detrimental to livestock health
  • Compete with our native plants
  • Affect animal, insect and bird species
  • Are costly to control
Should you require assistance with weed control on your property, the following is a listing of companies who can be hired to help with weed control on your property.  Click here to view a listing.

Weed Control Program

The County conducts roadside weed control on a tri-annual basis (3-year rotation). The use of herbicides is the most cost-effective means to do this. All herbicide applications are made by certified applicators, and follow the best practices, handling, safety and standards as set out by Alberta Environment and the Industrial Vegetation Management Association of Alberta.

Residents who do not want roadsides along their property treated with herbicides may enter into an opt-out agreement with the County. This agreement places all responsibility for weed control in the ditches onto the landowner. For further details, contact Agricultural Services.

Weed Inspections

Agricultural Services believes that early detection and rapid response is the most effective method of managing invasive plants.

The employment of seasonal weed inspectors and the use of Agricultural Infestation Management System (AIMS) technology assist Agricultural Services in maintaining an effective, long term weed control program.

The AIMS program allows the mapping and tracking of infestations from year to year, provides a snapshot of affected areas within the county, and calculates increases and decreases in infestations. Implementation and use of this technology assists Agricultural Services in developing an effective, long term weed control program.

Additional Information

In addition to effective legislation, Alberta's early detection and rapid response to weeds is supported by programs such as the Crop Pest Surveillance System and the Alberta Weed Survey. These efforts protect the competitiveness of Alberta's agriculture industry and support the Government of Alberta's plan for a strong economic recovery. Ensuring that our province's industries are competitive and continue to attract investment to provide jobs and prosperity is part of The Way Forward.

For more information on Prohibited Noxious Weeds and Noxious Weeds:

How We Can Help

Agricultural Services is available to work with residents to prevent and resolve weed control issues. We can assist by identifying plant species and presenting solutions based on resident and County experience, along with research results using various weed control methods.

Call Agricultural Services if:
  • You have concerns about weeds on a property
  • You would like a consultation on weeds on your property
  • You want to drop off a weed sample for identification. (Please call prior to coming in, if you require immediate identification)
  • You want a list of local herbicide or pest control applicators in your area