Noxious Weeds and Invasive Plants

The Weed Control Act of Alberta directs that all landowners are responsible for controlling noxious and prohibited noxious weeds on their property. This requirement also includes the Town. The Town is responsible for controlling weeds on properties under the Town’s control and directing private landowners/tenants to do so on their properties as well, should the property owner fail to control the weeds.

Problem Weed

Weeds are categorized as “noxious” and “prohibited noxious” when they are aggressive, difficult to manage and invasive in nature. These weeds:

• infest yards, fields, pastures, and crops
• alter natural habitats
• compete with our native plants
• affect animal, insect and bird species
• are costly to control

The weeds designated as noxious and prohibited noxious under the Alberta Weed Control Act spread rapidly and can outgrow native species resulting in an impact on natural environments.

The 4th edition of the Invasive Plants of Alberta booklet can be located here. Additionally, you can view or download fact sheets on noxious or prohibited noxious weeds, here.

Noxious Weeds

Noxious weeds must be controlled to prevent the spread of seeds and prevent the plants from being established. They can be controlled by hand-pulling, mowing, cultivating, or spraying them with an appropriate herbicide.

Information on Noxious Weeds can be found here.

Prohibited Noxious Weeds

Prohibited noxious weeds must be destroyed be eradicating all growing parts of the plant of to render the reproductive mechanisms unviable. Prohibited noxious weeds can be destroyed by hand-pulling, cultivation or mowing followed by an application of an appropriate herbicide. Dispose of prohibited noxious and noxious weeds in a manner that will prevent the spread of the weed seeds.

Information on Prohibited Noxious Weeds can be found here.

Nuisance Weeds

The Town does not regulate nuisance weeds, such as dandelions, on private property.

Weed Inspectors

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

Drayton Valley’s Bylaw Officers and Peace Officers are appointed as Weed Inspectors. Weed notices may be issued to landowners, and measures to control growth and seed production are strictly enforced.

Enforcement Process

Ideally, property owners would control the noxious and prohibited noxious weeds on their property without our involvement. However, should a Weed Inspector become involved, you may be issued a notice under the Weed Control Act, or the Community Standards Bylaw. The notice will outline the concern including the weed(s) on your property and provide a timeline to eradicate or control the weed before the due date.

An inspection will occur after the deadline has passed to determine if the weed identified has been eradicated or controlled, as required. If the weeds have been eradicated or controlled, there is nothing further that will occur.

If during the inspection, the weed has not been eradicated or controlled, the Weed Control Act, the Municipal Government Act, and the Community Standards Bylaw gives the Town the authority to enter onto your property to complete the work to eradicate or control the weeds.

All costs incurred by the Town for the control and/or eradication of the weeds will be billed to the property owner and added to the property tax bill. The property owner or occupant may also be subject to fines from Enforcement Services.

Reporting A Concern

Any vegetation or weed concern on parks or town-owned properties are the responsibility of the parks department. To report any concerns on town-owned properties, please contact Public Works at 780-514-2240 or pubworks@draytonvalley.ca

If you have a concern regarding private property, please contact Enforcement Services at 780-514-2386 or enforcement@draytonvalley.ca.