City Weed Inspectors will be out and about this spring and summer checking for noxious and prohibited noxious weeds. Weed Inspectors will be exploring private and City property throughout the community.
You can do your part by checking your yards for some common noxious and prohibited noxious weeds in our area.
A weed is any plant growing where it is not wanted and where it competes with cultivated plants. Weeds are legislated in Alberta through the Alberta Weed Control Act and Regulation.
Weed control methods include hand pulling and bagging, and chemical and mechanical control.
Contact your local weed inspector for the best method of weed control for Prohibited Noxious or Noxious weeds on your property by calling AccessGP at 311.
Noxious Weed Control in Grande Prairie: How the City is Taking Action
The City of Grande Prairie is committed to managing noxious and prohibited noxious weeds as part of our ongoing environmental stewardship. These invasive plants can pose serious risks to local ecosystems, agriculture and biodiversity. To effectively control these weeds, the City employs two targeted programs that operate throughout the growing season until the first frost.
- Program 1: Mechanically Managed Areas
In areas where mowing and other regular maintenance occur, we use broadleaf spot-spraying techniques. This means we target only specific noxious and prohibited noxious weeds listed under the Alberta Weed Act, preserving other plant life in the area.
- Program 2: Naturalized and Non-Mechanically Managed Areas
For areas that are not mowed or mechanically controlled—such as naturalization zones—we rely on chemical control. Approved herbicides are applied in a targeted manner, focusing only on noxious weeds. Due to environmental safety standards, each site receives just one chemical application per growing season.
Understanding the Process
After treatment, it can take days or even weeks for weeds to show visible signs of desiccation. During this period, the herbicide is being absorbed into the plants' root systems, ensuring the weeds are eliminated at the source and do not return the following season. For this reason, it’s essential not to disturb the treated plants, allowing the process to work effectively.
Doing Our Part Together
Maintaining a healthy environment is a shared responsibility. The City works hard to control weeds on public lands and asks residents to help by managing noxious weeds on their properties. Together, we can help prevent the spread of invasive species and protect our community’s green spaces.
How to Report Areas of Concern
If you notice areas of public land that require attention or treatment, please let us know. You can report them through Access GP by dialing 311 or emailing info@cityofgp.com
