The Municipality maintains over 475 hectares of grass and turf in parks, boulevards and green spaces throughout the region. To help keep these green spaces beautiful and healthy, the Municipality has an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, which includes the use of Health Canada approved herbicides and pesticides to control invasive weeds and pests.
Invasive weeds and pests can cause economic or environmental harm and spread quickly to new areas. These weeds and pests:
- Damage sport fields and cause safety issues
- Invade green spaces and entire ecosystems, reducing native biodiversity
- Infest streams, riverbanks and waterways
Beginning May 2023, the contractor Cortex Management is applying broadleaf herbicide to prevent and control weeds in the green spaces and fields in Fort McMurray. All spraying activities are aligned with the Municipality's guidelines and Alberta Environment and Parks' regulations.
Please follow all posted treatment signage and watch for these signs while enjoying the outdoors.
Treatment signage
The health and well being of citizens and the environment is top of mind when spraying activities are taking place. Signage will be posted at least 24 hours prior to spraying and additional signage, with the re-entry time, will be posted after the treatment has been completed
Safety
The health and well being of community members is our top priority. All herbicides and pesticides are carefully chosen and approved by Health Canada and the Government of Alberta. Areas being treated are closed off to the public and should be avoided until the product is dry to ensure there is no potential irritation or reaction to the products.
A freshly sprayed area will have an odour that will disappear once the treatment has dried. If you experience any irritation due to odour, please stay out of the area until the treatment is dry. This can take up to 12 hours, depending on weather conditions.
Invasive weeds in the region
These are four invasive weeds that are prevalent in the region. Himalayan Balsam (Prohibited Noxious), Common Tansy (Noxious), Scentless Chamomile (Noxious) and Canada Thistle (Noxious).
Frequently asked questions
| Why do we need to spray herbicides? Why can't the municipality just mow the grass? |
| Mowing prevents weeds from flowering, but it doesn’t remove seeds or other parts of the weed, allowing the weeds to spread and continue growing. Under Alberta’s Weed Control Act, we are legally required to control prohibited noxious and noxious weeds. To control these weeds effectively in our region, herbicides need to be used. |
| Do other cities and municipalities treat their green spaces with herbicides or pesticides? |
| Yes. The RMWB uses the same products that are used across other municipalities in Alberta. |
| Are products used by the Municipality safe? |
| All weed and pest control products used by the Municipality are approved by Health Canada and applied by trained staff members, under the supervision of a certified technician and licensed applicator. |
| How often does the Municipality treat green spaces with herbicides? |
| Typically, large green spaces, such as parks and school yards, are treated once a year in June or July. Sports fields are also treated once a year, followed by spot treatments, as needed. |
| How many hectares of turf are does the Municipality take care of throughout the year? |
| The Parks Branch maintains approximately 450 Hectares of turf, and more than 12 Hectares of garden beds throughout the region. |