Some weeds can cause concern to human health, like wild parsnip and poison ivy. These weeds can be found in areas of uncultivated land, roadside ditches, nature trails, woodlots, and in some cases, on rural and residential property. These plants are of public health concern because touching them or their sap can result in painful skin rashes and burns.
Under the Ontario Weed Control Act, the City is responsible to take action to control wild parsnip and poison ivy on city property.
Private property owners are responsible for removing these plants from their private property. If you decide to take measures to control these plants, regardless of the method used, wear protective clothing and goggles to cover exposed skin and protect your eyes.
Weed control on public property
When our staff identify a wild parsnip population the plants may be marked with orange marking paint to identify the hazard prior to a chemical application.
Noxious weeds found on city property are issued orders and chemically controlled with registered products. Currently there are 25 weeds listed as noxious in Ontario, which are required to be controlled.
You can report an issue or contact our weed inspectors.
Common noxious weeds
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Giant hogweed |
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Giant hogweed can grow to be upwards of 5.5 metres tall and has a white flower. The clear watery sap can be very dangerous to humans if it comes in contact with skin. It can cause severe inflammation, and even cause burns when exposed to direct sunlight. Symptoms occur within 48 hours and consist of painful blisters, and purple scars that may last for years. If giant hogweed is found in a park or other public space, report it and stay away from it, our trained staff will remove it. We have only had one case of giant hogweed and we continue to monitor park spaces to ensure no population arises. |
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Wild parsnip |
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Wild parsnip can grow up to 2 metres tall and has a yellow flower. The clear watery sap can be very dangerous to humans if it comes in contact with skin. It can cause severe inflammation, and even cause burns when exposed to direct sunlight. Symptoms occur within 48 hours and consist of painful blisters, and scars that may last for years. If wild parsnip is found in a park or public space, report it and stay away from it, our trained staff will remove it. |
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Poison ivy |
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Poison ivy is known to be a ground cover that can grow up to 45 centimetres tall. It has also being known to grow up tree truck, which gives the impression it is a vine. If the human skin comes in contact with oils from this plant blistering, irritation and rash on the skin will result. Quite often pets allowed to run free in the woods pick it up and can be transferred to the skin when they are pet. Know where and what your pet comes in contact with when using trails, and keep them on a leash. |
Noxious weed control on private property
Our weed inspectors can help identify a noxious weed on your property and provide removal recommendations, as defined by the Ontario Weed Control Act.
In some circumstances it may be necessary to issue a provincial order against a property owner who refuses to destroy the weeds and weeds seeds. Due to the limitations set out by the Cosmetic Pesticide Ban, this order is a tool to hire a licenced exterminator to assist the property owner in the eradication of the noxious weeds and weed seeds.