Annual Weed Control Program

Strathcona County carries out an annual program to control weeds in parks and open spaces. The goal is to control noxious weeds, provide safe and healthy turf, and protect trees and shrubs.

Control measures include mechanical trimming, hand removal of weeds, and the application of herbicides and biological controls. Learn about:

• Strathcona County's Weed Inspection Program

• Alberta’s prohibited noxious weeds, noxious weeds, common weeds and the Alberta Weed Control Act

Safety precautions

All pesticides used in Strathcona County's Weed Control Program are approved by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency and the Government of Alberta, and are applied under the supervision of provincially licensed workers.

Timing of treatment

• Control measures on school grounds will be undertaken when schools are closed.

• Herbicide applications are completed during the day or early morning when winds are generally light.

• Treatment times and dates depend on weather conditions.

Spray notifications and chemical sensitivities

If you or anyone in your household is sensitive to chemical sprays and you live near a park or boulevard, contact the Turf Development Supervisor at 780-464-8493 to register for spray notifications in your area or to establish a no-spray zone.

Natural area management in progress

Canada thistle rust – a naturally occurring fungus that helps control Canada thistle – has been found in Broadmoor Lake Park. To support this natural process, some Canada thistle is being left in place temporarily so the fungus can spread undisturbed.

This approach supports long-term thistle control while reducing the need for chemical treatment and protecting surrounding habitat.

Treatment schedule

Below is an estimated schedule for herbicide applications by field crews and contractors. Timeframes may change due to weather, degree of infestation, and crew or contractor availability. Control measures on school grounds will be undertaken when schools are closed.

An "x" indicates the months when treatment may occur.