Noxious Weeds

The main purpose of the Weed Control Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter W.5 is to reduce the impact of noxious weeds on the industries of agriculture and horticulture. Primarily, this Act applies to agricultural and horticultural lands that generate income or other benefits to agriculture but excludes lawns, gardens, and private areas for personal enjoyment and leisure.

Under section 3 of the Weed Control Act, every person in possession of land shall destroy all noxious weeds on it.

However, section 3 does not apply to noxious weeds that are far enough away from any land used for agricultural or horticultural purposes, as they do not interfere with that use.

All persons in possession of land properties within the United Counties of Prescott and Russell are hereby requested to be in compliance with the Act by June 30th and throughout the growing season.

Noxious weeds may be destroyed by the following methods

  1. Pulling or otherwise removing the plants from the soil;
  2. Cutting the roots or stalks of the plants before the seeds have developed sufficiently to open after cutting;
  3. Cultivating the soil in which the plants are growing;
  4. Treating with an herbicide that causes the plants to be destroyed or prevents the growth of the plants or ripening of their seeds.

The United Counties of Prescott and Russell strongly encourage the methods of (1), (2) or (3) to control noxious weeds.

Noxious Weeds List

In Ontario, 25 weeds are designated as noxious under the Act. A list of these weeds can be found on the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs website.

Enforcement of the Weed Control Act

The enforcement of the Act is conducted by:

  • Jean-François Mainville
  • Stéphane Leclair
  • Mathieu Gauthier
  • Pier-Luc Mainville
  • Guy Tessier
For further information, please contact:
  • by phone at 613-675-4661;
  • toll free at 1-800-667-6307; or
  • by email at [email protected].