Durham Region notice says it may enter land to destroy noxious weeds if they aren’t removed

The Regional Municipality of Durham has issued a notice to “all persons in possession of land” in the region stating that, under Ontario’s Weed Control Act, the municipality may enter land in Durham to have noxious weeds destroyed if they are not destroyed throughout the season, and may charge the costs against the landowner.

According to the notice, the Weed Control Act is mainly focused on limiting the impact of noxious weeds on agriculture and horticulture. The notice says the act primarily applies to agricultural and horticultural lands that generate income or other benefits to agriculture, and it excludes lawns, gardens and private areas used for personal enjoyment and leisure.

Durham’s notice cites the Weed Control Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter W.5, and references sections 3, 16 and 23 in describing the municipality’s authority to enter land and arrange for weeds to be destroyed if they are not destroyed throughout the season.

For urban areas, the notice says sections 3, 13, 16 and 18 of the act do not apply to noxious weeds or weed seeds that are “far enough away” from land used for agricultural or horticultural purposes.

Durham Region directs residents seeking more information to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness’s Weed Control Act frequently asked questions webpage at ontario.ca/omafa.