New noxious weeds bylaw adopted

At the Aug. 25 Regular Council Meeting, West Kelowna Council adopted the Noxious Weed Control Bylaw  which will require property owners and occupants to prevent the growth and spread of designated noxious weeds.

The bylaw includes a list of noxious weeds and is consistent with the noxious weed control bylaws in surrounding communities.

Between April 1 and September 30, all owners and occupiers of property within the City of West Kelowna must prevent the growth of noxious weeds and grasses from exceeding 20 cm (8 inches) and must cut down and remove all noxious weeds and grasses to prevent their growth from exceeding that limit.

“The new Noxious Weed Control Bylaw puts in place requirements for people in West Kelowna to prevent the growth and spread of noxious weeds,” said Patrick Pulak, General Manager of Operations for the City West Kelowna. “West Kelowna is known for its agricultural lands and natural beauty, and everyone needs to do their part to reduce the spread of invasive plants to protect our environment.”

Next year, West Kelowna will focus on education and awareness rather than enforcement. This will give people time to assess their properties and make plans to manage and prevent the growth of noxious weeds.

Controlling noxious weeds protects agricultural lands, natural ecosystems, neighboring properties, and public land. Proper management of noxious weeds helps reduce the spread of invasive plants and minimizes long-term environmental and financial impacts.

For more information

• Read the bylaw and see more information: www.westkelownacity.ca/weeds
• Find and identify invasive species with Okanagan Invasive Species Online (OISO): www.oiso.ca/
• Information about identifying invasive species and tips and management practices, visit Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society (OASISS): www.oasiss.ca/