Sturgeon County must make sure public and private properties comply with the Alberta Weed Control Act and our Community Standards Bylaw.
Roadside Weed Management
Sturgeon County ensures paved and gravelled roadsides are managed to improve visibility and to control undesired vegetation or regulated weeds. If you have concerns that a roadside near you is being neglected or vegetation is becoming a hazard, please submit a complaint.
Area Signage
Please look for these signs in your community.
Municipal Reserve Weed Management
Municipal reserves exist throughout residential areas for the enjoyment of visitors and residents. These areas can host a variety of recreational uses – some are developed park spaces while others are open or naturalized spaces. As these are county-owned properties, they are maintained based on the type of use per the Vegetation Management Standards Policy.
Limited Control Area Agreements
Landowners/tenants who wish to restrict herbicide applications on municipal lands adjacent to their property can enter into a Limited Control Area Agreement with Sturgeon County. These agreements are valid for the year that they are issued and must be renewed annually. Landowners/tenants are responsible for all weed and grass control on lands for which their Limited Control Area Agreement applies.
Aquatic Weed Management
Aquatic weeds – anything below the high watermark – are not managed by the municipality and are under the purview of the provincial Government. If you see a potential aquatic weed infestation, or have concerns contact the Government of Alberta.
What about algae? Algae occurs naturally during warm summer months and can last into early fall. It is important to keep healthy amounts of algae as they provide oxygen and food to other organisms like fish living in our stormwater management facilities.
Algae and weeds are part of a natural wetland system. However, fertilizers from lawns enter the stormwater ponds when it rains giving the plants extra nutrients to grow beyond their natural size and population. When this excess material begins to decompose, it uses oxygen from the stormwater pond, which can harm fish and other critters living in the water.
Some blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can produce toxins and via swimming or drinking can make humans and animals sick. If a blue-green algal bloom occurs, residents will be informed, and notices will be placed at the affected waterbodies. Alberta Health Services monitors recreational waterbodies for blue-green algae.
Weed Inspections
How Weeds Spread
- Deliberately spread by humans.
- Accidentally spread by humans through agricultural products, construction and landscaping materials, livestock movement, machinery, vehicles, and waste disposal.
- Naturally spread by birds, other animals, water, and wind.
Invasive Species
Common invasive and noxious weeds found in Sturgeon County:
Each year, Sturgeon County appoints Agricultural Inspectors. Their job is to:
- Monitor all properties in Sturgeon County (private and public) for the presence of noxious or prohibited noxious weeds.
- Monitor residential properties for the presence of excessively long or unsightly vegetation which is >15 cm in height
- Educate the public and landowners about regulated weed species
- Assist landowners in creating a plan to rid their properties of invasive species in the event of an infestation on their property
- Issue notices and compliance orders if required