The Regional Municipality of Durham has issue a notice to all persons in possession of land (in accordance with the Weed Control Act, R.S.O. 1990 Chapter W.5, Sections 3, 16 and 23) that they must destroy throughout the season all noxious weeds growing on their lands.
Unless residents do so, the municipality may enter upon said lands and have the weeds destroyed, charging costs against the landowner, as set out in the Weed Control Act, it said.
The main purpose of the Weed Control Act 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. This excludes lawns, gardens and private areas for personal enjoyment and leisure.
The notice said Sections 3, 13, 16 and 18 of the Weed Control Act do not apply to noxious weeds or weed seeds that are far enough away from any land used for agricultural or horticultural purposes (urban areas).