MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - The county's agricultural service board (ASB) has instructed administration to develop a weed inspection policy and procedure for the municipality. The move came by way of motion at a recent regularly scheduled board meeting.
“While the Weed Control Act provides guidance on enforcement, historically the county’s program has worked with landowners to try and resolve weed issues rather than through weed notices,” said Jane Fulton, assistant director of legislative, community and agricultural services.
Made up of appointed public members and members of county council, the ASB advises the county and province on agriculture issues.
The Alberta Weed Control Act directs that prohibited noxious weeds be destroyed, starting that, “a person shall destroy a prohibited weed that is on land the person owns or occupies” and that noxious weeds be controlled and “a person shall control a noxious weed that is on land the person owns or occupies.”
Under current policy, weed inspectors are hired and appointed by the county, with the inspector's job to “increase public awareness and involvement to help reduce the introduction and spread of weeds” and to “provide guidance and information to landowners regarding weed concerns, weed problems, invasive species, escaped ornamentals and their impact on the environment.”
The weed inspector may issue a weed notice to remedy a weed problem if the landowner has not made adequate attempts to control weeds. If an inspector finds non-compliance with the Weed Control Act, an inspector may given notice in writing requiring compliance.”
During the Dec.14 ASB meeting, administration put forward a proposal that a policy and procedure be developed that “outlines the philosophy, process of the program and how to address weed complaints received.
“MVC has agreements with all urban municipalities within the county to perform weed inspection. Setting out the expected service level of the weed inspection program through policy and the strategic business plan, will assist in determining the oversight, staffing levels and the focus of the inspections.”
Administration is expected to report back to the board at the January ABS meeting.
