Opening the door to invasive species

RE: BYLAW TO PROTECT ST. CATHARINES TREES COMING SOON, MAY 22

I was sad to hear of the 'tree massacre' on city property near the lakeshore, just off Colton Avenue at Port Dalhousie.

Whoever is responsible for the destruction of native trees has unwittingly put the value of local homes at risk, due to danger from a formidable foe: Japanese knotweed. This invasive species has been known to cause destruction to homes, make it more difficult to access a mortgage for an affected property in the UK. A piece of legislation was put in place in 2014 regarding residential areas, individuals could be committed a criminal offense if ignore the spreading of Japanese Knotweed on private properties. So far, Ontario only has regulated it as restricted under the Invasive Species Act.

Japanese knotweed has been identified a few blocks away from Colton Avenue, off Peel Street in Port Dalhousie. Indiscriminate removal of native trees, bushes and shrubs increases the risk that Japanese knotweed gains a foothold in that area. And once that happens, it becomes extremely difficult to eradicate.

Hopefully, some serious measures will be taken in the Niagara Region in the near future to curb its spread.

Until then, I would encourage people to become familiar with the risks of Japanese knotweed and avoid indiscriminate removal of native vegetation.

J. Ke

Port Dalhousie