Weed called natural disaster for agriculture
A large weed that grows up to six metres high called Phragmites is threatening Niagara-onthe-Lake’s agricultural lands says Austin Kirkby, who owns a farm on Concession 2.
She wants the invasive perennial grass with gold or purple flowers, primarily found in wetlands and along roadsides, declared a noxious weed by the province.
Kirby appealed to town council Monday to work with the province and Niagara Region to eradicate the plant.
“It is absolutely scary,” said Kirby, a longtime farmer and former town councillor. “If we don’t get them out, they are going to flood agricultural land.”
The town previously requested that the provincial government designate Phragmites as a noxious weed, but there has been no response to date.
Kirby’s presentation coincided with a motion from Coun. Betty Disero Monday regarding Phragmites. Council voted in favour of the lord mayor and chief administrative officer meeting with the Region and other agencies, such as Niagara Parks Commission, Parks Canada and Ministry of Transportation, to look for solutions to the problem.
Council also agreed to ask the province to add Phragmites to its list of noxious weeds as a first step in finding an herbicide to destroy it.
“This and the ash borers are natural disasters,” said Disero. “They will cost (us) a lot of money and destroy wildlife.”
Council also asked staff for a report on the issue and decided to do some educational initiatives for the public.
“We need education for the community,” said Disero. “We can’t wait for the province.”
Operations director Sheldon Randall said staff have conducted some tests on the weed earlier this year, but the results are not in yet.