Commitment to the Environment

dandelion in turfGoing Green on Turf Maintenance

Keeping our city "green" means respecting the environment. The City of Edmonton is committed to turf maintenance practices that make economic and environmental sense. As outlined in our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy, the City minimizes the use of pesticides and uses them responsibly when they are required.

Naturalization is a vegetation management strategy used wherever appropriate to control and prevent weeds.

Herbicide Reduction

Research into biological rather than chemical weed control is being pursued. Only when necessary is herbicide applied to control noxious weeds, and weeds that would impact safety and enjoyment of our green spaces (weeds on soccer fields may be hazardous to players).

All herbicide applications meet Environmental Protection legislation and Broadleaf Weed Control Standards established by City Council. Strict safety precautions are taken to protect public, employees and environmental health.
Spraying information is advertised in local community newsletters and newspapers. Signs at treatment sites are posted to inform the public of herbicide application for 48 hours after spraying.

Medical Alert and Herbicide Exemption Request Programs

  • The Medical Alert Pesticide Program (MAPP) offers citizens with medical sensitivities the option of restriction of all pesticide applications within 30 metres of their residential property and/or notification of any pesticide application within 100 metres of their residential property.
    A MAPP Form and MAPP Letter describing the program are available to those interested in this service.
  • The Herbicide Exemption Request Program (HERP) offers citizens the choice of discontinuation of chemical trimming along fence lines and obstacles abutting city property and discontinuance of broadleaf weed control within five metres of registrant's property that abuts on City property.
    A HERP Form and HERP Letter describing the program are provided to those interested in registering.
  • A petition program to designate parkland as "herbicide free" is available to those residents abutting such parkland.
    A Petition Application and a Petition Form with instructions is available to citizens interested in taking advantage of this provision.
  • A 30 metre "no spray" buffer is provided around playground apparatus.
  • A telephone information line (311) is available to provide daily updates of pesticide spraying activities in Edmonton.
  • Notification letters are sent to all schools, daycares and community leagues prior to the spraying season.

Note: For registrants receiving annual program confirmation notices, please return the documentation to the address below. Thank you.

Parks IPM Coordinator
9120 - 37 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
T6E 5L4

For more information:

Parks - General Information (not related to picnic site bookings)

4th Floor, Century Place
9803 - 102A Ave. NW
Edmonton, AB  T5J 3A3

Telephone

In Edmonton: 311

Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311
Fax 780-496-1150
Email 311@edmonton.ca

Parks Service Areas - District Offices

Parks Operations East,  Kennedale Site,
  12830 - 58St. N.W.
Parks Operations West, Parks and Community Services West,
  110, 11410 - 149 St. N.W. 
Parks Operations South
  9130 - 37 Ave. N.W.

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