- I have receipts from my own contractor for weed removal and require details on the weed removal
- I am the property owner and require more information to provide to my tenant on the weed removal charges
- I just purchased the property and received an invoice for weed removal before I had possession, I require more information
Bylaw enforcement of noxious and prohibited noxious weeds that are on private property and the review process.
The Government of Alberta regulates the spread of noxious and prohibited noxious weeds through the Alberta Weed Control Act. Owners of residential, commercial, under construction and/or infill, and vacant lots are subject to enforcement. This includes your back alley, flankage and boulevards.
The Alberta Weed Control Regulation defines a list of regulated weeds that need to be controlled or eradicated by property owners. There are:
- 46 prohibited noxious weeds that should be destroyed when found
- 29 noxious weeds that should be controlled and prevented from spreading
Weed Enforcement Process
Municipal Enforcement Officers patrol the city for noxious and prohibited noxious weeds, as also promptly respond to resident complaints.
If regulated weeds are found on your property, you will receive a Local Authority Notice and/or Inspector’s Notice to remove or control the weeds on your property.
Notice Non-compliance
If you do not comply with the notice, the City has the authority under the Alberta Weed Control Act to enter your property without notification and initiate remedial weed control and/or destruction measures.
All costs incurred by the City are added to your property tax bill. Costs may vary depending on the amount of infestation and area cleared, but range from $250 to $5,000 or more.
Disputing a Weed Removal Clearing Invoice
Invoice appeals can be submitted online for review. Files are reviewed on a case by case basis. A City representative will respond in 10 days.
Request A Weed Removal Invoice Review
Property owners with weed removal invoices can request a review.
Note: This is not a submission for lodging complaints. Please reference 311 for making complaints.
There is also a formal appeal process which is listed on the Local Authority Notice and/or Inspector’s Notice and within the Alberta Weed Control Act under section 19(2). A formal hearing can be made at the Community Standards and Licence Appeal Committee.
Review Process For Weed Removal Invoices
After your request has been submitted online:
- Complaints and Investigations reviews the invoice and photographs provided by the Contractor.
- A review is done of the bylaw officer’s investigation or report (notes/photos)
- The review is completed within 10 business days and a response is sent to the person requesting the review. No further reviews will be conducted by City administration.
- A formal hearing may also be requested through the Community Standards and Licence Appeal Committee. Appellants have 10 days to file an appeal before the board and there is a $500 appeal fee.
Acceptable Dispute Examples
Non-Acceptable Dispute Examples
- The cost is too high and not reasonable
- I was out of town and the person looking after the place failed to cut my grass and remove my weeds
- I didn't know I was responsible for weed removal on the back side of my property
- I didn’t know the flowers were actually regulated weeds
- My property is a vacant lot and I will be building on it
Dealing with Noxious/Prohibited Noxious Weeds on Your Property
Noxious weeds must be controlled, meaning the growth or spread needs to be prevented. Mechanical mowing is the easiest form of control.
All growing parts of prohibited noxious weeds need to be killed or the plant's reproductive mechanisms need to be rendered non-viable. The easiest form of destruction is the removal of the entire root system, by digging up or hand pulling the weed.
Spot It, Report It, Remove It
Learn how to identify and remove the weeds regulated in the Alberta Weed Control Act.
Report invasive weeds using Edmonton 311.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the big deal if I do not control the regulated weeds on my property?
These plants might look harmless, but they can do serious damage to our local ecosystem. These regulated weeds are non-native plants that cause economic or environmental harm and can spread quickly to new areas. These plants can invade crops, infest streams, riverbanks and waterways. These plants can also out-compete our native plants and reduce wildlife that lives off our ecosystems.
I maintain my property but still received weed removal charges?
Your property includes the entire lot, as well as the back alley, flankage and adjacent boulevards. The Local Authority Notice and/or Inspector’s Notice provides detailed information on where the regulated weeds were found on the property. If further information is required for compliance, please contact the officer at the number provided at the bottom of the notice. If you do not remove all regulated weeds as described in the Local Authority Notice and/or Inspector’s Notice, the City Contractor will cut and/or remove the remaining regulated weeds at your expense.
I complied after receiving the notice and then was charged for weed removal a month later. Why didn’t I receive another notice?
An officer will send out one Local Authority Notice and/or Inspector’s Notice which is in effect for the entire season, up to October 31. Officers can follow up on this notice multiple times throughout the season to ensure the regulated weeds are being controlled and/or destroyed for that property.
I didn’t know that the flowers on my property were regulated weeds?
Many of the regulated weeds are plants, trees, and bushes that are colourful, sweet smelling, and beautiful to the eye. However, this does not make the regulated weeds any less dangerous to spread. All species can be found on the city website and through different apps which show the name and pictures for easy identification.
Download the 311 app for helpful weed identification.
Are these regulated weeds only for Edmonton?
The Alberta Weed Control Act is enforced throughout Alberta. Other provinces may have similar regulated weeds under their Government Acts and/or bylaws.
Why is the amount for the weed removal so high?
Weed removal is a set price by an external contractor, which is calculated by the square meters of the area that weed removal is required. Contract fees include the cost of labour, equipment and disposal of regulated weeds.
The owner of the property gave me the invoice but I want to fight it?
Information pertaining to an invoice will only be released to the owner of the property. Individual agreements between the homeowner and tenant will not be considered in the review process.
I own my condominium and pay condominium fees. Why am I receiving an invoice for weed removal instead of the condominium association?
Once the work is completed, the charges are applied to the legal property owner’s tax bill. For multiple owners of a property, the charges are divided equally and applied to everyone identified as legal property owners. Condominium fees are not part of the city review and should be discussed with the condominium association.
I bought the plant/seeds from a store. They should be fine, right?
Not necessarily. It is important to research plants or seed packs before purchasing. Be sure to check the Alberta Weed Control Act if you aren’t 100% sure. If a store is selling regulated species, please report to 311 to be investigated.