The municipality will explore stronger measures to fight invasive species on the island.
The direction comes in part due to the rapid growth of certain invasive plants in the southern region of the island. Residents of the Cowan Point Drive, Seymour Bay Drive and Golf Course areas recently wrote to the municipality (BIM) asking if more could be done to prevent the spread of species such as gorse, scotch broom and euphorbia, particularly on private land.
Manager of environment and parks planning Carla Skuce explained BIM has waged a fairly successful campaign against gorse on their own land to the point where its presence is manageable. But, she added that reduction or elimination of gorse on private properties remains a large issue.
Skuce explained there is little BIM can do to force property owners to deal with invasive species. Potential options for changing this include requiring a plan to control invasive species as a condition of approving certain permits, such as rezoning, developments or subdivisions. Such a plan could also be included in site alteration permits for large-scale development projects.
These ideas for enforcement will be discussed at a future Strategic Initiative Review session. The environment manager added that in the meantime BIM supports groups or volunteers who organize invasive species cleanups of their own, including the use of tools and assistance with disposal of the flora once collected.
Council thanked the letter writers for bringing the invasive species issue to attention. “The concerns are real and I’m really glad that they’re expressing their concerns to the municipality,” said Coun. Sue Ellen Fast.
“I think that prevention and involving private property owners and trying to limit and control the gorse would be the best solution,” said Coun. Judith Gedye, adding she also supported educational programs and cleanups while BIM works on expanding their bylaws on the matter.
