Invasive Species/Knotweed - Town of Gibsons

Knotweed was introduced from Asia as an ornamental plant, and is considered among the world’s most tenacious invasive plants.

Invasive species pose a threat to our environment, health, safety and economy. As a result, they are rapidly gaining global recognition as a serious problem. To learn more about invasive species and what you can do about them, click the resource links below.

Resources

Invasive species – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

Invasive Species Council of British Columbia (bcinvasives.ca)

Key to Identification of Knotweed (gov.bc.ca)

To report invasive species sites on the Sunshine Coast go to: www.reportaweedbc.ca

Bylaw No. 1281, 2020

The Town is required to manage noxious weeds as a land manager under the BC Weed Control Act, and is given the power to enforce the BC Weed Control Act by creating bylaws under the Community Charter.

Previously, Town of Gibsons’ Council was considering the introduction of a bylaw to regulate the effective management of invasive plants, particularly the Knotweed species. However, after some discussion, this bylaw was put on hold due to a lack of effective disposal method for knotweed.

Staff is currently seeking an invasive species expert to address Council on a possible bylaw approach and next steps in the fight to eradicate these destructive plants.

Role of Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI)

MOTI is the Pest Management Plan (PMP) holder for Invasive Plant Management on public lands in the Sunshine Coast Regional District.

As invasive plant management will only be successful through continued collaboration among land managers, the Town of Gibsons aims to work in tandem with MOTI, wherever possible, to control invasive species.

Click here to view information from the Province of BC on Invasive Plants.