Elgin Pond phragmites will be targeted for removal in the coming weeks after Uxbridge identified the invasive plant in two areas of the pond. The Township announced the planned treatment on October 16, naming the areas around the dock and inlet.
Rather than treating the entire pond, the municipality plans targeted spot spraying. It says it considered different approaches and selected this method to balance safety, effectiveness and cost while limiting effects on the surrounding aquatic environment.
The notice identifies the product as Habitat Aqua, registered under Canada’s Pest Control Products Act with registration number 32374. The Township lists imazapyr and isopropylamine salt in its description of the active ingredients and says a Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks specialist will complete the treatment.
Phragmites is an aggressive plant that can spread quickly and damage biodiversity, wetlands and beaches. The Township notes that Ontario regulates it as a restricted species under the Invasive Species Act.
The Elgin Pond phragmites notice includes an opportunity for public comment. Members of the public may submit comments to the Director under the Pesticides Act within five days of notification. The address provided is Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, 5775 Yonge Street, ninth floor, Toronto, ON M2M 4J1.
Questions can also be directed to the Township’s Trails Department at uxbridgetrails@uxbridge.ca. The announcement does not give an exact treatment day, closure schedule or reopening time. Residents should consult the Township’s notice for any subsequent operational updates rather than assume those details.
