Please be advised that the Town will be conducting the annual aquatic weed spraying in the harbour basin for the control of Eurasian Milfoil. The weed growth becomes a significant issue for boat propellers and shafts, rendering the vessels powerless and drifting, causing a safety hazard.
Alternative weed control methods have been explored by the Town, such as harvesting, but are labour-intensive and expensive.
The aquatic weed spraying is completed by a licenced applicator. Reward herbicide is used for the aquatic weed control. The concentrated herbicide is diluted in a spray tank in the boat, then applied to the surface of the water at label rate, only in ministry-approved treatment areas. The herbicide is ionically charged, which attracts the herbicide to organic material as soon as it is sprayed on the water surface and absorbed by target plants within minutes, quickly becoming inactive in the water, making the spread of herbicide out of target areas next to zero and posing no danger to children swimming at the pier. The spread of the herbicide is dependent on environmental factors such as currents, and movement of the water. However, licenced applicators are aware of what conditions are ideal to keep any movement within the treatment areas.
All recreational groups at the harbour have been notified and advised to stay out of the water for 24 hours as well as notices have been posted at the harbour.
All pesticides are regulated by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). Should you have any further questions regarding the herbicide that was used, contact the Pest Management Information Service.