City of Mission Invasive Species Regulations
In British Columbia, the provincial Weed Control Act requires that property owners control noxious weeds growing on their land. The City of Mission Development and Subdivision Control Bylaw regulates the management of noxious weeds on parcels proposed for rezoning and subdivision.
Noxious Weeds from the Weed Control Regulation
Schedule A of the Weed Control Regulation provides a list of noxious weeds in the province. Some species are considered noxious throughout the province, and some are only considered noxious in certain regional districts.
There are 39 plant species on the list of Provincially Noxious Weeds. Some of the most common in the Lower Mainland are:
- Knotweeds (Japanese, Giant, Bohemian, and Himalayan)
- Giant Hogweed
- Purple Loosestrife
- Thistles
See Schedule A Part I of the Weed Control Regulation for a complete list of provincially noxious weeds. In the Fraser Valley Regional District, which includes the City of Mission, Wild Chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris) is also a noxious weed.
City of Mission Invasive Species Regulations
Section 9.15 of the Development and Subdivision Control Bylaw requires a noxious weed assessment by a qualified environmental professional (QEP) on any property proposed for rezoning and/or subdivision. The assessment should specifically target knotweed and hogweed. Where noxious weeds are observed, the owner will have the QEP prepare a management plan. No vegetation removal or soil movement shall occur until treatment has been completed and the site is declared free of knotweed and hogweed.
Noxious Weed Management Methods
Noxious weeds can be difficult and costly to manage. Each species has different best management practices, which often involve mechanical and/or chemical treatment. For best management practices in the Lower Mainland, consult guides put out by the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver. All chemical treatment of noxious weeds in BC must comply with the Integrated Pest Management Act, the Pest Control Products Act, and associated Regulations. Consult our guide on pesticide regulations for more information.
The disposal of noxious weed material is also an important consideration. The Weed Control Regulation prohibits the placement, movement, or sale of soil or any substance that contains a noxious weed or seeds of a noxious weed. Invasive plant matter and contaminated soil must be dealt with appropriately to prevent further spread.
Knotweed Management
Knotweed species are especially difficult to manage due to their extensive rhizome system and vigorous growth. Chemical treatment (foliar application or stem injection) is the only known effective control method. Manual and mechanical removal will not eradicate the plants and may cause aggressive regrowth and further spread. Best management practices recommend against offsite knotweed disposal due to a high risk of spread during transport. Onsite disposal typically includes deep burial.
Disclaimer: Environmental regulations change frequently. Our goal is to keep the content of this page up-to-date and accurate. If you notice inaccurate information, please contact us so we can make corrections.
Last Updated in July 2025
