Invasive Species Regulations
In British Columbia, the provincial Weed Control Act requires that property owners control noxious weeds growing on their land. Some municipalities in the Lower Mainland have bylaws that further regulate the control of invasive plant species and noxious weeds.
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 Mission, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack, Wild Chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris) is also a noxious weed. There are no additional noxious weeds specific to the Metro Vancouver Regional District.
Weed Control Bylaws
Some municipalities in the Lower Mainland have additional bylaws that require the control of noxious weeds and other invasive species on private property. The table below shows additional weed control regulations throughout the Lower Mainland. Municipalities and Regional Districts not included in our Environmental Permit Guide are omitted from this table. Additional noxious weed and invasive species regulations may apply in these areas.
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 and the Pest Control Products Act. 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 June 2025
