Noxious and Invasive Weeds in Augusta Township
Including Wild Parsnip & Giant Hogweed
Each spring, Augusta Township partners with the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville (UCLG) to manage noxious weeds along our roadsides—primarily wild parsnip and, more recently, giant hogweed. These invasive plants pose serious health risks to humans and can spread rapidly if not controlled.
About Wild Parsnip & Giant Hogweed
Each spring, Augusta Township partners with the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville (UCLG) to manage noxious weeds—especially wild parsnip and giant hogweed—along our roadsides. These invasive plants pose serious health risks to humans.
Both wild parsnip and giant hogweed contain chemicals that can cause phytophotodermatitis—a painful skin reaction caused by contact with the sap and sunlight. Symptoms may include:
- Redness and a burning sensation
- Blisters appearing 1–2 days after exposure
- Long-lasting skin discoloration (up to two years)
Sensitive areas like the face, arms, neck, and legs are most at risk.
Roadside Spraying Program
To help control the spread of noxious weeds, roadside herbicide spraying is carried out by certified contractors each spring (May–June). This program targets:
- Wild parsnip
- Giant hogweed
- Other noxious or invasive plants
Spraying is completed along County roads and select municipal roads and is only applied to unmaintained ditches. Maintained yards and ditches will not be sprayed.
Guide rail spraying is also performed in May and June within 1 metre of the guardrails.
Spraying is conducted using herbicides approved under the Pesticides Act and follows the public works exemption to Ontario’s cosmetic pesticide ban.
A public notice is published each year in local newspapers and on the County website.
No Spray Zones – How to Opt Out
Property owners who do not wish to have the ditch in front of their property sprayed may post "No Spray" signs at the start and end of their property.
Requirements for signs:
- Minimum size: 30 cm x 60 cm (1 ft x 2 ft)
- Must be clearly visible from the road shoulder
You may create your own or request a pre-made sign from the Counties.
To request a sign or get more information, contact the Counties at:
613-342-3840 ext. 2413
Reporting Noxious Weeds
If you notice wild parsnip, giant hogweed, or other invasive weeds:
On your own property:
Contact the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Weed Control Office:
613-342-3840 ext. 2425
roads@uclg.on.ca
On Township roadsides or ditches:
Please report sightings to Augusta Township:
613-925-4231 ext. 301
Weed Inspector Role
The Weed Inspector for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville is appointed to enforce the Weed Control Act and respond to agricultural and nuisance weed complaints.
They are authorized under:
The Weed Control Act (for agricultural land)
Section 11 of the Municipal Act (for health/safety issues on other properties)
Section 446 of the Municipal Act (for taking remedial action when needed)
To report noxious weeds impacting human health or safety, contact:
roads@uclg.on.ca
