Comment
I would like to add my voice to all those who have requested that the province take a more proactive stance on limiting the spread of invasive species. In particular, I would like to see a ban on the sale of known invasive plants, including all those currently on the official provincial list plus (at least) vinca minor, goutweed, English ivy, Norway maple, and burning bush.
Banning their sale throughout the province allows garden centres to discontinue their sale without losing customers to nearby centres that allow them. It also provides a strong educational component to beginning gardeners, or those who follow the “fashion trends” without understanding the effects of their planting choices on the environment.
A less meaningful but perhaps more enforceable law would be to insist that any sale of these invasive plants be accompanied by a tag that explains the harm that could be done by their planting.
If nothing else, please encourage (or mandate?) all municipalities to include only native trees and perennials in their boulevard and park plantings. I cannot imagine any justifiable argument against this philosophy.
Submitted January 4, 2024 8:12 PM
Comment on
Renewing the Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan
ERO number
019-7582
Comment ID
95704
Commenting on behalf of
Comment status