West Vancouver is taking aggressive measures to wipe out several invasive plant species capable of causing blindness and destroying buildings.
The effects might sound like science fiction, but the giant hogweed and Japanese knotweed are spreading across Metro Vancouver, and West Vancouver is threatening to saddle homeowners with a hefty bill if they don’t clean it up from their properties.
Giant hogweed plants are native to Asia, but have spread to Canada. The plants, which can reach towering heights, are invasive and can choke out native plants.
Worse still are the physical effects: anyone who touches the plant risks getting a rash, or worse, giant blisters. In many cases, people who come into contact with the plant without protective clothing and eyewear have to be hospitalized.
"Inside the stem is an acid. If you cut it open, you can get burned on your skin. If kids play with it, they can get very injured,” said West Vancouver Councillor Nora Gambioli.
Many West Vancouver properties have become inundated with invasive plants like the giant hogweed.
Part of the city’s five-year plan is to go after property owners to make sure they get rid of the jungles of weeds. And if they don’t, the district will come in and do it for them – and send property owners the bill.
Gambioli defends the measures.
"People are not supposed to have these noxious weeds on their property. But a lot of people don't know what they are. Or what they look like,” she said.
Local roadsides are being over-run by Japanese knotweed, another invasive species.
The plant grows voraciously, and Gambioli said in many conditions it can actually grow through concrete.
You can't dig knotweed out or cut it because it will simply grow back. A professional is needed to administer a lethal injection into every stem.
Many of the plants at Dundarave Pier were hit with herbicide last summer, yet the healthy survivors are back in force.
Manager of West Vancouver Parks Andrew Banks said treatment could take two to three years to be successful.
The city is hoping its strategy against the nuisance plants will help spur Metro Vancouver to create a region-wide plan.
“The main effort of our district's efforts will be educating the public,” Banks said.
“It's key. If you recognize an invasive then you'll know what to do or where to go."
Anyone with an invasive species on their property is urged to contact their municipality.
