As part of the City’s ongoing plan to eradicate phragmites, closures will occur at specific areas in Canatara Park and along the Howard Watson Nature Trail.
A closure of the Howard Watson Nature Trail between Exmouth Street and Retford Avenue is required Tuesday, July 3 and Wednesday, July 4 for spraying, weather permitting. This is an area with a high concentration of phragmites, an invasive perennial grass that has been problematic with fires in the past.
Canatara Park will be closed near Lake Chipican and around the meadow lands on Thursday, July 5 and Friday, July 6 for spraying, weather permitting.
Members of the public are asked to keep out of these areas for their safety. Signage will be posted 24 hours in advance. A spotter will be on sight for protection of pedestrians who inadvertently enter the trails near the work zones. Notification will be hand-delivered to adjacent homeowners.
Eradication involves spraying the affected areas with pesticide. Following eradication of the phragmites, a suitable seed mix will be applied to allow native species to return to the area and limit the opportunity for invasive species to re-invade.
The Ministry of Natural Resources has granted permission to the City for the eradication of invasive species including phragmites on the Howard Watson Nature Trail and in Canatara Park.