Okanagan invasive species group asks RDOS to support adding dangerous plants to provincial control list

The Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society is asking the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) to request that 10 plant species be added to British Columbia's Weed Control Regulation Schedule A; the province plans to review and update the schedule this winter and the RDOS board will discuss the request at its Thursday meeting.

The Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society (OASISS) has asked the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) board to support adding ten plant species to British Columbia's Weed Control Regulation Schedule A. The provincial list is due for review this winter and has not been updated since 2012, according to an RDOS staff report. The report says the proposed species have been recorded in the Okanagan-Similkameen region and could expand their range, with potential impacts to public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife or property. The RDOS board is scheduled to discuss the request at its Thursday meeting. Key details: - OASISS is asking that ten species be labeled "regionally noxious" and included in the provincial Schedule A so local authorities can act. - The staff report notes the province has not updated Schedule A since 2012 and a revision is planned this winter. - Examples mentioned in the report include Himalayan balsam, which has had outbreaks in Summerland, and tree of heaven, which is associated with insect pests that could affect grape, apple and stone-fruit crops. - The report says plants not listed under the Weed Control Act cannot be attended to by local bylaw officers or other authorities, limiting enforcement options. - The staff report also highlights public education and outreach as a complementary priority alongside regulatory changes. Summary: If the RDOS board supports the request, it would vote to submit a formal recommendation to the provincial Ministry of Forests to add the ten species to the updated Schedule A. The change is intended to give local governments clearer enforcement authority and to strengthen public awareness and education about invasive plant management. The RDOS board will discuss the matter at its Thursday meeting.