LAURIE WEIR
There must be a better solution than roadside spraying to control invasive phragmites.
That was the sentiment expressed by Coun. Deborah Anne Hutchings during a presentation by Holly Evans, watershed planning coordinator for the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA). Evans addressed the Township of Rideau Lakes community services committee on Jan. 13, seeking its involvement in a regional collaborative to manage the spread of invasive phragmites.
Described as Canada’s most destructive invasive plant, phragmites resemble tall ornamental grass but pose severe threats to biodiversity, infrastructure, and public safety, Evans explained. The plant disrupts wetlands, damages water control systems, and endangers Ontario’s species at risk, costing municipalities across the province $40 million annually in mitigation efforts.
Hutchings, a long-time beekeeper with heritage honey bees, voiced concerns about the impact of pesticides sprayed along roadways, which could harm her livelihood.
Evans highlighted efforts by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, which has aimed to control phragmites since 2020, with a goal of being “phrag-free by 2033.” Over $16 million has been allocated for monitoring and control, with funding available for regional initiatives like the Cataraqui Region Phragmites Management Area (CR-PMA).
The CR-PMA covers a 3,800-square-kilometre area and has already made progress. In 2024, it secured $45,000 in grant funding and $52,500 in in-kind contributions from 11 regional partners to collect baseline data and develop a management plan, Evans noted. This work identified 30 patches of phragmites in Rideau Lakes, spanning over 6,700 square metres.
For 2025, the CR-PMA plans to focus on control measures, including roadside herbicide spraying to treat over 27,000 square metres of infestation across as many as eight municipalities. Evans described the method as cost-effective, scalable, and safe when applied by licensed professionals.
“Most phragmites invasions originate along transportation corridors before spreading into sensitive wetlands and waterways,” she said, emphasizing the importance of roadside spraying. Contracts and monitoring efforts will be coordinated by the CRCA, which will also work with municipalities to secure matching funds.
Evans explained that roadside spraying is typically conducted in late summer or early fall. “Then the stalks would die. You would go in with a mower and cut them down. It’s expected that about 80 per cent would not come back,” she said.
Hutchings raised concerns about disposal, noting that leaving stalks to seed could exacerbate the problem.
“You’re spreading all those seeds,” she said.
Evans reassured her that less than one per cent of the seeds are viable, with most spreading occurring through root phragments.
While Hutchings expressed interest in exploring alternatives to spraying, Deputy Mayor Paula Banks also voiced reservations, particularly about potential contamination of the water table.
“Most of these phragmites are in the water, and if they’re sprayed in the marshlands, herbicides will get into the water table,” Banks said. She inquired about scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of roadside spraying.
Evans responded that they plan to start with dry roadside patches before addressing other areas. “It’s the most benefit for the least risk,” she said. “This is a new initiative for this region, so there’s a lot to work out and become familiar with. And it’s the least costly option.”
Coun. Linda Carr suggested including information about phragmites in the township newsletter, as many residents may not realize the plant is invasive and could be using it in flowerbeds or arrangements.
Mayor Arie Hoogenboom proposed seeking input from lake associations.
“The funding is a budgetary consideration,” he said. “We’re in a tight budget year. While we do contribute to the conservation authority through our levy, what I see as a potential next step is having a staff member participate in the working group.”
The mayor noted that while the county’s practice of cutting roadside grass twice a year helps manage weeds, it doesn’t necessarily combat invasive species like phragmites, giant hogweed, or poison parsnip.
Joining the collaborative would enable Rideau Lakes to contribute to a region-wide effort, access provincial funding, and benefit from shared resources and expertise, Evans said.To find out more about these invasive plants, visit the Ontario.ca website.
