Should Calgary increase pesticide use to control dandelions, weeds?

WATCH: It’s a growing problem in Calgary, the annual invasion of dandelions, and as Global’s Doug Vaessen reports that has some on council suggesting it’s time to revisit the city’s policy for controlling them.

CALGARY – Spraying weeds with pesticides isn’t always the City of Calgary’s first or only option, but a majority on council want to escalate the arms war as dandelions and other weeds take over this season.

Ward 6 Councillor Richard Pootmans says the city probably hasn’t “got it quite right” when it comes to fighting the yellow menace.

“Especially in places where dandelions cause a lot of damage—to soccer playing fields and things like that—over time,” said Pootmans. “So it makes sense to control dandelions in environments where the grass is needed to be in good condition.”

But the Parks department says dandelions aren’t the only concern.

“We have all broadleaf weeds to consider, we also have noxious weeds to consider,” said Habitat Management Superintendent Lincoln Julie.

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“There are 76 different species of weeds we are obligated to control or eradicate.”

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READ MORE: Dandelion attack – What Calgary is considering to get rid of weeds

Pootmans believes natural solutions should be considered in addition to pesticides, but wants to hear from Calgarians.

“We continue to allow the use of herbicides on private property, but do we really need to be controlling dandelions on medians and boulevard space and things like that? And I think that’s a discussion we should have with the public.”

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "We continue to allow the use of herbicides on private property, but do we really need to be controlling dandelions on medians and boulevard space and things like that? And I think that's a discussion we should have with the public."

The Parks department says it’s already using organic methods and often combining them with a spraying program.

“The theory behind it is– if you can feed the soil and provide better structure, the soil will be better-equipped to deal with invasive weeds,” said Julie.

READ MORE: Dandelion season is here and there’s not much you can do about it

Whether or not to use pesticides and herbicides is a divisive issue for many Calgarians,  but with nine councillors behind the notice of motion to ramp up weed control, it’s clear that a majority of council members don’t think enough is being done.

“It’s a debate about people who are very health-conscious and people who like the aesthetic of a green space,” said Pootmans. “So how do you balance off those needs? I think we are going to try and find that balance, and my guess is we are always going to be trying to find that balance.”

With files from Erika Tucker