Wild parsnip treatment in 185 Ottawa parks begins August 10 for one week

Parks Maintenance and Forestry Services will begin the second round of wild parsnip treatment across Ottawa starting August 10, targeting 185 parks, hydro corridors and stormwater management facilities over about one week.

The first round in June treated 71 parks and hydro corridors with Glyphosate, and 65 stormwater facilities with Navius Flex. The city maps infestation levels before each round to identify high-risk areas requiring immediate action.

In areas with moderate to high infestation posing high public risk, crews will spray with Glyphosate; lower-level infestations will be mowed or pulled by hand. Where spraying occurs, residents can expect wilting or discolouration within two to four days, with full impact taking up to 20 days. Contractors will mark spray locations with signs, removing them once treatment is complete.

In stormwater and hydro areas, the herbicide Navius Flex will be applied; early effects should appear within hours, with full effects after several weeks. Residents should expect crews of eight equipped with backpack-style sprayers.

Wild parsnips pose a health risk: the plant's sap contains chemicals that can cause skin and eye irritation, and exposure to sun following contact can cause burning, blistering and long-term scarring.