Nanaimo council is considering prohibiting the sale of invasive species within the city, as alien species, like Scotch broom and daphne, plague municipal parks.
A motion for staff to prepare a report on ways council could address the issue was introduced at a meeting Monday, March 3, by Coun. Hilary Eastmure.
"If you go into Colliery Dam Park you'll see the trees being choked by ivy and the forest floor covered in daphne," Eastmure explained. "Those are both items that are currently [for] sale at garden centres."
She drew specific reference to an invasive species management bylaw in Squamish, which requires landowners and occupants to prevent growth of invasive plant species on, to, and from their land.
"So there is sort of a model we can base it off of, but really I'm looking for a staff report so we can have a more thorough discussion about the options and how we can be more proactive when it comes to invasive species."
Invasive species currently recognized by the city of Nanaimo include Himalayan blackberry, English ivy, Scotch broom, English hawthorn, gorse, daphne, Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, garlic mustard and carpet burweed. Other invasive plants, considered to be toxic, include giant hogweed and poison hemlock.
The motion came after a presentation by the non-profit Broombusters, which works to remove invasive Scotch broom throughout Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.
"On Vancouver Island our flammable invasive alien species is Scotch broom," said Joanne Sales, Broombusters executive director, speaking to council. "Scotch broom is a volatile flash fuel, it will increase a wildfire's fuel load, escalate fire intensity, compromise fire situations and make fires more difficult to fight."
Coun. Ben Geselbracht spoke in favour of Eastmure's motion, pointing to the ongoing effort of volunteers, as well as regional staff, who are left to clean up the invasive plant spread.
"A lot of times, it is species where there is a replacement one that isn't invasive and it's just completely unnecessary to have these plants sold," he said. "I think if people knew what they were, they wouldn't buy them, anyhow."
Mayor Leonard Krog said while he was happy to support the motion, he would be "a lot happier if the provincial government would step in and bring appropriate legislation across the entire province."
"Broom ain't just a problem in Nanaimo, as everyone noticed, and daphne and the other invasive species Coun. Eastmure recognized," Krog added.
Coun. Ian Thorpe was the sole voice in opposition, explaining that he didn't want to limit private sales for home gardens.
"I hesitate to limit people's personal choice," he said. "If they choose to plant daphne or even English ivy in their garden, then good for them. I don't think it addresses the main problem of the wilderness aspect of invasive species, which … is more of a provincial mandate."
The motion for the report passed, with only Thorpe opposed.
