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July 29, 2026 - Weed Notices 101

Is your Property Growing a Problem? What is a weed notice and how can you avoid receiving one?  

Nobody likes getting a weed notice, and we certainly don't enjoy issuing them. In Alberta, a weed notice is a legal document ordering that a landowner must manage the invasive weed species found on their property. This action is implemented by the Alberta Weed Control Act, which details noxious weeds must be controlled, and prohibited noxious weeds must be destroyed. There are three different types of notices, a local authority’s notice, Minister's notice, and an inspector’s notice. 

A local authority’s notice is given to owners and occupants of land in a subdivided area that is no more than 20 acres. A Minister’s notice demands a cease on any activity that goes against the Alberta Weed Control Act. This includes, but is not limited to, ceasing use of a facility, and/or production and movement of anything containing regulated weeds. The third, and most common, is the inspector's notice. This notice requires that landowners over 20 acres control and/or eradicate the regulated weeds on their property. 

Why would somebody receive a weed notice? One receives a notice if they have been non-compliant with the Alberta Weed Control Act. This means control efforts have been absent. The likelihood of receiving a notice can be increased by factors such as infestation severity, failure to comply/respond to an inspector's request for control, and failure to perform control after receiving a weed warning (an assert administrative document informing the landowner they are at risk for a notice). 

To ensure that the weed notice is received, it will be mailed, physically posted at the property, and attempted to be hand delivered to the landowner or an individual at the residence/business that appears over 18 years of age. The content of a notice is clear and informative to streamline expectations of control. 

If one fails to comply with the notice within the required timeline, enforcement will take place, leaving the landowner responsible for all expenses. One may choose to appeal the notice to an independent appeal panel at the cost of $500.  

Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent receiving a weed notice:

1) Get familiar with noxious and prohibited noxious weeds and their control options. 

For a complete list of noxious and prohibited noxious weeds, refer to the Alberta Government’s webpage www.alberta.ca/provincially-regulated-weeds. Clearwater County also hosts annual weed workshops where landowners learn about weed identification and methods of control. Eligible attendees receive 10 per cent off range and pasture herbicides.  

2) Keep your noxious weed infestations small and contained within your own property. 

Landowners are encouraged to contact Clearwater County for assistance in creating an effective management plan. Additionally, services available to landowners are the Custom Spray Program, a surplus of rental equipment, free-to-use community pasture sprayers and direction for private contracting spray services.  

3) Destroy prohibited noxious weeds.

These weeds need immediate attention before the spread begins to worsen. Being asked to completely eradicate a weed species from your property is a highly burdensome task, so Clearwater County has created the Eradicable Program. This is a unique program where the County will manage prohibited and select noxious weeds, free of charge! This program works on the basis that the weed species covered exist in low enough numbers that eradication is possible, some not even present in the County yet. 

4) Perform control when requested by a weed inspector or a warning letter.

If you have been contacted by a Clearwater County Weed and Pest Technician, it is highly recommended that landowners communicate and collaborate with the technician regarding weed control. These technicians are individuals that perform weed inspections, record control methods, and can recommend a notice be served. 

Overall, weed notices are unpleasant, but preventable! For more information about notices and programs offered through Clearwater County’s Agriculture Services department, visit or call the Agriculture and Community Services office at 403-845-4444.