YORKTON - Yorkton Council again approved the appointment of Matt Charney, Parks Manager as the Pest Control Officer under The Plant Health Act, as the Weed Inspector under The Weed Control Act, and as the Municipal Inspector under The Forest Resources Management Act.
The annual appointment is a requirement of the province, explained Taylor Morrison, Director of Recreation & Community Services, with the city at the regular meeting of council Monday.
“Through various provincial legislation, Council has the authority to annually appoint a Pest Control Officer, Weed Inspector, and a Municipal Inspector to enforce and ensure compliance of those Acts within the boundaries of the City of Yorkton,” explained a report presented by Morrison.
Morrison noted that in accordance with The Weed Control Act, a municipality may appoint a Weed Inspector to be responsible for responding to weed control issues as outlined in the Act and related Regulations.
“Examples of designated weeds include but are not limited to, scentless chamomile, quack grass and various thistles,” he added.
Also in accordance with The Forest Resources Management Act, a municipality may appoint a Municipal Inspector.
“This appointment is necessary to ensure that the municipality has someone able to exercise the applicable clauses in the Act, and The Dutch Elm Disease Regulations, 2005, with intent is to limit the spread of Dutch Elm Disease within our community and to further preserve the American Elm population for as long as possible,” said Morrison.
Morrison also explained, in June of 2024 The Pest Control Act was repealed and replaced with The Plant Health Act. In accordance with Part 4 of the Act, a municipality may now appoint a Pest Control Officer as an administrative function.
“However, as resolutions are still required for the Weed Inspector and Municipal Inspector appointments, Administration will continue to bring forward the Pest Control Officer appointment as part of this annual report,” he said.
The role of the Pest Control Officer remains unchanged within the new act, and may still act within the boundaries of the city to control pests as designated by The Plant Health Regulations.
