NORTH COWICHAN – New Democrat MLA Debra Toporowski says North Cowichan will continue fighting the spread of invasive plants, thanks to provincial funding for a local project.

“Invasive species directly harm local populations of plant and animal species,  and can be extremely difficult to control,” said Debra Toporowski, MLA for Cowichan Valley. “This funding means North Cowichan can continue to fight the invasive plants that hurt our community and environment.”

The Municipality of North Cowichan is receiving $15,000

Across the province, 33 projects are receiving a total of $2.89 million to control and eradicate invasive plants.

Invasive plants can disrupt ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, increase soil erosion, impact water quality, and pose a threat to our agriculture and tourism industries. They can also pose a health risk to people and animals.

Some of the targeted invasive plant species in B.C. include Japanese, Bohemian and Giant knotweed, marsh plume thistle, common tansy, wild chervil, garlic mustard, poison hemlock, spotted knapweed, common bugloss, orange and yellow (non-native) hawkweeds, giant hogweed, blueweed, tansy ragwort, Spartina species, hoary alyssum, purple loosestrife, field scabious, leafy spurge, yellow flag iris and Scotch broom.

People can report invasive plant sightings using the Report Invasives BC app or online at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/invasive-species

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025FOR0018-000381