Environment and Sustainability

Under the Green Energy Act, 2009 and as a public agency, we prepare, publish, make available to the public and implement energy conservation and management plans.

The Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan 2014-2019 is the municipality's plan for reducing our carbon footprint and overall energy consumption. 

The goals of the Energy Plan are:

• To create a culture of conservation
• To improve the energy efficiency of our facilities by utilizing best practices to reduce our operating costs, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
• To maximize fiscal resources through direct and indirect energy savings

County Council has enacted By-law 3557-2016 for the purpose of improving the forest, soil, fish, wildlife and water resources in Perth County by conserving and improving the woodland and woodlots. This By-law prohibits the destruction or injury of any living tree located in a woodlot or woodlands within the County as defined by the By-law. Any property owner planning to destroy or injure trees in Perth County woodlands or woodlots shall file a Notice of Intent as detailed in the By-law. Failure to do so will result in a Stop Work Order being issued and anyone who contravenes the By-law is guilty of an offence and is liable for the associated fine of up to $100,000.

Property Owners with woodlands and woodlots are encouraged to review By-law 3557-2016 to ensure that they understand the impact this By-law has on woodland and woodlot trees. Any questions in regards to By-law 3557-2016 or the destruction or injury of trees should be directed to Marvin Smith, By-law Enforcement Officer, Perth County 519-291-2236.

To contact a Weed Inspector, or if you require more information, please contact Marvin Smith, County Weed & Tree Inspector at 519-291-2236. 

• Noxious Weeds in Ontario

In accordance with the Weed Control Act, R.S.O., property owners are responsible for spraying and removing noxious weeds on their property.

The Municipality does not spray or pay for the spraying of noxious weeds on private property or private roads.

The County Weed Inspector shall perform all duties required by the Weed Control Act and regulations.

If you have questions related to pesticide use please contact the Ministry of Environment at 1-800-565-4923 or visit the Ministry of Environment website.

Roadside Spraying

Vegetation control along the County roadsides is an important part of road maintenance. It ensures clear sight lines for signs, intersections and roadside wildlife, promotes drainage and drying and prevents the establishment of trees and brush in the right of way.

Roadside herbicide spraying will be completed yearly in the months of May and June. The herbicide will selectively kill weeds but not the grasses and is approved for use on roadsides under the public works exemption of the cosmetic pesticide ban. Spraying of the herbicide will be completed by a qualified contractor licensed by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change under requirements of the Pesticides Act.

A public notice of this pesticide use will be advertised in the local paper, and on the municipal website.

Property owners who do not want the unmaintained ditch in front of their property sprayed can contact the Operations Manager. 

Property owners who do not want the unmaintained ditch in front of their property sprayed can post “No Spray” signs at the start and finish of their property. These signs must be at least 30cm x 60cm (1 ft x 2 ft) and be easily read from the shoulder of the road.

Japanese Knotweed is an invasive species that has been found in various locations in the flood plain and along the trails in Mitchell. The Municipality and Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) are working together to control and remove the Japanese Knotweed from the area.

If you have questions concerning Japanese Knotweed contact Jay Ebel, Forestry Technician by email or at 1-519-451-2800.

Learn more about Japanese Knotweed and West Perth's management of Japanese Knotweed below. 

Removing Japanese Knotweed - UTRCA - 16 Sep 2019

Massive Removal of Invasive Species in Mitchell - UTRCA - 5 Sep 2019

Japanese Knotweed - Ontario's Invading Species Awareness program

Gypsy Moth

The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) is raising awareness of a potential Gypsy Moth caterpillar infestation and actions homeowners can take to reduce its impact. 

Landowner Guide to Gypsy Moth Management

Learn more about the Gypsy Moth on the ABCA Gypsy Moth webpage.