Inadequate funding hampering battle against invasive species: Region

A recent study conducted by the Invasive Species Centre shows Ontario municipalities and conservation authorities are spending $50.8 million per year to address invasive species

Newmarkettoday.ca
October 23, 2019

The Regional Municipality of York continues efforts to manage the emerald ash borer and other invasive species such as wild parsnip and giant hogweed across York Region with strategies to slow down their spread. However, without adequate funding, the Region’s ability to provide valuable outreach and education on invasive species prevention becomes limited.

“The impacts of invasive species continue to be felt in York Region and across Ontario,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “Early detection, rapid response and control are imperative to successfully address the challenge of invasive species in our Region.”

Invasive plants and animals are those not native to an ecosystem and can cause harm to our natural environments and wildlife, local economies and people. Ontario has more invasive species than any other province or territory in Canada.

A recent study conducted by the Invasive Species Centre collected costs reported by Ontario municipalities and conservation authorities and shows an average of $50.8 million per year being spent to address invasive species. The potential economic impacts on agriculture, fisheries, forests, health care, tourism and the recreation industry are estimated at $3.6 billion each year.

The provincial government has significantly reduced funding to key partner organizations which focus on invasive species. This will negatively impact support and resources available to municipalities, conservation authorities and residents.

“Although we are making progress managing the impacts of emerald ash borer, there is more work to be done,” said City of Vaughan Regional Councillor Mario Ferri, Chair of Environmental Services. “York Region remains vigilant and continues efforts with local cities and towns and other levels of government to mitigate and combat the threats posed by these invasive species.”

Priority invasive species in York Region include:

• Emerald ash borer: The adult insects lay their eggs in ash trees and larvae then tunnel through the tree stopping the flow of water and nutrients, ultimately killing the tree
• Dog strangling vine: The plant overwhelms and crowds native plants and young trees; the vine also poses a threat to monarch butterfly populations
• Hemlock woolly adelgid: The insect feeds on trees, depleting its energy and ultimately killing the tree
• Phragmites: The grass aggressively spreads, filling in ditches along roadsides and takes over valuable wetlands, impacting drainage and biodiversity

Many other invasive insects and plants continue to impact or pose a threat to the Region’s urban landscapes and natural areas. York Region is requesting the province reinstate funding to invasive species partner organizations integral in providing resources to municipalities and community groups working to manage the threat and impact of invasive species on Ontario.

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.2 million residents and 52,000 businesses with over 636,600 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservice