Weeds, invasive species & gardening

Weeds, invasive species & gardening 

Cochrane is home to beautiful parks, pathways and open spaces, and we all play a role in keeping them healthy. Managing weeds and invasive species helps protect our natural environment, and there are ways you can help — whether it’s reporting problem plants, pulling weeds on your property or getting involved in community efforts. 

We all have a role in weed control  

Some weeds are more than just a nuisance — they can spread quickly and harm local ecosystems. That’s why Alberta has a Weed Control Act, which regulates weeds and classifies them as either noxious or prohibited noxious.    

If you spot provincially regulated weeds in Cochrane: 

• On public property — Notify Parks and Open Spaces at parks@cochrane.ca. 
• On your own property — You’re responsible for managing noxious weeds and destroying prohibited ones on your property. This is enforced by the Weed Control Act and Cochrane’s Nuisance and Unsightly Premises Bylaw. Pulling, mowing, digging or using an appropriate treatment can help stop the spread. Bag any removed weeds and dispose of them in your black bin. 
• On private property (someone else’s yard) — Report concerns to Municipal Enforcement at peace.officers@cochrane.ca. 

Please include as much information as possible when reporting weeds, including pictures.   

For details on regulated weeds, check out the Alberta Weed Control Act and the Alberta Invasive Species Council. 

How we control invasive weeds 

Our Parks and Open Spaces team follows an environmentally responsible approach to weed control, balancing natural methods with careful, limited use of herbicides. We focus on: 

• Prevention — keeping plants and turf healthy through fertilizing, aeration and other care 
• Manual control — cutting, trimming and removing weeds by hand when possible 
• Targeted herbicide use — applied only when necessary, using Health Canada–approved products; if herbicide is used, we notify residents in advance and post signs for 48 hours after application 

Get involved: Weed Pull for Cash (closed for the season) 

Looking for a way to make a difference and raise money for your local group? Our Weed Pull for Cash program lets teams, clubs and charities help remove invasive species while earning a $300 donation for their organization. 

How it works: 

• Open to Cochrane-based organizations with at least 50 per cent of members living in town 
• Groups must provide 12 volunteers for a two-hour weed pull   
• Training and bags are provided 

To apply, please provide:  

• Description of how the donation will benefit your group 
• Three options for dates when the group is available for two hours (between July and September, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) 

Once your application is approved, you will meet with a Parks and Open Spaces team member for training.   

Weed Pull for Cash Application 

*Applications are closed for the 2025 winter season but check back next year! 

Apply here:  Weed Pull for Cash

Gardening & public land 

We love seeing residents take pride in their yards, but please remember that public land — including parks, pathways and open spaces — must remain natural and accessible for everyone. If you’re unsure whether land belongs to you or the Town of Cochrane, a good rule of thumb is if it’s outside your fence, it’s Town land. 

Activities not allowed on public land include:   

• Planting gardens, trees or shrubs 
• Mowing, spraying or fertilizing grass 
• Dumping materials (organic or inorganic) 
• Installing fences, rock walls, sheds or composters 
• Storing vehicles, trailers or equipment 

If you have any questions about permitted activities, reach out to Parks and Open Spaces. 

Phone: 403-851-2590 
Email: parks@cochrane.ca 
Address: 101 RancheHouse Rd. Cochrane, AB  T4C 2K8 

Have a request? Use our Operation Request to get in touch.