County of Wetaskiwin weed inspectors have started their 2026 property checks, travelling across rural areas in marked white trucks to find and address problem weeds on private land.
The inspectors carry County identification cards and have legal authority under Alberta’s Weed Control Act to enter private property at reasonable times. It is an offence to obstruct or delay them while they carry out their duties.
Property owners who receive a Weed Inspection Report in the mail are being asked to deal with any noxious or prohibited noxious weeds identified on their land. Prohibited noxious weeds must be destroyed, while noxious weeds must be controlled.
If a landowner does not follow up within the given timeline, the County can issue a Weed Notice, a legal document that sets a final deadline for action. Should that deadline pass without compliance, the County or its contractor can step in and complete the work at the owner’s expense.
The inspection season launched around May 29, according to a recent County notice. Residents confused about changing rules should note that Alberta’s weed list was updated on January 28, 2026, removing plants like perennial sow thistle and creeping bellflower from regulation.
Questions can be directed to the County’s Agricultural Services Department at 780-352-3321. The office is located 1.5 miles west of Wetaskiwin on Highway 13.
