Postponed Community & events

Noxious weeds and unsightly premises bylaw update

A $15,000 update of the Town's bylaws on weeds, tall grass and untidy property. On July 23, 2025, Council moved it from 2028 to 2029.

Amount
$15,000
Got
$0
Where it stands
To 2029. Moved by the Eaglecrest funding plan, Jul 2025.

What it is

This project would update the Town's bylaws on how private property is kept. The Noxious Weeds and Grass Control Bylaw (No. 722, 2018) requires owners to keep land clear of noxious weeds and grass under 25 cm (10 inches). It names Scotch broom as a noxious weed. The Property Maintenance and Standards Bylaw (No. 720, 2018) deals with unsightly property.

Staff said the Town had complaints about how some properties are kept. They said the current rules do not match some residents' expectations. The $15,000 is for legal costs.

On July 23, 2025, Council moved the project from 2028 to 2029 as part of the Eaglecrest funding plan. The resolution says each deferred item waits one year, or until the Strategic Initiatives Reserve is paid back from future land sales.

What happened

  1. April 16, 2018Council adopted the Noxious Weeds and Grass Control Bylaw No. 722.
  2. November 10, 2023Staff did not recommend the update at that time because of other priorities, cost and staff capacity. If Council went ahead, they suggested 2028.
  3. July 23, 2025Council moved the $15,000 from 2028 to 2029 (4–1, Councillor Harrison opposed).
  4. April 1, 2026The 2026–2030 Financial Plan shows $15,000 in 2029.
  5. May 13, 2026A volunteer group presented to Council on English ivy. PQB News reported the group asked the Town to add ivy to the weeds bylaw.
  6. June 24, 2026Council unanimously passed Councillor Skipsey's motion sending an invasive species action plan to strategic planning.

Why it matters

  • In 2023, staff said "the Town's single Bylaw Compliance Officer could not accommodate this increased scope of work."
  • Staff estimated a stronger bylaw would need one more full-time officer, at about $100,000 a year in property taxes.
  • Staff said a new bylaw would need broad public input and a community-oriented, ecology-based approach.
  • Before the June 2026 vote, staff said an invasive species plan would be a new level of service. Under Council policy, that goes to strategic planning.
  • Staff said the Qualicum Commons lease and the Eaglecrest purchase were not in their work plans for 2025 or 2026, so other planned work had to move.

Sources

Last checked September 18, 2026. Report a mistake.