Important Notices

Please note the following upcoming closures:

• None at this time. Stay tuned for updates and subscribe to this page.

Giant Hogweed is an Asian plant that was brought to North America about a century ago and is now spreading throughout southern Ontario.

It can be hazardous to human health. Giant hogweed sap will make a person's skin extremely sensitive to sunlight. Contact with a plant, followed by exposure to the sun, can cause severe burning and blistering. If sap gets into your eyes, it can lead to
blindness.

If any sap touches your skin:

• wash the affected area immediately with soap and water
• keep the affected area out of the sun
• see your doctor if you have a reaction

Watch out for lookalikes

Giant hogweed is part of the carrot family and can sometimes be confused with other common plants such as cow parsnip and angelica. This giant hogweed fact sheet compares giant hogweed to other species.

Giant hogweed on Cityproperties

Giant hogweed has been found on City property in a few locations ( link to actual map showing location)

The City has a removal protocol to eliminate giant hogweed from its property, but it is a persistent species that is difficult to remove. Options for removal include spraying a herbicide or digging it out. City staff take strict safety precautions when dealing with hogweed.

If you spot giant hogweed

• on a city property, such as a park or open space area or along a trail contact tParks and Recreation 519 759-4150
• on your own property, private land, a municipal park or other areas such as along ariverbank or stream, contact your local municipal weed inspector; Parks and Recreation 519 759 4150.

More information

• Giant hogweed fact sheet (PDF)
• Giant hogweed poster (PDF)
• The Landowner's Guide to Controlling Invasive Plants (PDF)
• Ontario's Invading Species Awareness Program
• Giant hogweed on GRCA properties

Please leash and pick up after your pet, it's the law! Pets must always be on leash in all parks and open spaces. If you would like to enjoy a beautiful day with your dog off-leash, please visit Dogford Park. 

As outlined in Brantford’s Smoking – Clean Air By-law, there is no smoking of tobacco or cannabis and no vaping on City property.

That means no smoking or vaping at: 

• City-owned administrative buildings, including parking lots
• City-owned golf courses
• City-owned recreation centres
• City-owned sports facilities
• Parks
• Sidewalks on City building property or within a public park
  
• Trails

For resources to quit smoking, please visit the Brant County Health Unit website.